Is police questioning of Matthias Chang a veiled attempt to violate attorney-client privilege?

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The Malaysian Bar Asserted That Police Questioning of Matthias Chang Was a Veiled Attempt to Violate Attorney-Client Privilege

The Malaysian Bar has stated that the police questioning of lawyer Matthias Chang, who represents detained 1MDB critic Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan, constitutes a veiled attempt to violate attorney-client privilege. The Bar's president, Steven Thiru, explicitly demanded an end to these investigations, arguing that the police were breaching the fundamental principle of legal professional privilege by seeking information from Chang that he may have obtained from his client.
Police Allegedly Sought Information Obtained Through Client Conferral

The police reportedly questioned Matthias Chang as a witness under Section 203(A) of the Penal Code, focusing on information he might have disclosed in the performance of his duties. The Malaysian Bar contends that this action aimed to obtain information that Chang received from his client, Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan. This practice directly challenges the core tenets of legal professional privilege, which is designed to safeguard the confidentiality of communications between a lawyer and their client.
Legal Professional Privilege Protects Confidential Communications

Legal professional privilege is a cornerstone of the legal system, ensuring that lawyers can receive information from their clients without fear of disclosure. This privilege allows for free and open conferral between clients and their legal counsel, which is essential for effective legal representation. The Malaysian Bar highlighted that this privilege can only be set aside in very limited circumstances, such as when the communication is intended to facilitate an illegal act or when the lawyer witnesses a crime in connection with their professional engagement.
Khairuddin Abu Hassan's Detention and International Investigations

The context for this situation involves the detention of Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012. Khairuddin is currently held after undertaking a global tour to solicit international investigations into 1MDB. His local reports against 1MDB are believed to have been instrumental in prompting investigations by authorities in Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Khairuddin is currently challenging his detention under SOSMA.

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Is police questioning of Matthias Chang a veiled attempt to violate attorney-client privilege?

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