KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Bar president Manjeet Singh Dhillon died today at his home in Bukkit Damansara at the age of 82.
Lawyer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu confirmed this when contacted today.
Manjeet was previously involved in various high-profile cases with one of the more recent ones involving the death sentence appeal by those involved in the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Solisawati Lawiya and her three aids in 2010.
The prominent lawyer was also involved in representing political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda in the RM100 million suit filed by the late Altantuya Shaariibuu's family over her death.
Manjeet had also served with the Attorney-General's Chambers and held roles as deputy public prosecutor and briefly as a magistrate before moving into private practice.
He led the Bar as president from 1991 to 1992.
Constitutional law expert Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi described Manjeet as a man with a strong social conscience and a commitment to justice.
He added that Manjeet stood out among his peers, leaving a legacy of integrity and dedication.
"He fought for justice valiantly and left footprints for all of us to follow," he said.
Lawyer Datuk Malek Imtiaz Malek Sarwar said Manjeet was ferocious in his defence of the rule of law, and epitomised the "without fear nor favour" rule.
"Never was this clearer than during the 1988 judicial crisis when he sought leave as secretary of the Malaysian Bar to commence contempt proceedings against LP Hamid Omar for his acts in relation to the legal proceedings brought by Tun Mohamed Salleh Abas.
"For that he was made the subject of contempt proceedings by the attorney-general.
"Never one to mince his words, his willingness to call a spade a spade will be missed. My deepest condolences to his loved ones," he said.
Lawyer Datuk Sankara Nair described Manjeet as always having been a courageous and principled lawyer who fought valiantly without fear for his clients.
"The Malaysian Bar will certainly miss him."
Another lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, said Manjeet was a distinguished lawyer renowned for his skillful cross-examination during his career.
"I am saddened to hear of Manjeet's passing today.
"His contributions to the legal profession were significant, and his loss is felt by all who had the privilege to know and work with him. May his soul rest in peace," she said.
Lawyer Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin described Manjeet as a fearless and extremely able to advocate.
"He was also a man of great integrity and his death will be a great loss to the Malaysian Bar," he said.