KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has engaged in discussions with the directors of the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) examination regarding potential reductions in fees for candidates, Deputy Law and Institutional Reform Minister M. Kulasegaran (Ipoh Barat-PH) told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Kulasegaran highlighted that the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB), which oversees the CLP exams, should be viewed as a “social-oriented” institution rather than a profit-driven entity.
“We can consider suggestions to increase (CLP fees) to manage operational costs, but it’s more important (to consider) the high fees imposed on students,” Kulasegaran said in response to an additional question from PAS MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut-PN).
“We have discussed with CLP directors the matter of bringing down CLP fee rates (as) many students (who sit for the CLP exam) are from low-income families and should be helped.
“(LPQB) is not an agency in business to earn money, it’s social-oriented,” he added, noting that as of September 30, LPQB had collected RM4.26 million in fees from candidates who sat for the CLP exam this year.
Currently, the CLP exam fee is RM1,800, while other charges include a registration fee of RM4,000 and application and processing fees of RM250 each.
In response to a query from government lawmaker Cha Kee Chin (Rasah-PH) on whether the LPQB’s income is subject to taxation, Kulasegaran confirmed that the qualifying board has not been required to pay taxes to the Inland Revenue Board.
Kulasegaran added that the ministry is awaiting a written reply on the matter from LPQB, led by the Attorney-General.
Meanwhile, he clarified that there are no current plans to make the CLP exam easier, despite reports of low pass rates.
Kulasegaran reported that of the roughly 1,500 candidates who sat for the exam this year, only 200 passed, with 164 achieving a conditional pass, while 694 students failed the exam. – October 6, 2024