The Opening of Legal Year (OLY) Sabah and Sarawak in Kuching took place on 10 January. The OLY started with a judges, lawyers and legal officers early morning procession across the city, for about 1 km, followed by a gathering with speeches from the Chief Judge Sabah and Sarawak, Bar leaders speech and the SLA’s speech.
It was a great experience joining in the procession with about 300 lawyers marching across town in robe etc led by the judges. The procession is an ancient tradition that tells the layman that the justice system is open for business, and originally also included a visit to the church for divine blessing for the administration of justice.
Perhaps it’s time for the judiciary here to also consider bringing back the procession during the OLY here.
