Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Ram Singh, one of Sabah’s most prominent criminal lawyers, has been appointed as the Legal Advisor for the Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA), accepting the role after years of consideration.
The appointment letter was presented by KKJA Chairman Jimmy Goh on Tuesday, with committee members present.
“I have asked him to be our legal advisor for so long but he always said wait first. So recently, he accepted the offer,” Goh said, adding he was grateful Ram agreed despite his packed schedule.
“Hopefully with his presence can help the association,” he said.
Ram Singh, who has over 20 years’ experience handling major criminal cases, stressed that journalist’s need legal protection just like other professionals.
“I think journalists and members of the media should have the protections. That is why the association like the KKJA is important. To protect journalists,” he said.
He pointed out that journalists often get attacked for their stories, but fair reporting should be protected.
“Every time when a journalist writes something, they get whacked. But if it is a fair comment, why not? You should have the same protections like other professionals,” he said.
The lawyer, who set up his own practice in 1997 after working at Shelley Yap Associates and Solicitors with top lawyers including Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat and Datuk Richard Barnes, promised to make time for his new role.
“People say I am so busy. But do not worry. I find time,” he said, noting he’s used to working with the press and values fair journalism.
The Tanjung Aru-born lawyer, who attended Sacred Heart primary school and La Salle secondary school where he completed Form Six, traced his interest in law back to his schooldays.
Ram Singh, who is President of the Lasallians alumni, recalled being unfairly punished for standing up for a classmate, an incident that triggered his interest in pursuing legal studies.
Recognising KKJA’s 35 years of service, Ram Singh praised the media’s reporting quality.
“So far, I notice the coverage by members of the media is very fair. It is not misreporting. Reporting must be fair. Fair comment,” he said.
He added that while he welcomes media coverage of cases, some limits apply, especially in child court cases with gag orders.
