The Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaya (UM) is proud to announce two significant achievements that will enhance legal education and research in Malaysia.
For the first time, the prestigious Bachelor of Law (LLB) programme will be offered in Kuching, starting in October 2024. This marks a significant milestone in UM’s ongoing commitment to providing a fully Malaysianised legal education for all communities in Malaysia. Under the current regulatory system, there are no public universities offering qualifying Malaysian Law degree programmes in Sarawak. UM is thus filling an important gap in the region.
Professor Dr. Jason Chuah, Dean of the Faculty of Law said that the Kuching programme will mirror the one currently provided in Kuala Lumpur but will be remodulated to incorporate the special curricular needs of Sabah and Sarawak. This includes perspectives on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, native customary law, and Sarawak land law. The programme will utilize the expertise of legal professionals and UM faculty staff.
“In collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, the plan is for students to spend their first two years in Kuching and their final two years in Kuala Lumpur. Upon successful completion, students can begin their pupillage without needing to pass further tests, such as the Certificate of Legal Practice.
“The LLB programme offers extensive career services, including internships, pupillage assistance, and networking events with leading legal and judicial professionals in Sarawak and across Malaysia. Students will also have opportunities to participate in overseas exchange programmes. The entire course is designed to ensure graduates are highly employable,” he said.
“We are really delighted to have the endorsement of YAB Tan Sri Premier of Sarawak to take this forward. There is much still to do but we know that this is the right thing to do, not only for Sarawak but for the entire country,” Professor Dr. Jason added.
The undergraduate programme will be offered through Universiti Malaya’s Open Channel Scheme, with potential scholarships available through Yayasan Sarawak and other sources.
Faculty of Law UM is also thrilled to announce the establishment of the “Kursi Dermakekal Premier Sarawak,” a permanent Chair in Law and Economics, thanks to the support of YAB Tan Sri Premier and the Government of Sarawak. This initiative underscores UM’s commitment to addressing economic development and the well-being of all citizens, particularly in the context of post-COVID economic recovery.
The Chair will focus on new and emerging fields to discover innovative economic solutions for society. The broadly defined discipline is “The New Economy and its Regulatory Aspects”, covering Green Economy (Carbon Trading, Carbon Credits), Hydrogen Economy (Bio Energy, Cascading Hydro Dams), Biotech Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change.
Professor Dr. Jason Chuah said that a committee, including two representatives from the Government of Sarawak and other panel members, will plan and agree on the activities for the Chair holder. These activities will include generating research and disseminating scholarship through publications, lectures, seminars, and conferences, aligning with the interests of the Government of Sarawak. UM will regularly update the Government of Sarawak on the work undertaken.
“UM expresses its gratitude to YAB Tan Sri Premier and the Government of Sarawak for their support and innovative vision,” he said.