Ad-Hoc Admission – Permission to Practise in Special Cases

The Chief Judge of Sabah & Sarawak has absolute discretion to grant permission to the application of any person, who possesses any qualifications of an advocate mentioned in section 4(1), to practise in any one (1) case or matter subject to any conditions imposed as fit and to the payment of the prescribed fee, strictly provided that:

1. Such person has been instructed by a local advocate; and
2. Having regard to all the relevant circumstances, the Chief Judge is of the opinion that it is in the interest of justice to do so.

[s. 10(1)]

An application for Ad-Hoc Admission must be made by way of a Petition verified by the applicant’s own affidavit or the affidavit of the local advocate instructing the person and showing:

1. That the applicant has been instructed by a local advocate
2. All relevant circumstances relating to the cause or matter in which the person intends to appear
3. The grounds or reasons as to why it would be in the interest of justice for the applicant to be admitted under section 10
4. The special qualifications and experience of the applicant.

[s. 10(2)]

The application for Ad-Hoc Admission must be served on the State Attorney-General of Sabah and the Secretary of the Law Society. The applicant must pay the prescribed fee of RM 300 to the Law Society as costs. [s. 10(3)]

The Chief Judge will have regard to the views of the State Attorney-General of Sabah and the Law Society before deciding on the application for Ad-Hoc Admission. [s. 10(4)]

A person who has been granted Ad-Hoc Admission will be entitled, upon the payment of the prescribed fee, to a Certificate of Practise specifying the cause or matter in which the applicant is permitted to appear. [s. 10(5)]