There are many preconceptions about working in the public sector, some are myth whilst others are facts. Both public and private sectors have its distinctive challenges and comparing both sectors would be like comparing apples and oranges. There are many reasons for a person to decide on pursuing a legal career in the public service. Mine is simply the overall package of having an adequate salary, health benefits, pension scheme and most importantly work-life balance. Additionally, one of the other perks of joining the Judicial and Legal Service is exemption to serve any period of pupillage after a year of service. However, it is best to always list down your priorities in life before deciding on the career path that your heart desire.
The judicial service can offer genuinely challenging and fascinating work. The type of work however, will be depending on the assigned designation and location. Generally, Senior Assistant Registrars( SAR) and Deputy Registrars( DR) are attachment officers to the judges. They are responsible to not only carry out legal research work but also administrative matters pertaining to the judge’ s hearing schedules and other activities. SARs and DRs that are specifically attached at various courts registries would take on the role of an administrator and some are assigned to hear bankruptcy, letter of administration, probate, auction and other related applications. The SARs and DRs at the Chief Registrar’ s Office of the Federal Court in Putrajaya are placed at different divisions and are exposed to multiple areas of court administration work.
On the other hand, if you wish to achieve a sense of purpose in your career and be able to make an impact on society – a job on the bench, as a Magistrate or Sessions Court judge would serve you well. These designation are usually allocated for senior judicial officers as such positions requires certain level of experience. My first appointment to a magistracy position was eight years ago. I presided over civil matters in Alor Setar Magistrates’ Court and was also in charge of Kuala Nerang Circuit Court. At present, am one of the five judicial officer attached to the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court hearing solely criminal cases. I am also authorised to hear criminal cases involving child and youth offenders in the Court for Children.
The criminal justice system in Malaysia is a tad different from the UK. Generally, magistrates hear criminal cases, juvenile cases( child and youth offenders) and also civil proceedings. Magistrates would have to deal with crimes which may not be deemed
serious in nature but have quite an effect on communities. The type of cases differs according to the each jurisdiction but drugs related cases peaks the chart in most states these days. Bulk of the civil cases at the Magistrates’ Court level are usually motor-vehicle accident involving insurance claims and debt claims. There are also other magisterial duties such as remand and other criminal procedure applications that need to be heard.