22 November 2025 | d’Tempat Country Club
The Negeri Sembilan Bar commemorated a historic milestone as members, dignitaries, and esteemed guests gathered in splendour to celebrate its 60th Anniversary under the elegant theme, “Lawyers in Lux.” The evening was graced by the presence of DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, TUANKU MUHRIZ IBNI ALMARHUM TUANKU MUNAWIR, lending royal distinction to this significant occasion.
Also in attendance were Seremban High Court Judges, Y.A. Wan Fadhilah Nor Binti Wan Idris and Y.A.Tuan Mohamad Haldar Bin Abdul Aziz, the State Legal Advisor, YB. Dato’ Muzalmah binti Mustapha Kamal, the President of the Malaysian Bar, Dato’ Mohamad Ezri bin Abdul Wahab and members of the legal fraternity who have contributed to the Bar’s longstanding legacy of justice, integrity, and professional excellence.
A profound moment of the night was Tuanku’s Royal Address, in which His Royal Highness emphasised the essential role of an independent judiciary as the apex of justice. Tuanku highlighted:
🏛️the urgent need to reform the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to ensure insulation from executive influence;
🏛️the importance of a principled and competent Bar to support the courts;
🏛️that integrity must live within every lawyer, cautioning practitioners never to let commercial pressures overshadow the pursuit of justice;
🏛️and that lawyers, as “sentinels of justice,” must carry the honour of the profession with honesty, courage, and unwavering ethical conduct.
Tuanku also reminded the fraternity that this Diamond Jubilee is not only a celebration of the past, but a renewal of the Bar’s sacred duty to defend rights, uphold justice, and serve the nation with dignity.
A key highlight of the evening was the Chairman’s Address by Mr. Karthigesan Shanmugam, who delivered a thought-provoking and principled speech reflecting on the Bar’s six-decade journey. He emphasised that anniversaries are not merely celebrations, but moments for critical reflection—reminding members that the Bar’s role is not to seek popularity, but to remain a steadfast voice of conscience in times of shifting societal and political landscapes.
He spoke firmly on:
⚖️The urgency of legal reforms, particularly the long-advocated separation of the Attorney General’s roles from that of the Public Prosecutor, stressing that public confidence requires true institutional independence.
⚖️The wisdom and leadership of DYMM Tuanku, acknowledging Tuanku’s unprecedented and principled calls for strengthening judicial independence and reforming national institutions.
⚖️Economic pressures on the profession, noting the widening gap between metropolitan and provincial practices, and the need to protect access to justice for all.
⚖️The importance of collegiality, integrity, and honesty as foundations of a strong, respected legal fraternity.
⚖️A heartfelt message to young lawyers, urging them not to be discouraged by systemic imperfections but to be energised by them—reminding them that their voices are now more crucial than ever.
⚖️A call to the Bench, honouring judges as the last bastion of constitutional balance and urging continued courage in upholding the Rule of Law.
The Chairman ended with deep gratitude to the Organising Committee, led by Ms. Khairulhamimi binti Mohamad Rais and her team, the Negeri Sembilan Bar Committee, the Secretariat staff, and sponsors for their exceptional efforts in making the 60th Anniversary a dignified and memorable celebration.
The night was a reflection of unity, purpose, and pride—honouring not only the Bar’s history, but its ongoing commitment to justice and service. The 60th Anniversary of the Negeri Sembilan Bar stands as a glowing testament to six decades of resilience, progress, and unwavering dedication to the Rule of Law.
