Former Selangor Bar Chairman Backs Return Of Courts To Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Bar’s call to reinstate court functions at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad here would honour the continuity of Malaysia’s justice system and reinforce public trust in the judiciary, said former Selangor Bar chairman Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo.

The lawyer said the historic building holds deep significance for both the legal community and the public, having long been associated with the nation’s highest courts and pivotal moments in Malaysia’s constitutional development.

“Bringing court functions back to Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad would be a meaningful way to honour the continuity of Malaysia’s justice system. 

“For many in the legal community and the public, the building is more than a historic landmark. It is closely associated with the country’s highest courts and important moments in our constitutional development," she told Bernama.

Kokila said restoring a judicial presence at the site would help reconnect the courts with a space that symbolises authority, stability and public trust, while ensuring heritage buildings remain part of everyday civic life rather than preserved solely as static monuments.

“Heritage buildings matter most when they remain part of everyday civic life. With proper planning, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad can meet modern judicial needs while preserving its character, allowing Malaysia to move forward without losing touch with the foundations of its legal history,” said the deputy chairperson of the Bar Council Ad Hoc Parliament Liaison Committee. 

She also highlighted the building’s central location along Jalan Raja in the Dataran Merdeka area, noting that its accessibility via public transportation supports ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice.

Kokila said the former court building would be well-suited to once again house the Federal Court, noting that the Judiciary currently comprises 14 Federal Court judges.

“Reinstating the Federal Court there would allow the institution of the Malaysian Judiciary to be remembered through iconic and historic milestones,” she said, adding that specialised courts, including human rights courts, could also be gradually introduced at the site.

On a personal note, Kokila said her early exposure to the old court buildings left a lasting impression.

“I used to follow my late father to the old court buildings. The magnificence of the structure, and later realising it was a place where someone’s liberty is decided, reminds me that the courts are where law and order must always take utmost importance,” she said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Bar in a statement urged the authorities to consider reinstating court functions at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, citing its legal heritage and calling for a structured feasibility review covering security, accessibility, conservation and long-term upkeep.

-- BERNAMA