KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Annual Report 2015/16

Empowering Future Lawyers Uniting Law Students Upholding Rule of Law

Contents

Foreword

President of KPUM

The Team

Executive Committee Executives Student Ambassadors

6 7 10

Sponsors

Main Sponsors Special Partners Affiliates

14 15 26

Membership poll & publicity

KPUM Membership Poll (UK) KPUM Membership Poll (Malaysia) Publicity

28 29 30

Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Student Ambassador Programme Lepak Lawatan Sambil Belajar Q&A

32 33 42 45

Flagship Events

Law Annual Dinner 2015 Spring Formal 2016 Law Career’s Convention 2016

48 50 51

Corporate Events

4

52

Careers Development

ASASI 30 Days of Summer BEYOND THE BAR

59 61 63

Fellowship

The Fellowship Department KPUM LEXiCON Symposium

66 67

Miscellaneous & Upcoming Events

70

Official Statement

72

Page 3

Foreword

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Foreword

A year ago, we—the 2015/16 team—ran on the intention and campaign of #GrowingStrong. Today, it is with pride that I can say that we have achieved that. On top of the internal strengthening we aimed for, we inadvertently gained growth in size and numbers too, which I will expound on further later. We're not done yet though, because as a Union we still have a lot of evolving and growing to do.

Lee Su Wen President of KPUM

This year we saw an increase in the size of our working team, a doubling in number of ambassadors subsequently increasing our reach throughout the UK—Reading, Oxford, Kent, Bristol UWE, and many more. Apart from that, we managed to secure more sponsorship and also engaged with more firms, organisations and companies than before—through both our events and projects and also our flagship internship programmes (ASASI, 30 Days of Summer, Beyond The Bar). With that, we successfully implemented a more steady flow of finances and also a better framed structure to our events and projects. As some of you may have noticed as well, we piloted a new internship programme in the form of Beyond The Bar which primarily caters to law students who are exploring a career outside of law. This initiative has been met with a great response as well—both in applicants and stakeholders, where we saw Ernst & Young, MalaysiaKini, CIMB, PwC Malaysia and many more coming onboard with us on this journey. Coupled with that, we continued in our stance to speak out and stand up against what is wrong through our statements.

These are amongst the many others which this report would present. In all honesty, we would not have been able to achieve any of these without the constant support of our sponsors—Zaid Ibrahim and Co, Brickfields Asia College, CIMB, Albar & Partners and PwC Malaysia. Not forgetting all our MOU Partners and also Internship programme partners and event sponsors. On behalf of the Union, we thank you for taking the leap of faith in us and our crazy projects.

Last but not least, a big thank you for the year goes to my own huge working team that's come to be like my family away from home. The Executive Committee, the Executives and the Ambassadors have all put their blood, sweat and tears and all these numbers and results are a fruit of their collective hard work and dedication. A privilege of being President is being able to look at things from a helicopter view, enabling me to see the empowerment of the members and to see each of them rising to the occasion.

In everything we do, our mission statement runs through and true—uniting law students, empowering future lawyers and upholding the rule of law. We are, in the business of empowering.

And no matter the numbers, no matter the results, I believe we have achieved that for this term and it is my hope that we will continue to achieve that as a Union in the many terms to come.

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Foreword

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team: Executive Committee, Executives & Student Ambassadors

Page 5

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Excecutive Committee

Page 6

President Su Wen Lee University of Manchester Year 2

Vice President (UK) Jason Yong Cardiff University Year 3

Vice President (MY) Declan Arthur Loke Brickfields Asia College Year 2

General Secretary Angel Khoo Oxford Brookes University Year 3

Finance Director Sean Tan Cardiff University Year 3

Corporate Relations Director Lye Tong Ho City Law School BPTC

Careers Development Director

Tan Ian University of Birmingham Year 2

Fellowship Director Kamilia Khairul Anuar University College London Year 3

Human Rights Officer Nicholas Wong City Law School BPTC

Media and Communications Director Joanne Hoh University of Liverpool Year 3

Student Relations and Outreach Director Yik Chiaw Kiu Cardiff University Year 3

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Executives

Page 7

Performance & Delivery Karen Yung University of Warwick Year 2

Performance & Delivery Wilson Pang University of Sheffield Year 2

Performance & Delivery Han Jie Chong University of Warwick Year 2

Performance & Delivery Rachel Ang City Law School BPTC

Secretarial Darinee Kunasegaran University College London Year 2

Secretarial Hui En Loo Brickfields Asia College Year 2

Finance Emily Chew University of Bristol Year 2

Finance Jinghann Hong University of Warwick Year 2

Finance Joanna Lee Brickfields Asia College CLP

Finance Grace Chai University of Warwick Year 2

Corporate Relations Jaswin Sekhon Brickfields Asia College Year 3

Corporate Relations Sachin Nair University of Manchester Year 2

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Executives

Page 8

Corporate Relations Marie Lim University of Oxford Year 1

Careers Development Iyan Xin Tan University College London Year 2

Careers Development Michael Fork University College London Year 2

Careers Development Hadhinah Hairudin University of Essex Year 2

Careers Development Karine Chaw University of Manchester Year 2

Fellowship Pheng Chew Tan University of Cambridge Year 1

Fellowship Chun Hau Ng University of Cambridge Year 1

Fellowship Wei Wenn Tan University of Liverpool Year 2

Fellowship Abigail Nimbalker UIAM LLM

Fellowship Petra Tang University of Warwick Year 3

Fellowship Jay Teo University of Bristol Year 2

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Executives

Year 1

Human Rights Shao Ji Ng University of Leicester Year 3

Human Rights Siti Khadijah University of Essex Year 2

Media & Communications Serene Tan Oxford Brookes University Year 3

Media & Communications Yee Chin Pang City Law School BPTC

Media & Communications Kristal Chiam University of Manchester Year 2

Media & Communications Shardha Lim Brickfields Asia College Year 2

Student Relations & Outreach

Student Relations & Outreach

Student Relations & Outreach

Student Relations & Outreach

Natasha Amalina University of Manchester Year 2

Man Th’ng Moke University of Hull Year 1

Sebastain Sim Why Jean Advance Tertiery College Year 1

Human Rights Jia Yi Cheng University of Warwick Year 1

Page 9

The Team

Human Rights Siti Najiihah Ahmad Firkri SOAS, University of London

Cheng Xuan Boo University of Liverpool Year 3

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Executives

Malaysia Representative Jin Chi Tan Brickfields Asia College Year 1

Malaysia Representative Maggie Cheong Brickfields Asia College Year 1

Ng Jin Jack Queen Mary University of London Year 1

Teh Jia Yun LSE, University of London Year 1

Joanne Lim Jing Jing Oxford Brookes University Year 3

Yeoh Phei Zhuin BPP University, Leeds BPTC

Chong Meng Hoi Nottingham Trent University Year 3

Hum Kai Yi Sammie Queen’s University Belfast Year 3

Jordan Kong Tzu Fui University of the West of England Year 2

Zahidah Marina Zulkifly University College London Year 3

Amirah binti Abdul Jamal University of Birmingham Year 1

Student Ambassadors

Page 10

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Student Ambassadors

Page 11

Phoebe Wong Xiao Shan University of Sheffield Year 2

Kelvesh Deshenraj N Imbaraj BPP University, Manchester BPTC

Hazel Ling Ai-Wenn University of Bristol Year 2

Mark Chui Shao Wen University of Sussex Year 3

Lim Yin Zhi Newcastle University Year 1

Shannon Leonora Lim SOAS, University of London Year 1

Faith Chan Mei Kheng University of Keng Year 2

Christine Lay Kei Een BPP University, London BPTC

Ady Tong Choon Guan University of Reading Year 2

Eo Shao Dong University of Nottingham Year 1

Chang Sze Charles University of Liverpool Year 3

Alex Hong Kai Sheng Aberystwyth University Year 2

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Team

Student Ambassadors

Page 12

Kevin Lim Kang Wen University of Exeter Year 3

Megan Ong Yin-Li University of Warwick Year 1

Derek Yap Houng Tsen University of Leeds Year 3

Gerard Tang Lian Qian Cardiff University Year 2

Joshua Mohan University of Hertfordshire Year 3

Muhammad Fariq Bukhari bin Shamsudin University of Essex Year 2

Teh Jae Rwen Northumbria University Year 3

Matthew Wong Eu Ca University of Manchester Year 2

Teo Zhao Wang King’s College London Year 1

Allyson Te Fui Qi University of Law BPTC

Sachvinder Kaur University of Hull Year 3

The Team

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Sponsors: Main Sponsors, Special Partners, Affiliates

Page 13

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Main Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor Zaid Ibrahim & Co.

Zaid Ibrahim & Co. (ZI) is a member of ZICOlaw, a network of leading independent local law firms focused on the ASEAN region.

ZICOlaw has earned a reputation for its ability to devise innovative and workable solutions to satisfy the complex needs of its clients.

ZICOlaw has been consistently top ranked by other international legal publications. It is also an approved consultant to the Government of Malaysia and a registered legal advisor with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Zaid Ibrahim & Co is a full-service law firm and has massive experience in banking and finance, corporate and commercial, capital markets, intellectual property, law reform and government advisory; while the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution teams are among the leaders in their field of expertise, having had many of the cases which they were involved in reported in various law journals.

Diamond Sponsor Brickfields Asia College (BAC)

Brickfields Asia College (BAC) has established itself as the Fastest & Smartest Way to UK Law & Business degrees. The college has established an excellent reputation as a provider of quality education and its graduates are highly sought after by local and international firms in both the public and private sectors.

BAC currently has partnerships and affiliations with more than 25 foreign universities and professional organisations, offering its students access to over 100 world-class Law and Business degrees and professional qualifications that can be completed either locally or abroad.

BAC’s students have swept multiple World and National Awards at pre-university, university and post- graduate levels over the past three years.

BAC was awarded the Brand Laureate Best Brand in Legal Education for 2012 and 2013 as well as the SME Recognition Award 2013 for Service Excellence. In 2014, BAC was awarded the SME Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award and the SME 100 Award honouring Malaysia’s Fast Moving Companies. These awards are testament to BAC’s commitment to making every student’s educational experience at the college an enjoyable, rewarding and successful one.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Main Sponsors

PWC is a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 208,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax, and advisory services.

Platinum Sponsor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

In Malaysia, PwC has a total staff strength of over 2,000 people in six locations, namely Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru and Labuan.

They provide industry-focused assurance, tax, consulting and deals services for public and private clients in corporate accountability, risk management , structuring and M & A and performance and process improvement .

Each entity within the Malaysian network is able to draw on the collective resources and experience of the global PwC network, both in Malaysia and worldwide.

CIMB Group is a leading ASEAN universal bank, one of the largest Asian investment banks and one of the world’s largest Islamic banks.

Platinum Sponsor CIMB Group

Gold Sponsor Albar & Partners

We are headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and offer consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. As the fifth largest banking group in ASEAN, we have over 40,000 staff in 17 locations across ASEAN, Asia and beyond.

Albar & Partners was established by Datuk Syed Zaid Albar as its founding partner in 1999. Today, it has expanded to become a mid-sized commercial law firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, comprising over 13 partners and 30 associates.

The firm’s practice covers the whole spectrum of financial and business activities. The firm is well regarded in the practice areas of banking and finance, particularly Islamic finance, project finance, corporate/commercial law advisory services and commercial and banking litigation, including arbitration and dispute resolution.

At the ALB Malaysia Law Awards 2015, Albar & Partners won eight awards for ‘Malaysia Law Firm of the Year’, ‘SCL Malaysia Award Energy, Projects and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year’, ‘Islamic Finance Law Firm of the Year’, ‘Malaysia Deal of the Year’, ‘Debt Market Deal of the Year’, ‘Equity Market Deal of the Year’, ‘Managing Partner of the Year’ and ‘Dealmaker of the Year’. The firm was also named an ‘Asian-MENA COUNSEL – In-House Community Firm of the Year 2015’ for banking and finance in Malaysia.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Special Partners

elawyer.com.my was launched in November 2007 with the aim to serve the legal industry in Malaysia and to create legal awareness amongst the general public via technology.

Special Partner eLawyer

Within a short span of time, eLawyer has evolved to become a reputable and popular law portal in Malaysia with strong online appearance and reports by various local press media.

We provide comprehensive services to lawyers as well as to the general public.

Special Partner Office Parrots

OfficeParrots.com was founded in 2014 to build a dynamic and contemporary cornerstone career resource for jobseekers and employers in the professional services industry (accounting, finance, legal and more!) across Malaysia and Singapore.

We provide a platform for professionals to find out all they need to know about prospective employers, above and beyond what is available on a corporate website; real value-added information from current and former employees, and employers themselves, in order to strategise their next career step. In turn, employers can leverage on our aggregated platform to communicate their brand message and value proposition, to attract the right talent and build a sustainable team.

Special Partner Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR)

The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) is a non governmental organisation focused on promoting and protecting human rights in Malaysia. Established in March 2011, the MCCHR’s main activities includes UndiMsia!, its civic education programme and its strategic litigation programme.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Beyond the Bar Internship Programme Partners

Ernst & Young

Teach for Malaysia

Prime Minister’s Office— Shadowing YB Nancy Shukri

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world and creating new legacies for our people, our clients and our communities.

Teach For Malaysia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to end education inequity in Malaysia. The Teach For Malaysia Fellowship is a two-year, full-time and fully-paid leadership development programme modelled after the extremely successful Teach For America initiative. We seek outstanding leaders who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of students in the country’s most underserved areas. These carefully-selected individuals – known as Fellows – are placed in high-need schools across Malaysia for two years, working to increase achievement, affect and access for their students and to bring about positive, sustainable change within the communities they serve. After two years, Fellows become part of Teach For Malaysia’s Alumni movement, working to make systemic, long term changes in the battle against education inequity.

YB Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri is the Minister in Charge of Law in the Prime Minister’s Department. Apart from that, she holds the position of Assistant Secretary-General for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak and is the Honorary Secretary for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak, Women’s Wing. She is also the Secretary for Barisal Nasional Women’s Wing.

As a Member of Parliament, YB Nancy Shukri sits on many Parliamentary Committees which include the Parliament Select Committee, the Parliament Review of Acts & Parliamentary Regulations and the Parliamentary Union Committee as well as the International Criminal Court Committee.

YB has always contributed much of her time and effort in many Non-Governmental Organizations. She was the Chairman for the Women Parliamentary Caucus Malaysia and is the Vice Chairman for Parliamentary Global Action (International Criminal Court) Committee. She was the Chairman of Sarawak Federation of Women’s Institute from 2003-2005 and 2009-2012. Her other active involvement includes membership in the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, the Inter Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

As a Minister, she has represented Malaysia to several Ministerial Meetings, seminars, conferences and dialogues abroad and locally.

She holds a Diploma in Public Administration from ITM, Shah Alam, Malaysia, a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from University of Hull, United Kingdom and Executive Masters in Business Administration from University of Uitm/Ohio for which she was granted the Beta gamma Honorary Award.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Beyond the Bar Internship Programme Partners

Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)

MalaysiaKini (MK)

CIMB Group

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) is Malaysia’s first think-tank dedicated to promoting market-based solutions to public policy challenges. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation. As a cross-partisan think tank, we work across the political spectrum. Our purpose is to advance marketbased principles, and we are not bound by party politics, race or religion. Our mission is to improve the level of understanding and acceptance of public policies based on the principles of rule of law, limited government, free markets and free individuals.

Malaysiakini is unique in the Malaysian context as it is one of the few independent media organisations in Malaysia. It is an Independent Media company publishing in four languages and reaching over 2.5 million readers every month with independent coverage of political and current affairs. This independence is achieved by allowing editors and journalists the full freedom to practice professional and ethical journalism, without interference of the shareholders, advertisers or government. Malaysiakini’s editorial position is built on fast, accurate and independent news, and well informed and diverse views. Furthermore, their editorial position is consistently supportive of justice, human rights, democracy, freedom of speech and good governance.

CIMB Group is Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider and one of ASEAN’s leading universal banking groups.

The Group has about 41,000 employees located in 17 countries.

It offers consumer banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, asset management and insurance products and services.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is now present in nine out of 10 ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos). Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong, Bahrain, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Korea, the US and UK. CIMB Group has the most extensive retail branch network in ASEAN of more than 1,000 branches. CIMB Group’s investment banking arm is also one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, offering amongst the most comprehensive research coverage of more than 1,000 stocks in the region.

CIMB is a dynamic workplace that rewards you for living out your true potential. You will thrive in a high performance culture marked by the highest standards of integrity. Diversity is our source of strength with people of 38 nationalities who bring with them insights and perspectives that make CIMB a great place to grow your career.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Beyond the Bar Internship Programme Partners

OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. It was ranked

by Bloomberg Markets as the world’s strongest bank in 2011 and 2012. OCBC Bank and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of specialist financial and wealth management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.

OCBC Bank’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has over 630 branches and representative offices in18 countries and territories. These include the more than 330 branches and offices in Indonesia operated by subsidiary Bank OCBC NISP and OCBC Wing Hang’s 95 branches in Hong Kong, China and Macau.

OCBC Bank’s insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the largest insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia by assets. Its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors, is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Private banking services are provided by subsidiary Bank of Singapore, which continues to gain industry recognition including being voted “Outstanding Private Bank in Asia Pacific” in 2013 by Private Banker International. OCBC Bank offers Islamic banking products and services in Malaysia through its wholly-owned subsidiary, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad.

Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) was established on 1 January 2011 under the Prime Minister’s Department to formulate and facilitate initiatives to address the availability of talent in line with the needs of the country’s economic transformation.

Collaborating closely with relevant Government agencies and employers in priority economic sectors, TalentCorp develops demand-driven initiatives to enhance graduate employability, promote talent diversity, engage Malaysians abroad and facilitate foreign talent.

Why TalentCorp? TalentCorp is proud to partner KPUM in the Beyond the Bar Internship programme. Internships give students an important starting point on their career ladder and help employers ensure they find the right person for the right job.

Besides putting their academic theories to practice, internships also enable students to gain real, live workplace experience with its highs and lows. At TalentCorp, internship is not about making coffee or mastering the art of photocopy, it is about sharing, learning, inspiring and growing together.

PricewaterhouseCooper

Page 19

PwC is a multinational professional services network and is one of the big four auditors. In Malaysia, PwC has played an integral part in the growth and progress of Malaysia since 1900. Today, they continue to work with many global companies, public sector entities, growing businesses and up-and-coming entrepreneurs providing solutions to their complex business issues. They provide industry-focused assurance, tax, consulting and deals services for public and private clients in four areas

Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

ASASI Internship Programme Partners

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

SUARAM believes that only an active citizen’s movement is able to hold the government accountable for its actions. SUARAM’s role is to build awareness of human rights that lead to citizen action.

SUARAM is here to stand with you, for human rights, be it your own, a friend’s and our society’s. Together, let us work for a better and brighter future for Malaysia.

Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)

Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) promotes and supports actions that advance justice and democracy, based on feminist and human rights principles. EMPOWER works with women, communities, activists, civil society organisations, and State institutions. The organisation’s core areas of work are women’s political participation and civil liberties.

Its current projects focus on: developing women leaders with a commitment to the principles of equality and non-discrimination, particularly among young women, indigenous women, and women in low-income communities; promoting and protecting internet rights; and monitoring the Malaysian Government’s implementation of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations.

CPPS/ASLI

In response to the growing need for informed analysis and discussion on public policies, the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) has established the centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS). CPPS is an independent and non- partisan public policy institute that aims at fostering open-minded dialogue, enlightened leadership and better governance. CPPS upholds an independent, non- partisan and non- racial stance in its research and other policy-oriented activities. Through an innovative mix of policy research, strategic communications and targeted outreach, the Centre’s mission is to engage and educate the public and policy makers on best practice policies and successful change strategies that can ensure inclusive development for all Malaysians

Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR)

The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) is a non governmental organisation focused on promoting and protecting human rights in Malaysia. Established in March 2011, the MCCHR’s main activities includes UndiMsia!, its civic education programme and its strategic litigation programme.

Fahri Azzat

Fahri Azzat is a lawyer trying to stay in love with the law in spite of its nefarious local legal developments, which break his heart time and time again. He is currently staying in the law by getting involved in legal education and skill development for young lawyers and developing technologies for lawyers, such as Locum Legalis.’

Penang Institute (KL Base)

The Penang Institute, established in 1997 is the public policy think tank of the state government of Penang. As a policy advisory body of the state government of Penang, the Penang Institute is constantly working hand-in-hand with the state government, its related agencies as well as various international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme and other nongovernmental organisations.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

ASASI Internship Programme Partners

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL)

Lawyers for Liberty is a human rights lawyers’ organization that strives to defend human rights and its defenders. We are a collective of lawyers and activists and we have handled numerous high profile cases, such as the death in police custody, inquest on death of persons in custody, fatal police shooting, torture, unlawful arrest and detention, denial of access to lawyers while under arrest, detention without trial, civil liberties involving the Sedition Act and Peaceful Assembly Act and statelessness.

Our work is done inside the courtroom, through test cases and defending human rights defenders. We also work outside the courtroom, through developing and coordinating advocacy and campaign strategies and actions. We are currently part of the #TakNakDiktator Coalition Campaign, the campaign against the National Security Council 2015 Bill, we are also part of GHAH, the Anti-Sedition Act Movement and we are part of the #StopTorture Campaign, the campaign to urge the Malaysian government to sign on to the UN Convention Against Torture.

Among those whom we have represented include opposition leaders, members of Parliament and State Assemblymen, student leaders, NGO, political and community activists, lawyers, a political cartoonist, bloggers, journalists, whistleblowers, families and victims of serious human rights violations and stateless persons.

We have acted for the families of A. Kugan, a death in custody victim, Aminulrasyid, a victim of fatal police shooting, we have held watching briefs for the families of Karuna Nithi and C. Sugumar.

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) provides social work and counseling services for domestic violence survivors and advocates for women’s human rights.

Malik Imtiaz

Malik Imtiaz is an activist who has been at the forefront of efforts to promote the Rule of Law and civil liberties in Malaysia. Called to the Malaysian Bar in 1994, he has practiced law since, primarily in the areas of civil, commercial, constitutional and public interest litigation. He was a member of the Bar Council, and is involved in the administrative aspects of the system of justice.

Sisters In Islam (SIS)

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Sisters in Islam (SIS) is a leading Malaysian NGO working for justice and equality for Muslim women, within the framework of Islam. Advocating for the rights of Muslim women necessitates us to challenge the current environment that affects the rights of women in Malaysia, overall. SIS has achieved to widen the space for public debate and discussion in this country, primarily on religious interpretations on Muslim women’s rights, freedom of expression and speech as well as freedom of religion. Through the work that we do, our impact is far-reaching and has support regionally and globally. In 2009, SIS initiated Musawah, the global movement for equality and justice in the Muslim family.

Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

ASASI Internship Programme Partners

Besides being a family law practitioner, Honey is engaged in public interest litigation in the areas of equality and non-discrimination.

In Malaysia, She often trains pupils and young lawyers in the areas of Feminisms and Feminist Perspectives of the Law, Family Law, Domestic Violence and strategic public interest litigation. Abroad, Honey regularly runs workshops for the United Nations Entity on the Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality (UN Women) in the areas of equality and non-discrimination. Honey has also been recently elected as a member of the prestigious Bar Council.

Honey Tan

From its humble origins as a sole-proprietors established in 1918. Shook Lin & Bok has grown into one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. It is also the oldest law firm of local origin in the country. The firm has distinguished itself in its commitment to high standards of professionalism and integrity for over nine decades. Ithas built on that heritage and continue to invest in the development of its human resources, team of legal practicioners and infrastructural resources, including the latest technological systems, for the benefit of its clients. Always solution-focused, the firm prides itself not just in highlighting pitfalls in transaction but also in providing alternatives.

Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)

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The Center for Orang Asli Concerns was established in 1989 to advance the cause of the Orang Asli—whether via the greater dissemination of Orang Asli news and views, assisting in ourt cases involving Orang Asli rights, or in developing arguments for lobbying and advocacy work.

Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

30 Days of Summer Internship Programme Partners

Established in 1999, Albar & Partners is a mid –size commercial law firm based in Kuala Lumpur. We believe that the key to a law firm’s success lies in attracting and retaining the best people by continuously investing and developing their potential, knowledge, skills and resources. Joining Albar & Partners opens up opportunities to work with experienced colleagues who are recognised as leaders in the respective fields. We offer opportunities for attachment and pupillage placements at our firm.

Ariff Rozhan & Co (ARC) is a firm established in 2015 focusing primarily on dispute resolution, led by its principal partners, Ariff Rozhan, William Lim, and Christopher Arun.

Ariff & Co

ARC’s principal partners were all former partners in Malaysia’s largest law firm where Ariff was also in the Executive Committee and head of its Dispute Resolution and Arbitration practice.

Ariff Rozhan & Co was established to provide uncompromisingly focused, premium and personalised legal services to its loyal and supportive clients.

Azmi & Associates is a full-service international law firm that was founded on the principle that we would succeed only if we deliver prompt, high-quality and cost-effective services to our clientele.

Azmi & Associates We progressively strive to be a world-class corporate and commercial law firm, providing integrated, innovative and comprehensive solutions globally by synergising human capital, technology and best practices.

With more than 100 professionals and support personnel and the 7th largest law firm in Malaysia, the Firm offers world-class expertise. Allowance ranging from RM750 to RM1250 depending on qualification and perceived values will be paid.

At Christopher & Lee Ong, we firmly believe that a winning performance for our clients depends on a co-operative and collaborative approach to the practice of law. Working alongside colleagues from Rajah & Tann Asia, our lawyers are adapted at handling the most complex cross-border cases, deals and projects.

We also have strong and long established working relationships with top international law firms, as well as leading accountancy firms, forensic accountants and commercial investigators.

We provide a friendly learning and nurturing environment for young people who are passionate about the law and improving themselves.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

30 Days of Summer Internship Programme Partners

Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak

Our dynamic practice has gathered an impressive and varied portfolio of work.

We have been appointed as solicitors for considerable number of corporate and private transactions. Our reputation has expanded promisingly well and our client base in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur is growing. We have been engaged in numerous corporate secretarial and corporate litigation cases which include several land base, corporate social responsibility, banking and criminal matters since the inception of the firm.

Our conveyancing and loan documentation department has also gained positive growth and has been appointed as panel for several reputable developers and Financial Institutions.

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill

“We Value Our People and More Importantly, We Invest in Our People.”At Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, our people are our most valuable asset. Throughout our growth, we have maintained a collegial atmosphere of diverse and engaging people challenged by a variety of interesting work to do.

We believe this culture allows our lawyers to stretch and succeed in the practice of law. It also makes Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill a great place to work.

Whether you’re fresh from law school or looking for a stimulating new work environment to expand your practice, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill provides a complete platform for building a successful and satisfying career.

Your success will require hard work and commitment, but we are equally committed to ensure that you get all of the support, training and experience necessary to succeed.

Raja, Darryl and Loh

Raja, Darryl & Loh currently ranks as one of the larger law firms in Malaysia. Our client base includes financial institutions, multinationals, public-listed companies, corporations, small & medium enterprises and individuals. Presently, we have more than 65 legal practitioners.

Skrine

Skrine’s culture is special. Although we encourage individual talent, personal initiative and innovativeness, the working atmosphere is genuinely friendly with a team spirit and camaraderie that pervades all levels of our firm from pupils and associates to the partners. The fact that the majority of our partners and senior associates were former pupils in Skrine is a testament to the conducive working environment and to their unswerving loyalties.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

30 Days of Summer Internship Programme Partners

Thomas Philip

We believe that a rich and rewarding internship experience, is a vital first step in cultivating well-rounded Dispute Resolution lawyers. We strive to give our interns hands-on opportunities to put what they have learnt in law school into practice.

Internships are generally for a one-month duration. Longer or shorter durations may be accommodated on a case-to-case basis.

ZICOlaw is an integrated legal services network spanning 8 of the 10 ASEAN countries with additional offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

We are proudly a people-orientated organisation. We believe that as our people develop so will we. Our regional tagline—‘Regional Expertise, Local Grounding’—and our brand philosophy—‘Trusted Business Advisor’—emphasise the importance of relationships to us. Knowledge, Experience, Determination, Instinct and Relationship are our hallmarks.

To our knowledge, we are the only firm in the region that has made available a dedicated person of nearly 30 years experience in legal practice to head a special team of professionals and researchers to train our personnel and to manage the extrinsic and intrinsic knowledge of the network. To ensure personal development and support for our people the network undertook a Human Resources Transformation Programme, with the help of human capital specialists, to enable us to focus on the needs and development of our people.

We believe that our true assets are our culture, our knowledge and our people. We have come this far in so because of these assets.

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Affliates

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Sponsors

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Membership Poll and Publicity

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

KPUM Membership Poll (UK)

UK Total number of members that came in contact with KPUM 2015/16: 613 students

5%

5%

Year 1

17%

Year 2

16%

Year 3 BPTC/ Post-graduate

25% Graduated Unknown

32%

Northern Ireland East Anglia South East South West West Midlands East Midlands North West Yorkshire North East Wales London 0

50

100

150

200

Universities London Region BPP University City University Kings College London School of Economics & Political Science Queen Mary School of Oriental and African Studies University College London University of Law Wales Region Abersytwth University Cardiff University

Yorkshire Region University of Leeds University of Hull University of Sheffield North West Region University of Manchester University of Liverpool East Midlands Region University of Nottingham University of Leicester University of Hertfordshire

North East Region Northumbria University Durham University

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West Midlands Region University of Warwick University of Birmingham University of Oxford Oxford Brookes University East Anglia Region University Essex University of East Anglia University of Cambridge South West Region University of Bristol University of the West of England South East Region University of Kent University of Portsmouth University of Reading

Membership Poll & Publicity

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

KPUM Membership Poll (Malaysia & Overall)

Malaysia Total number of members that came in contact with KPUM in 2015/16: 118 students

4%

4%

23% 12%

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 BPTC/ Post-graduate Graduated

27% 31%

Unknown

1% 1%3%1% 1%

Brickfields Asia College Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus

9%

Advance Tertiery College HELP

9%

Crescendro International College (1%) Universiti Malaya (1%)

4%

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (3%)

72%

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (1%) Unknown (1%)

Overall Total number of members that came in contact with KPUM in 2015/16: 731 students 3%

3%

Year 1

8% 28%

Year 2 Year 3 21%

16%

BPTC/ Post-graduate

UK (84%)

Graduated

Malaysia (16%)

Unknown 36%

84%

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Membership Poll & Publicity

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Publicity

KPUM Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/KPUM79/ 2,997 likes +1,033 likes from July 2015

Twitter https://twitter.com/KPUM79 548 followers +167 followers from July 2015

Instagram @kpum79 133 followers +103 followers from July 2015

Website http://www.kpum.org

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Membership Poll & Publicity

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: KPUM Student Ambassador Programme, Lepak, Lawatan Sambil Belajar and Q&A

Events List for Lepak 10 December

KPUM #Lepak: BPP University, Leeds

17 February 20 February 24 February 26 February 27 February 27 February

Lepak ‘Blonde’ Style: Birmingham Lepak: The Tarik Meet-up at University of Essex Lepak: Sheffield Social Lepak; Lepak & Makan Lepak: Malaysian law Students Captain’s Ball Session Lepak: Meet & Greet Social

2 March 4 March 5 March 5 March 8 March 9 March 9 March 12 March 12 March 14 March 16 March 26 March

Lepak: LexisNexis Basic Certificate at Liverpool Lepak: Bowling Night Lepak: Voice of Impact Lepak: KPUM Lepak Sesh Lepak: Lepak! Session at canterbury Lepak: Lepak-lepak to Supreme Court Lepak: UWExBRISTOLxEXETER Lepak: London Sports Social Lepak: The Imitation Game Lepak: A Visit to the Crown Court Lepak: Life Tools for Law Students Lepak: A Skype Session with Syah

6 April 13 April 29 April

Lepak: Legally Lepak Lepak: Mingling with the Bar Lepak: University of Hertfordshire

4 May 7 May

Lepak: Queen’s University Belfast Lepak: Ultimate Frisbee@ Aberystwyth

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: KPUM Student Ambassador Programme Introduced in 2014/15 term, KPUM Student Ambassador Programme this year experienced a rapid growth. With 13 ambassadors from 13 different Universities in the pilot cohort, we received more than 90 applications in the second year of the programme.

We are proud to have 32 Student Ambassadors this term and a total of 25 KPUM Lepak had been held.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Liverpool 2 March LexisNexis Basic Certificate

by Chang Sze Charles

KPUM “Lepak” is an initiative of KPUM Student Outreach Department (SRO). It is an event hosted by KPUM Student Ambassadors in their respective University. The aim of KPUM LEPAK is to increase awareness of KPUM and most importantly to create a platform for Malaysian Law Students to meet.

There is about 190 students (including postgraduate) in University of Liverpool. It is considered a big amount of student but the Ambassador for the University realise that there’s still much of them not utilising LexisNexis very well. With this, the ambassador invited a member of the LexisNexis team to deliver a teaching and certificate session, just for Malaysian Student! Kate O’Carroll has been asked to hold the session, and teach the student on how to utilise the search engine, including searching of Malaysian Cases and Legislation through LexisNexis. Students from the University are especially enthusiastic with this and joined the event, as this certificate is not only a great addition to the curriculum vitae (CV) but also helps the students to equip with the necessary skills for legal practice, also demonstrating to the prospective employer that Malaysian Students are a skilled researcher.

Most of the students who attended this event are satisfied and obtained the certificate. Thanks to the support given by the students, the School of Law and Social Justice (University of Liverpool), and LexisNexis Team, the event ends successfully.

Queen’s University Belfast 4 May

by Hum Kai Yi Sammie

The Lepak event that we had at Queen’s University Belfast was a court visit trip to the Royal Courts of Justice, associated with the School of Law. We were honoured to be invited by the honourable judge Mrs Justice Keegan, to hear a case on the topic of licensing.

Her Ladyship had given a warm welcome to all of us, and then the participants were divided into two groups, one was to hear the licensing case, while the other was arranged to hear applicants for bail before the honourable judge Mr Justice Colton. Throughout the event, we had paid close attention to observe how lawyers submitted their submissions, and how the judge reasoned their decisions. It was truly an eye-opening and inspiring tour to understand briefly how the legal environment is and it was quite interesting to spot some controversial issues in a case or disputes.

Many of us obviously got a clearer picture on what is ahead of our future and are more determined on the decisions we have made for our future.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Nottingham Nottingham Trent University 5 March Lepak: Voice with Impact

by Eo Shao Dong & Chong Meng Hoi

Lepak: Voice with Impact (Nottingham Friendly Debate) is an event hosted by the student ambassadors of KPUM for Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham on 5th March 2016 (Saturday), from 10am to 1pm, in Nottingham Trent University.

The event is open to all Malaysian law students currently studying in the University of Nottingham. The objective is to provide a platform for all Malaysian students who are in the vicinity of Nottingham area to come together, learn more about KPUM and experience a friendly discussion on important social issues in the form of British Parliamentary Debate.

This event has attracted 12 persons where 4 participated as debaters, 2 as judges and 6 as spectators. The event started with Meng Hoi delivering a brief presentation on KPUM, followed by Shao Dong’s introducing some basic rules and techniques of British Parliamentary Debate.

The debate started at 11am. The motion being debated was ‘This House Believe That Child Labour Is Better Than Living In Poverty’. Both team demonstrated strong ability in developing well-reasoned, relevant arguments. The spectators were really engaging and supportive throughout the debate. After the debate, the judges took 10 minutes for deliberation and finally reached unanimous decision that the team from Nottingham Trent University won the debate. The prizes were presented to the winning team right after the announcement.

After the debate, a social bonding session was held. Basic refreshments were provided and all the attendees had an interesting and interactive discussion on current affairs. Most of the participants expressed interest to have similar events organised in the future. The event ended at 1pm.

University of Leeds 27 February Lepak: Meet & Greet Social

By Derek Yap Houng Tsen

The University of Leeds ‘Meet and Greet’ Lepak proposal was exactly what the title said it is and it was a tremendous success.

Knowing Malaysians generally do not attend university events and frankly do not come to university on a Saturday, the turnout was exceptional as more than 40 students left their warm accommodations and braced through the cold just to attend the event. (The free food poster might have been quite motivational in hindsight.)

What even surprised me more was that some Malaysians even showed up early to the event as I was expecting the usual Malaysian timing to take place, hence showing their keenness for the event. Overall, students managed to make new friends and network with each other as prior to the event, most students had never even seen each other before and after this, new friendships were definitely made.

Gathered in a room with unfamiliar faces but a familiar language, participants felt comfortable as they got to know each other and build both social and professional networks with each other.

Overall, this event was an incredible success and thus participants are now extremely enthusiastic for anything KPUM has to offer.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Warwick 5 March Lepak: KPUM Lepak Sesh

By Megan Ong Yin-Li

This year’s Warwick Lepak Sesh was an extremely enjoyable and productive event. The event kick-started with a presentation on KPUM, which included the organisation’s mission, outreach programmes, past events and upcoming events. This was followed by a brief presentation by Grace, who is a part of the Marketing Team for the upcoming Law Career Convention (LCC). The attendees were particularly engaged with her presentation as they were interested in networking with partners from the big Malaysian law firms.

Proceeding the presentation, we had a short Q&A session for the attendees to enquire further on KPUM. They seemed responsive to the presentation and were encouraged to “Like” the Facebook Page and keep a look out on my future shared posts (Atoms) related to KPUM. The next list on the agenda was the movie, where we watched the iconic Legally Blonde. With the majority of the crowd being girls, we all thoroughly enjoyed the movie and were completely amused by the chic-flick. We had even contemplated on continuing to watch the sequel (Legally Blonde II)! However, as we were all engrossed with the heavy burden of work (so typical of a law student), we decided that we should fore-go that suggestion.

Coupled with the enjoyable movie, there were also a lot of pizza and snacks to munch on. Needless to say, those who attended were pleased with the sheer amount of food they managed to consume and it was very rewarding to see the happy smiles on their faces after the event. I received really good feedback from everyone. Someone even mentioned that it was “a really chilled event, it’s so rare to have occasions like this”. I was pleased that the event was successful in the sense that everyone managed to take the time off their busy schedule to get to know about KPUM as well as getting the rare opportunity to be around fellow Malaysian law friends without a book in our hands.

Aberystwyth University 7 May Lepak: Ultimate Frisbee @ Aberyswyth

By Alex Hong Kai Sheng

On 7th May, the annual KPUM Lepak event was held in Aberystwyth. This year, it was decided to be a sports social event, which was held in the outdoor sports cage at the Main Campus. The event was held in mind to help the students release some stress because of the upcoming exams, and at the same time also help spread the word and create awareness among students of the existence of KPUM. The damp weather did not damped the participant’s spirits when they were briefed through a rough and quick explanation and introduction of KPUM. During the first hour, the rules of Ultimate Frisbee was taught to participants. We had quick throwing drill before starting off a game of Ultimate. After an hour, we decided to change to 5-a-side football, as some participants brought their own football as well. The next hour passed by in a flash as we started our 5-a-side game and everyone had fun running around forgetting about the exam stress during the time.

Overall, it felt good that we were able to kill two birds with one stone, which was to release some exam stress at the same time being able to explain and introduce KPUM to more students.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Kent 5 March Lepak: Lepak! Session at Canterbury

by Faith Chan Mei Kheng

Our Lepak session at Canterbury in collaboration with Kent Malaysian Society, although very small, was definitely still a success!

The evening was kept informal starting with friendly introductions at the beginning for everyone to get to know and feel comfortable with each other. Biscuits were provided as refreshments for everyone to munch on. After everyone had arrived, a presentation on KPUM allowed all present to learn more about KPUM, followed by a short Skype session with Angel Khoo, the General Secretary of KPUM who answered a couple of questions about the Union.

Special guest Dr Simone Wong, an academic and supervisor in law at Kent Law School, was present to offer advice and share her experiences over the years with the participants. It was an interesting one and a half hours as she relayed to us how she started reading law, to when she practised in Malaysia and Singapore, then came back to the UK to finish her Masters and PhD, upon which she accepted the opportunity to continue on at Kent Law School as a lecturer. She has stayed in the UK ever since.

Her experiences were relatable and thought provoking to listen to as she was once in the same position as us, only about thirty years ago! The challenges she faced then were compared with what they are now. It was especially fun to listen to what the Malaysian Society did so long ago and contrast it to what it is now. Overall, the whole session with Dr Wong was kept very informal and was very engaging as she managed to address us all individually.

Even though the event ended rather later than planned, everyone definitely lingered and lepak-ed at the end to chat about the session afterwards – so the aim to Lepak at Canterbury was certainly achieved!

Oxford Brookes University 9 March Lepak: Lepak-lepak to Supreme Court

By Joanne Lim Jing Jing

Lepak-Lepak to Supreme Court was definitely an eye-opening one.

All the participants were enjoying themselves especially pretending to be judges in the empty courtroom. It was like a dream come true for us, the law students. They were all having fun taking pictures and we got the chance to see Lady Hale and others judges in person, and the participants even got the chance to sit in the courtroom and listened to the hearings. It is definitely a great experience having to tour the Supreme Court, not from Google, not from textbooks, but in real life

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Bristol & UWE 9 March Lepak: EXETERxBRISTOLxUWE

by Hazel Ling & Jordan Kong

The UWExBristolxExeter KPUM lepak session involved inviting guest speakers from ZicoLaw to deliver a short talk on Mergers and Acquisition over a live skype call. The environment of the event was very relaxed and friendly, as the students from UWE and the University of Bristol had the chance to socialize with each other and bond over our common interest: the law! Although slightly awkward at first, as many of us were meeting for the very first time, the awkwardness dissipated quickly as we had intellectually stimulating conversations with one another over pizza and drinks.

The talk delivered by Mr. Paul and Mr. Yong from ZicoLaw was extremely informative, and although the set topic was on M&A; students had the opportunity to ask any question that they wanted about the legal profession and the reality of working as a young lawyer in Malaysia. Because the setting was so informal and relaxed, we all felt comfortable asking our questions and satisfying our curiosity about anything that we wanted. I personally felt that time just flew by, as the conversation that we were having with the lawyers was so engaging, that before we knew it, our allocated time was over!

After that, we delivered our own presentations about KPUM, where we informed the attendees all about KPUM: our past events, our goals and aims to unite all Malaysian law students in the United Kingdom and Eire, and all the events in the conceivable future that we would love for them to attend. We then opened the floor to ask any questions that they wanted to know about KPUM. We also had an informative skype call with Joanne, an executive from KPUM to give an opportunity to the attendees to ask any further questions that they wanted about the organization from someone who has much more experience in it. Overall, we believe that our KPUM Lepak session was a great success, with attendees not only having a fun time, but also gaining valuable insight from it.

BPP University, Leeds 10 Dec 2015 KPUM #Lepak

The number of person turning up was 5 persons.

Due to the time and at the request of my fellow students, I decided to have the dinner session first and everyone enjoyed the food.

The feedback I got was KPUM should hold more events like this and some have said that the food made them miss home.

After dinner, I conducted the presentation in the cinema room.

They said they had better knowledge of KPUM now and they find the KPUM book exchange helpful to them as they still have their books from last year. They had also expressed their interest in the KPUM internship programmes and would like me to send them information about it. Most of them have already heard of KPUM before this event. The quiz session was fun as everyone was engaged and gave the correct answers.

After the presentation, we stayed in the cinema room for a movie.

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Bristol & UWE 9 March Lepak: EXETERxBRISTOLxUWE

by Kevin Lim Kang Wen

On the 9th of March, 2016 KPUM Exeter, Bristol and UWE had a joint collaborative skype session with ZICO Partners Mr Yong and Paul Subramanian.

After a short discussion about pasta ( chaired by Mr Yong and Paul) the actual session began with a discussion about what mergers and acquisitions actually are, and the lawyers play in them. Paul was quick to highlight that it’s rare for an M&A to go smoothly as there are always issues that crop up, sometime even requiring the lawyers to make reports to the relevant authorities. Throughout the talk, Paul and Mr Yong highlighted the importance of ethics as it basically functions as the “brand” of the individual lawyer, and that lawyers always attract clients of the same “type” The event of course involved lots of questions asked by the participants to the lawyers, and not just those limited to the field of M&A. Some participants were particularly interested in how lawyers do their best to avoid getting “attached” to their cases, bearing in mind that unlike TV law shows (suits, boston legal ect) lawyers inevitably lose cases. Mr Yong’s reply addressed this issue quite well; that so long a lawyer does his or her best for their case, then losing a case should not significantly affect their conscious as due to the nature of the court system, there inevitably will be a winner and a loser.

The event wasn’t all serious talk either, and we saw Paul and Mr Yong employ some humor during the discussion. One highlight is when Paul joked he’s waiting for a TV program that shows lawyers bringing files, suitcases, briefs or anything into a courtroom, something that most show don’t portray. Overall, the participant enjoyed the event, with several asking if KPUM will hold another event in the future in Exeter.

London Universities 12 March Lepak: London Sports Social

by Shannon Lim, Jia Yun Teh, Zhao Wang Teo, Jack Ng & Zahidah Zukifly

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On the 12th of March (Saturday), five student ambassadors from the colleges of the University of London, namely UCL, KCL, LSE, SOAS and QMUL organized a joint sports social at Hyde Park, London. It was a wonderful event attended by students from all 5 colleges and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Most attendees played Frisbee while enjoying the warm morning sun, while some students chose to play Cranium, a board game which tests the intelligence of the players. The student ambassadors also prepared IndoMee and various drinks for the attendees, and everyone was glad to have a taste of home, thanks to the IndoMee. The event really helped in forming new friendships between fellow Malaysian law students in London, and strengthened the bond between existing friendships.

A KPUM executive, Michael Fork had also attended the sports social and was ready to answer any questions regarding KPUM following the presentation given by the ambassadors. Overall, it was a great event which allowed the attendees to gain information about KPUM, and also form new friendships in this city away from home.

Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

Northumbria University 13 April Lepak: The Imitation Game

by Teh Jae Rwen

The 2016 Lepak event set in Northumbria University is behind us.

This year, the event titled Lepak: The Imitation Game is, as the name suggests, a screening event of the movie ‘The Imitation Game’ which took place in April. The aim of the event was successfully realised as an appreciation for history was gained. People who attended were given time to discuss and network with one another, sharing thought-provoking ideas and insight on the film.

More importantly, attendees had a clearer understanding of what KPUM is all about through the outcome of the event.

University of Manchester 13 April Lepak: Mingling with the Bar

by Wong Eu Ca Matthew

The University of Leeds ‘Meet and Greet’ Lepak proposal was exactly what the title said it is and it was a tremendous success.

Knowing Malaysians generally do not attend university events and frankly do not come to university on a Saturday, the turnout was exceptional as more than 40 students left their warm accommodations and braced through the cold just to attend the event. (The free food poster might have been quite motivational in hindsight.)

What even surprised me more was that some Malaysians even showed up early to the event as I was expecting the usual Malaysian timing to take place, hence showing their keenness for the event. Overall, students managed to make new friends and network with each other as prior to the event, most students had never even seen each other before and after this, new friendships were definitely made.

Gathered in a room with unfamiliar faces but a familiar language, participants felt comfortable as they got to know each other and build both social and professional networks with each other. Overall, this event was an incredible success and thus participants are now extremely enthusiastic for anything KPUM has to offer.

Newcastle University 14 March Lepak: A Visit to the Crown Court

by Lim Yin Zhi

The crown court visit was a successful event organized in Newcastle by the KPUM. The participants were able to see how the law works in action and the whole process of a trial. The crown court usually involves many serious criminal cases such as rape, drug trafficking and also murders. It would definitely worth by spending two hours or more sitting in the visitor area in the court to see how the case proceeds. The benefits after visiting it will surely surprise you especially many of the law students nowadays are still struggling in choosing what area of law they wish to major in their coming years in university. Also, the feedbacks given by the participates were that they felt motivated and even more determined in their choice of studying law after they saw how the lawyer defended their client in courts.

University of Reading 16 March Lepak: Life Tools for Law Students

By Tong Choon Guan

University of Reading’s Lepak event was held on the 16th of March 2016, at Palmer Building Room 107. The event started at 2pm until 3.30pm. The event was first welcomed by Dr. Alicia who gave a talk on the topic of life tools for law students and ways to handle academic stress. A number of 20 participants showed up. The talk was then ended with my presentation at 3pm. My presentation was followed by a Skype session with Jason, the exco rep, and Khadijah, the exec rep. The Skype session went along well and definitely helped to give a participants a clearer view of KPUM. At the end of the event, everyone was given a small packet of potato chips as a token of appreciation for their attendance. The event was a success and helpful for students to understand KPUM in an interactive way.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Birmingham 17 February Lepak ‘Blonde’ Style: Birmingham

by Amirah binti Abdul Jamal

Lepak ‘Blonde’ Style was held at Selly Oak Court on the 17th of February from 7-10pm. The event started off with a short presentation about KPUM and the different opportunities and events it holds each year. Those who were attended were very interested during the presentation as they felt more informed about the various things that KPUM does.

This was followed by a Q&A session, which included enquires about the internship programs as well as the details about our partners. KPUM’s Career’s executive, Tan Ian was also present during the event and gave students an insight on what to expect if they were to internship with all our different partners.

We then progressed to eating some light food that was prepared (spaghetti and soft drinks) while chatting away about both our lives as law students as well as what we would like to do in our future.

Seniors shared with the juniors their life hacks as law students as well as how to make most out of your time at university. Having the seniors around really made the juniors feel more assured as well as terrified but overall, it was definitely an amazing bonding experience.

After 2 hours of chatting and getting to know each other in more detail, the night ended with a photo session before we said our goodbyes and parted our own ways. The Lepak event definitely brought us closer to each other as well as taught us things we wouldn’t have otherwise known.

Overall, the feedback from participants were very positive as they got to know a lot more about KPUM, about studying law in general and got to meet fellow Malaysian was a great night with great people!

University of Essex 17 February KPUM Lepak: Teh Tarik Meet-up at University of Essex

by Muhammad Fariq Bukhari bin Samsudin

KPUM Lepak: Teh Tarik Session was held at University of Essex to strengthen the unity among Malaysian law students here in Colchester main campus. The event was great, as the participants discussed mainly on current issues such as the rule of law, whether democracy is dead in Malaysia, TPPA, and public perception towards judiciary. Furthermore, participants showed great interest on KPUM events such as Beyond the Bar and ASASI. Participants generally wanted the event to be held more frequently as it proved that Malaysian law students lived in a close-knit community, and aware of the current issues which happened in Malaysia. The discussions were great as participants engaged in critical arguments and managed to see the issues from different perspectives.

University of Sussex 26 February Lepak: Lepak & Makan

by Mark Chui Shao Wen

On the 26th of February 2016 at about 4pm; 3 quarters of the University of Sussex law student body converged into a tiny cafe in the heart of Brighton city centre. At this intimate event, a short presentation was provided to the participants over cups of coffee.

Happiness and laughter echoed through the walls of the quaint cafe as participants debated Malaysia's legal situation while reminiscing our respective journeys throughout the LLB and LLM programmes.

The event was a great success with positive feedback coming from all participants who left the venue at 5:30pm with a bundle of information concerning KPUM's aims, achievements and future events.

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Student Relations & Outreach

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lepak

University of Sheffield 24 February KPUM Lepak: Sheffield Social

by Phoebe Wong Xiao Shan

On 24 February 2016, KPUM hosted its ‘Lepak’ session in Sheffield.

Organised by Phoebe, the student ambassador for University of Sheffield, an information and discussion session regarding the BPTC programme was held. Aimed at providing direct insights of the BPTC programme by fellow Malaysian BPTC Students, Lye Tong, our Corporate Relations Director who is currently doing his BPTC in City University, London; and Glady from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) were invited to share their experience through Skype of the life as a BPTC student in their respective universities.

The event started with an introduction of KPUM by Phoebe, sharing on events and opportunities that KPUM has to offer. Following that, Lye Tong was put on Skype where he shared his experience of studying in City London. The skype session with Lye Tong lasted for about half and hour of which Glady subsequently took over and shared her experience in MMU. Both sessions were lighthearted and interactive, and definitely informative.

Besides learning about the BPTC course itself, questions regarding the application to the bar as well as information about the Inns of Courts were also raised. As both our speakers were of different universities, students also managed to draw distinctions between the different schools, identifying the difference studying in different cities and campuses.

After the Skype sessions, students took the chance to mingle around with law students from different year groups. It was a great catch up of which 2nd year law students also took the opportunity to seek advice from 3rd years on module choices.

On behalf of the Malaysian law student in Sheffield, we would also like to thank Lye Tong and Glady for taking their time off in providing such valuable insights to us. Overall, it was a successful and insightful event.

Cardiff University 27 February Lepak: Malaysian Law Students Captain’s Ball Session

by Gerard Tang Lian Qian

On 27th Febuary 2016, KPUM successfully organized the Cardiff Lepak at Bute Park. The event was attended by Cardiff University Malaysian law students as well as students from other various courses.

The event started at 2pm, with the participants warming up for a game of captain’s ball. The participants were assigned to 2 different teams and they played against each other for 30 minutes.

Thereafter, a short presentation about KPUM was carried out, followed by a Q&A session.

At about 1515, the second half of the game commenced. It was a very competitive game, with both teams playing at almost equal skills and strengths. When the game was finally over at 1600, the score from both teams were 18:19, with Team B being the winners.

The participants stayed back and talked for a while before everyone heads home at 1630.

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lawatan Sambil Belajar

UK Parliament 12 December Lawatan Sambil Belajar

The day started off at 10.00am as we gathered at the exit of Westminster train station. There were 20 of us from all over the UK attending this Lawatan. Then, we walked towards the entrance of Parliament for our tour and proceeded to the security check. The tour officially started at 10.40am and it lasted for an hour and thirty minutes.  We went through parts of Parliament such as the Queen’s Robing room, Royal Gallery Lords Chamber and Commons chamber.

Through the tour, we were briefed on the history of Parliament and the significance of it being not only to England but to also many other countries.  At about 12.15pm, the tour officially ended and we took a group picture both inside and outside of Parliament. Soon after that, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Student Relations & Outreach: Lawatan Sambil Belajar

KPUM Lawatan 2016 24 March

On the 24th of March 2016, 36 KPUM members including the committees went to a study trip in Kuala Lumpur. Our first destination was the Parliament of Malaysia which is located at Jalan Parliamen. We reached the Parliament at approximately 9.30am and the parliamentary session started at 10.00am. All of us had to switch off our electronic devices and refrained from taking any pictures during the meeting to have full attention at the meeting, albeit that we were sitting at the public guest area. Due to time constrain, we had to leave the meeting at 10.40am and proceed to have a small tour in the Parliament guided by the officer.

This insightful field trip gave the participants an eye-opening experience to all our attendees to watch the Parliament meeting at Dewan Rakyat in Parliament. All of us gained a valuable experience as most of us were visiting the Parliament of Malaysia for the first time. We took a group picture with all our attendees before heading to our next destination at 11am.

The participants continued their trip to the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) — one of the KPUM strategic partners — to have their sumptuous lunch. To make their lunch time-worthy, the committee arranged someone to share some perspective of what’s beyond law school. Hence, a lunch with perspective. We are fortunate to have INTELLLEX hailed from Singapore to share their internship programme and their web-based product which helps to do better research and write better law notes. Its co-founder, Zi Qian shared his turning point in venturing from a lawyer, then to the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore, then into legal tech. He shared, reminding students to take opportunity of the new wave of legal technology, make hays when the sun shines. Zi Qian also shared about INTELLLEX's inaugural internship programme. The paid internship aims to be an intensive internship exposes interns into legal tech and legal research in the little red dot, Singapore.

After lunch, we headed to The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and reached around 1.40pm. The officers and committee members welcomed us warm-heartedly and we were brought to a seminar room at 13th floor of Menara TH Perdana for a talk. It started off with a welcoming remarks by Ms Rodziah Abdul, Secretary of SUHAKAM, followed by an introductory remarks by KPUM Vice President, Declan Loke. After that, Cik Wan Norhafizah, officer of SUHAKAM introduced SUHAKAM by giving us a slides presentation. Amongst the contents of the presentation were roles, functions, history and achievements of SUHAKAM. The presentation was very interesting and we gained valuable insight about SUHAKAM. It then followed by a Q&A session which involved all participants and some officers from SUHAKAM. This session was moderated

by Ms Rodziah Abdul. Participants’ doubts and questions about human rights were resolved and explained by the officers from SUHAKAM. We listened to different officers regarding their perspectives in different human rights area and gained fruitful knowledge through their sharing. After the session, we took a group photo and had our refreshment with all the officers from SUHAKAM. We had a wonderful tea time and had a great time socialising and exchanging ideas with each other. At around 3pm, we departed from SUHAKAM and headed to the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA).

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Student Relations & Outreach: Lawatan Sambil Belajar

KPUM Lawatan 2016 24 March (Continued)

When we reached the KLRCA, we were brought to the auditorium for a brief introduction about KLRCA and its functions. From the briefing, we were informed that KLRCA has developed several new rules to suit different business needs: the KLRCA i-Arbitration Rules and the KLRCA Fast Track Rules. Notably, the i-Arbitration Rule is one of its first in the world.

Soon after the briefing, we had a tour around KLRCA. We headed to the spacious Arbitrators’ Lounge. This cosy space is where the arbitrators usually have their break and having discussions among themselves.

Moving on to the hearing room, pretty sure the room rings a bell to those who have joined moot competitions, e.g. LAWASIA Moot Competition. The hearing room can hold up to 22 persons and it is modernly installed with Ultra-Modern Court Recording & Transcription System (CRT).

The last place in KLRCA that we got to visit is the Specialised ADR & Construction Law Library. This KLRCA resource centre currently houses over 450 textbooks, various arbitration journals and key local law reports. Members of public may use the facilities in this library by making an appointment.

The tour ended at 5pm and we headed back to Brickfields Asia College Kuala Lumpur by bus. It was indeed a great experience for us.

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Student Relations & Outreach: Q&A#1—Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) 2016

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Student Relations & Outreach: Q&A#2—Inns of Courts

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Flagship Events: KPUM Annual Dinner 2015, KPUM Spring Formal 2016, Law Career’s Convention 2016

Events List: 2015 7–9 August 22 August

KPUM-MCCHR Strategic Litigation Camp 2015 KPUM Annual Dinner 2015

MY MY

11 September 12 September

Evening Reception with Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill Partners KPUM LEXiCON 2015

MY MY

1 October

Malaysia: Democratic Reform, Judicial Independence & Constitutional Integrity

UK

1 November 4 November 7–21 November

PerlembagaanKu/MyConstitution Workshop for Trainers KPUM Public Interest Series with Honey Tan ZICOlaw UK Tour

UK UK UK

12 December 13 December

KPUM Lawatan Sambil Belajar: Parliament An Afternoon with Justice Azahar Mohamed

UK UK

21 January 26 January

Career Insight with E-Lawyer: What Happens After Graduation?

Get A Head Start with Legal Innovation

MY MY

27 February

Professional Perspective: Rashid Ismail on Death Penalty

MY

18 March 19 March 24 March

KPUM Spring Formal 2016 KPUM Law Career Convention (LCC) 2016 KPUM Lawatan 2016

UK UK MY

24 May

KPUM Human Rights Film Screening ‘FreedomFilmFest’

UK

27 June 29 June

Meetup with Mr Steven Thiru and Mr George Varughese Albar & Partners Office Tour

UK MY

30 July

KPUM Annual General Meeting 2016

MY

Events List: 2016

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Flagship Events: KPUM Annual Dinner 2015

22 August 2015 Grand Ballroom, Level 2, Westin Kuala Lumpur 7 pm–11 pm

A great night brought the 2014/15 term of Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia di United Kingdom dan Eire (KPUM) to an end at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

The KPUM Annual Dinner 2015 was recently held on 22nd August 2015 at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. The dinner is held annually to celebrate the new heights that KPUM managed to achieve this year and also to commemorate the departing Executive Committee members. This momentous event was sponsored by Shook Lin & Bok and Albar & Partners. This black tie event was well attended by 100 attendees. Our guests of honour for the night were the De Facto Law Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia, YB Hajah Nancy Shukri and retired Court of Appeal Judge, Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai. Impressive guest list also included many of the Union’s general and ad hoc sponsors and benefactors.

During the cocktail reception before the dinner, attendees had the opportunity to network with partners from sponsoring firms which include but not limited to ZICOlaw, Shook Lin & Bok and Albar & Partners.

At 7.00p.m, all of guests were called to the dining room. Then, at 7.10p.m, the guests of honour who were escorted by KPUM newly elected President, Vice Presidents and the Corporate Relations Director, marched into the dining hall in the midst of applause by all gathered. The event began with all guests stood up and sang the National Anthem, “Negaraku”. The event then proceeded with a welcoming remarks by Pang Jo Fan, the president of KPUM 2014/15. Guest of Honour of the event, Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai graced the event by sharing a few words at the podium. Following Dato’ Mah’s speech, YB Nancy Shukri presented to the crowd an inspiring speech.

After speeches, the 3-course dinner was served. The attendees enjoyed Norwegian Smoked Salmon followed by Pan-seared Marinated Chicken. For dessert, Mocha Crème Brulee and Hazelnut Icecream was served. Dinner was followed by coffee for guests and a student-led forum, entitled ‘Humans of KPUM’ moderated by Jo Fan. The panel comprised of Adrian Koh, Jason Yong, Leo Wai Kin, Christine Lay, Emily Chew and Siti Khadijah, the KPUM 2014/15 ExCo, Executives, Student Ambassadors and Interns. The panel spoke about their experiences being part of the working committee, leading various events and being an intern under ASASI and 30 Days of Summer – structured internship organized by KPUM.

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Flagship Events: KPUM Annual Dinner 2015

22 August 2015 Grand Ballroom, Level 2, Westin Kuala Lumpur 7 pm–11 pm (Continued)

Previously known as the Law Awards Dinner, parallel to our vision, this event also awarded deserving law students under our jurisdiction who have stood out academically and non-academically in the term 2014/2015.

This term, Sharifah Hani Yasmin from University of Essex bagged the Best 1st Year Law Student presented by LexisNexis whilst Ili Syazwani Shairi from Queen Mary, University of London took home Best Penultimate Year Law Student sponsored by Albar & Partners. Alison Loh who has recently graduated from University of Leicester won the Best Final Year Law Student which was sponsored by Shook Lin & Bok. The Best UOL Student award sponsored

by Brickfields Asia College (BAC) was presented to Amanda Cham, one of the only two Malaysian University of London (International Programme) students who have just graduated with a First Class Honours in 2015. Lastly, KPUM diamond sponsor, ZICOlaw presented ZICOlaw Special Award to Julius Yee Sher Xern. Julius was also the Vice President of KPUM for the 2012/13 term.

After the presentation of awards, guests were gathered on stage for a photography session. The dinner ended by a speech given by the incoming president of KPUM, Lee Su Wen. Su Wen gave a passionate speech on the strong presence that the Union currently has. However she also expressed her vision for her term— of having a Union with a stronger bond. Hence, the motto of this term: Growing Stronger. She believes that there is a great need in strengthening the current relationship that we have now, to ensure that KPUM will not just survive, but thrive in the coming years.

This was followed by a networking session with the partners from various firms who attended and this marked the end of the event.

At 11.00p.m, the attendees proceeded to make their way home.

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Flagship Events: KPUM Spring Formal 2016

18 March 2016 The Honorable Society of Inner Temple 6 pm–10 pm

On the 18th of March 2016, around 80 students from all over the United Kingdom gathered at Inner Temple for KPUM’s Annual Spring Formal dinner. Some attendees even travelled from as far as Cardiff and Belfast. The primary objective of the Spring Formal is to provide our members with an opportunity to experience a formal dining in one of the Inns of Court. This is not something that many Malaysian law students are able to experience as many of us would return to Malaysia without doing the Bar. Our events sponsors were Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill and Shearn Delamore & Co. Also, the VIPs invited for the event are as follows: (a) Mr Patrick Maddams Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple (b) Mr Anthony Inglese former Head of Legal at HM Revenue & Customs) (c) Puan Aisha Mubarak founding partner of Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak) The event began at 6.00pm with the arrival of the attendees. A short networking session commenced and it was an opportunity for the students to get to know not only their fellow peers but also the VIPs. At 6.45pm, a call to dinner was done by our emcee Shannon Lim. It was soon followed by a speech by our Union’s president, Lee Su Wen. Su Wen’s speech was followed by an introductory speech by Mr Patrick Maddams. And finally, our Keynote speech was delivered by none other than Mr Anthony Inglese. The dinner commenced soon after.

The dinner lasted for an hour and a half. Coffee was served and a speech by our Malaysian VIP, Puan Aisha Mubarak followed. At 9.35pm, souvenirs were present to our VIPs by Su Wen, Tan Pheng Chew, the Spring Formal director and Jason Yong, the Vice President of the Union. With that, the Spring Formal dinner ended at 9.45pm. After a short photo session, the attendees began to depart from Inner Temple.

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Flagship Events: Law Career’s Convention 2016

19 March 2016 8.45 am–4.45 pm Amba Hotel London

The KPUM Law Career’s Convention 2016 was held on the 19th of March. The day commenced with a Welcome Speech from Lee Su Wen, the president of the Union and from Tan Ian, the Careers Director . This was followed by presentations by representatives from Education Malaysia, PwC, Skrine, CIMB, Lee Hishamuddin Allen & Gledhill , Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak and Thomas Philip. Audience participation throughout the presentation were commendable, with plenty of questions being directed at the representatives. Videos from Ariff Rohan & Co and Albar & Partners were also screened.

The presentation session was followed by the Corporate Luncheon.

Participants who had received an invite to the Luncheon from the participating firms joined the firm representatives for lunch and enjoyed a delectable meal.

After lunch, firm representatives and representatives from several bar schools-namely Cardiff Law School, Northumbria, BPP and City made their way to the booths that had been set up in advance for the exhibitions in the hall. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about the courses offered at these schools as well as mingle . Attendees and representatives enjoyed this interactive session greatly.

The panel event began later in the afternoon where the speakers who were representatives from the bar school as well as Dato Faiz from PwC had an engaging discussion moderated by Jason Yong. The end of the panel event marked the end of the day for most students and the interview sessions for selected students then commenced. Response from the participants was largely positive.The organizing committee took note of feedback provided from attendees and hope to replicate this success in the upcoming academic year.

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Corporate Events

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Corporate Events

Malaysia: Democratic Reform, Judicial Independence and Constitutional Integrity

KPUM's first UK event of the year, featuring President of the Malaysian Bar Steven Thiru and IDEAS COO Tricia Yeoh on the topic of "Malaysia: Democratic Reform, Judicial Independence and Constitutional Integrity". We'd like to thank co-hosts Suaram International for inviting these great speakers, and King's College London Malaysian Society—KCLMSoc for securing a venue for the event. Special thanks to King's College London and King's Venues for their assistance as well!

Round Table: Current Issues in Malaysian Corporate Legal Services

On the 10th of November, KPUM Fellowship Team hosted a round table event, inviting Paul Subraminiam, Yong Hon Cheong and Celine Chelladurai from Zaid Ibrahim & Co. The focus of the event was mainly with regards to the developments in the corporate legal services industry and the current legal issues in Malaysia.

The session covered issues with the plunging employment rate, equality within the employment sector, and many other commercial related issues in Malaysia, e.g. the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which was signed by countries including Malaysia. Each speaker had half an hour to speak about their respective areas of expertise. The sessions concluded with an open Q&A session, following which the students had an opportunity to network with the ZICO partners.

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Corporate Events

Career Insight With eLawyer: What Happens After Graduation?

Moot Court, Level 1, Brickfields Asia College 21 Jan 2016 2 pm–4 pm

by Maggie Cheong

It was a great pleasure to have Eddie Law, the founder of eLawyer, the No.1 Law Portal in Malaysia to share with us some career insight in an event entitled “What Happens After Graduation?”. The event was held on 21st of January 2016 (Thursday) at Brickfields Asia College, PJ Campus, in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM). Eddie had an interactive session with the students throughout the event and it was indeed insightful.  Eddie started the talk by sharing the overview on the landscape of the legal market in Malaysia. There are currently 16,989 lawyers out of the total population of 29.72 million in Malaysia, as of January 2016. This ratio shows that the legal profession is still optimistic and in high demand in Malaysia despite the myths regarding surplus of lawyers in our country. Eddie also shared that the legal industry in Malaysia has more stable employment track record as the average turnover rate in the Malaysian legal industry is relatively lower than our southern neighbour, Singapore.

Apart from that, Eddie shared the career options for law graduates and lawyers in Malaysia and broadened our view on the legal career. As law graduate and/or law student generally thought that they are restricted to go for private practice in a law firm after being called to the bar, but there are plenty of other options as well. We may venture our career as an in-house lawyer in a nonlaw firm, where the popular practising areas would be general advisory, enforcement, compliance and litigation portfolio, just to name a few here. We may also become a civil servant in the law enforcement agencies as well as judicial and legal service with the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) or the court. On the other hand, we may also choose to practise in a consulting firm after a period of time in private practice, where they are commonly focusing on areas like will and trust or intellectual property.

He also suggested some tips to the students to build their legal paths. The general point of consideration would be a balance between lifestyle and salary consideration. Some legal practitioners prefer a work-life balance culture especially those who are moving to another stage of life: building own family. Not only that, Eddie also advised the students that taking their personalities and strengths into account as it may bring significant changes in our career life.

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Corporate Events

Career Insight With eLawyer: What Happens After Graduation?

Moot Court, Level 1, Brickfields Asia College 21 Jan 2016 2 pm–4 pm

by Maggie Cheong (Continued)

Besides that, Eddie also shared with the students some insights in preparing themselves for their legal career in future. The students are encouraged to strengthen their language skills especially English due to the nature of the legal profession requires high proficiency in English. Eddie also encouraged students to be actively participating in organising university activities to obtain more exposure and networking opportunity at a younger age. To put in other words, expanding our network is essential for our career.

Eddie emphasised on the importance of reading more books, especially non-law books as it will widen our wisdom and get our perspective right. He shared and recommended three of his favourite books to the students: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy and Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi.

Furthermore, Eddie also shared a book called “To be or Not to be…

A Lawyer” by Mariette Peters; where Eddie had contributed one of the chapters in the book.

Apart from that, Eddie also mentioned that getting mentors in life is essential for a greater success. Ultimately, Eddie pointed out that a person’s attitude rise above many other attributes and qualifications. With that, Eddie shared a famous quote by Zig Ziglar: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude”.

Towards the end of the event, the students had a Q and A session with Eddie and it appeared that the students are fairly concerned with the competency of job market in the future. Questions like whether overseas graduates (BPTC) outshine the local graduates (CLP) when facing job opportunity and whether having internship experience in big or small firm will affect the employability were raised by the students. There were also students that eager to find out more about the internship opportunity at eLawyer as well.

The event ended later with presenting a token of appreciation by Declan Loke, Vice President of KPUM 2015/2016 on behalf of KPUM to Eddie Law and taking group pictures. There are a number of good feedbacks from the students and they indeed benefited greatly from the insightful informations shared by Eddie. We thank Eddie Law for his sharings and Brickfields Asia College for providing us a great venue to conduct this event. Last but not least, we thank all the attendees and members of the Union for their supports!

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Corporate Events

Professional Perspective: Rashid Ismail on Death Penalty 27 February 2016 10 am–12 pm Pusat Rakyat LB–MCCHR

The month of February is the default Human Rights month for KPUM. For the month of February, we have some events, competition, and workshop planned in the UK and Malaysia.

While most Commonwealth countries retaining the death penalty have done away the mandatory sentance, Malaysia alongside with Singapore are the few countries who have continued to uphold the mandatory death penalty in the face of constitutional challenges. i.e. Yong Vui Kong v Public Prosecutor.

Rashid Ismail is the former president of HAKAM, the National Human Rights Society. A practicing lawyer and also a vocal activist on the abolishment of death penalty.

Law Firm Tour to Albar & Partners 29 June 2016

by Tan Jin Chi

The event “Albar & Partners Law Firm Tour 2016” was held on the 29th of June 2016. The event started off with a warm welcome given by Albar to the participants, where they hand out notebooks, pens and even customized name tags to the participants. A total of 21 people registered with KPUM but only 16 of them turned up. The participants were then escorted to their conference room and was greeted by Ms. Phang Sweet Ping, risk, and knowledge management partner. Ms. Phang greeted each of the participants and chatted with them while waiting for the remaining participants to arrive at Albar.

The event started off with Ms. Phang introducing the background and history of Albar to the participants. Ms. Phang spoke about its founder as well as the different departments of Albar itself. Albar also welcomes internship but applicants have to make it through the human resources department first. Ms. Phang also spoke about career development and chambering experience in Albar. 2 partners of Albar joined the event after their respective meeting. They are Ms. Seet Hooi Ping and also Ms. Cassandra Hogg. Ms. Phang introduces both of them to the participants and also spoke a little on the topic of presentation which is—B&F/ Capital Market.

Both of the partners spoke about how tedious it can be working on this particular legal area. Both of them have next to little interest in litigation and ended up venturing into this legal area. Ms. Seet highlighted the importance of having a good portfolio as well as business ethics in handling capital market. There are many lawyers dealing with the same issues but there will also be reasons or factors that motivate clients to come back to you. Ms. Seet also highlighted the importance of having good communication and language skill ie English. Good punctuation, grammar, choice of words as well as consistency are crucial. These are one of the best advice that law students must take home with them.

The session was then, taken over by Ms. Cassandra Hogg, a corporate partner in Albar. Ms. Cassandra says that working in corporate can be very stressful. A dispute can happen over a single word during drafting for the whole day. Extra care also had to be taken to prevent them ending in jail themselves. Working in the corporate legal field is certainly not easy. Participants are also shocked when Ms. Cassandra shared her experience of spending the night in the firm itself without actually going back home. After both presentations by both partners, the floor was opened to the participants to ask their questions. They all received good advice and also answers to their inquiries. Ms. Phang then later invited the partici-

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Law Firm Tour to Albar & Partners 29 June 2016

by Tan Jin Chi (Continued)

pants to proceed to smaller rooms where food was served. Some interns, junior associate as well as chambering law graduate also joined the participants for a mini luncheon. All of them chatted during the mini luncheon session, and the participants gained more insights from different parties. It was indeed, a fruitful session. The participants gained valuable advice ranging from litigation, criminal litigation work to commercial legal work.

The participants are then divided into 2 groups and escorted to tour around Albar firm itself. The participants visited the library of Albar, various departments of Albar as well as a “chillax” room used by the employees to relax. The whole experience was something new to the participants. After the law firm tour, Ms. Phang further invited all of the participants to mingle a little longer. This event came to an end with a group photo as well as the presentation of a token of appreciation from KPUM’s president, Lee Su Wen as well as Malaysia representative, Tan Jin Chi to Ms. Phang.

Various feedback forms were also handed out to the participants to improve future events. After analyzing the feedback forms, KPUM is happy to announce that the response from participants are very positive and constructive. On behalf of KPUM, we would like to thank Albar & Partners once again for this wonderful opportunity.

ZICOlaw UK Tour 2015 7–21 November 2015

We’d like to thank ZICOlaw, all participants and everyone else that made this possible. Special thanks to Paul Subramaniam, Celine Chelladurai and Yong Hon Cheong of ZICOlaw and ZICO holdings for specially making a trip to the UK. This year the tour covered 5 areas in the UK ( London, Cardiff, Manchester, Warwick and Nottingham).

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Careers Development: ASASI Internship Programme 2016, 30 Days of Summer Internship Programme 2016, Beyond the Bar Internship Programme 2016

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Careers Development: ASASI Internship Programme 2016

What is ASASI?

ASASI is an internship programme by KPUM, the Malaysian Law Students Union of the United Kingdom and Eire. A pioneering project under KPUM’s new human rights and activism portfolio led by JoFan Pang, this internship programme focuses on human rights and activism in the legal profession – an area so vital, yet not given the attention that it deserves.

Why ASASI?

One word: exposure. Law students nowadays would mostly be on the lookout for big name firms, viewing the legal profession solely as a money-making platform. Now this isn’t wrong, but one must remember Section 42(1) of the Legal Profession Act 1976, which clearly states that the role of the Malaysian Bar (and all it’s members, i.e. lawyers) is to“uphold the cause of justice… without fear or favour”. As readers of the law, we are not only given a statutory duty to uphold justice, rule of law and condemn oppression, but we also have a higher moral obligation to actively promote these values in whatever way we can.

Through the various internship opportunities and activities that go beyond office hours, ASASI aims to provide such an exposure to every single intern within the span of two months. Although one may not be able to grasp everything during that short period of time, we believe that any exposure is good exposure as we aim to widen the perspectives of these participants to the many possibilities of branching out within the legal profession itself. Hopefully, we would also be able to see “graduates” of this programme searching for more of such internship opportunities to further hone their personal capacities, or to get involved with one of the many movements currently in existence.

We also most certainly wish to provide an opportunity for those already eager to pursue this area of legal practice, but who do not know where to begin.

That being said, for those already experienced volunteers in civil society initiatives and who have had prior experience, then perhaps this internship programme is not for you. Bear in mind that we should always aspire to train, equip and share with others.

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Careers Development: ASASI Internship Programme 2016

Eligibility

ANY Malaysian law student currently studying either in the UK or Malaysia will be eligible for this internship programme.

Partners

1) Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) 2) CPPS/ASLI 3) Fahri Azzat 4) Honey Tan 5) Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) 6) Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) 7) Malik Imtiaz 8) Penang Institute (KL Base) 9) Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER) 10) Shook Lin & Bok (SLB) 11) Sisters In Islam (SIS) 12) Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) 13) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)

Selected Applicants (In correspond to the list of partners)

1) Phoebe Klaire Anak Biga & Sophia Liew Yii Lin 2) Alicia Tan Yuh Wen 3) Dhanyaa Shreeya Sukumar 4) Lee Su Wen 5) Mary Li Ming Lin & Krystal Chiam Lynn 6) Faith Chan Mei Kheng 7) Pang Wilson 8) Nachatira Thuraichamy 9) Tan Jin Chi 10) Ooi Li Jean 11) Charmayne Fung Wei En 12) Sherise Sarah Vergis & Michelle Liu Jo Yee 13) Himin Ng

Applicant Figures

University of Kent: 1 University of Nottingham: 2 King’s College London: 1 Cardiff University: 1 University of Sheffield: 2 Brickfields Asia College: 5 University of Manchester: 5 University of Liverpool: 1 HELP University: 1 SOAS, UoL: 1 Cardiff University: 1 Advance Tertiary College: 3 University of Birmingham: 1 Taylor’s Law School: 1 Total: 26 (14 Universities)

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Careers Development: 30 Days of Summer Internship Programme 2016

What is 30 Days of Summer (SIP) Internship Programme?

30 Days of Summer (SIP) is a 2-month long internship programme where participants intern with 2 of the participating commercial law firms in Malaysia, a month each, from 4 July–31 August 2016.

It stands out from other internships as it gives students the opportunity to participate in side events held in collaboration with our various partners. Some of the side events organised last year include mooting sessions at Thomas Philip, roundtable discussions at ZICOlaw and talks at Skrine and Christopher & Lee Ong. SIP also provides a space for interns to form a support community, where interns share their experiences with each other.

Our Partners

Albar & Partners Ariff Rozhan & Co Azmi & Associates Christopher & Lee Ong Hafarizam Wan & Aisha Mubarak Lee Hishammudin Allen & Gledhill Raja, Darryl & Loh Skrine Thomas Philip ZICOlaw

Side Events

We are in the midst of collaborating with the participating firms to come up with an exciting line-up of side events. Confirmed side events at the moment include a moot with Thomas Philip and a roundtable discussion with ZICOlaw.

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Careers Development: 30 Days of Summer Internship Programme 2016

Eligibility

SIP is open to all Malaysian law students, whether studying locally or overseas, part-time or full time.

The Interns

1. Amira Jafri, University of Manchester 2. Andrea Wong, University of Liverpool 3. Bei-Zhen Tan, King’s College London 4. Brandon Ang, University of Reading 5. Chooi Yau Chong, University of Manchester 6. Chun Hao Ng, University of Cambridge 7. Darinee Kunasegaran, University College London 8. David Au, City Law School 9. Ee Na Teo, King’s College London 10. Hwe-Ming Tan, University of Bristol 11. Janice Ooi, University College London 12. Jay Teo, University of Bristol 13. Jia Shern Neoh, University of Leeds 14. Jia Yi Cheng, University of Warwick 15. Jia Yun Teh, London School of Economics and Political Science 16. Jiah Yen Lee, University of Warwick 17. Kar Man Chong, Advance Tertiary College 18. Qi Xiang Kwang, University of Nottingham 19. Shu Fei Lim, University of Oxford 20. Szehui Ng, London School of Economics and Political Science 21. Wan Ye Loo, Cardiff University 22. Wen Thong Chen, University of Exeter 23. Zhao Wang Teo, King’s College London

Applicant Figures

Advance Tertiery College: 1 Brickfields Asia College: 3 Cardiff University: 3 City Law School: 2 King’s College London: 3 London School of Economics and Political Science: 2 Oxford Brookes University: 2 Queen’s University Belfast: 4 SOAS: 1 University College London: 3 University of Bristol: 2 University of Cambridge: 1 University of Essex: 1 University of Exeter: 2 University of Hull: 1 University of Leeds: 2 University of Liverpool: 3 University of London International Programme: 3 University of Manchester: 7 University of Nottingham: 2 University of Oxford: 1 University of Readng: 3 University of Sheffield: 1 Universiy of Warwick: 4 University of Hertfordshire: 3 Total Universities: 29 Total Applicants: 60

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Careers Development: Beyond the Bar Internship Programme 2016

What is Beyond the Bar?

Beyond the Bar is a structured non-law internship programme designed to provide law students a foretaste of what it is like to work in a non-legal setting. In Beyond The Bar, you will have the opportunity to intern in a firm of your choice from our pool of diverse partners such as audit firms, banks, publication firms, public service and many more for a period of 8 weeks.

What makes Beyond the Bar so special?

This is a new initiative and the first structured non-law internship programme specially designed for law students. We believe that diversity is strength and that university is the best time to explore different career options to widen your exposure.

Opportunity to participate in a series of exciting side events hosted by our prominent partners during the internship period. Examples of side-events include case-based challenges, roundtables and many more to provide networking opportunities and diversified exposure to different career fields.

Beyond the Bar provides a space for interns to form a support community, where interns share their experiences with each other.

Partners

CIMB Ernst & Young (EY) Institute For Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Malaysiakini OCBC PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) TalentCorp Teach For Malaysia YB Nancy Shukri (Prime Minister’s Office)

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Careers Development

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Careers Development: Beyond the Bar Internship Programme 2016

The Interns

YB Nancy Shukri Wong Xiao Shan Hanis Ismail Wong Fook Jian Malaysiakini Goh Cia Yee CIMB Santhiya Chandran PwC Sharifah Yasmin Teach For Malaysia Grace Chai Huey Yann

Applicant Figures

Aberystwyth University: 1 Advance Tertiary College: 2 Brickfields Asia College: 2 City Law School: 1 HELP University: 1 Kings College London: 1 Queens University Belfast: 1 SOAS: 1 University of Birmingham: 2 University of Bristol: 4 University of Essex: 2 University of Hull: 2 University of Leeds: 1 University of Liverpool: 3 University of London International Programme: 2 University of Manchester: 5 University of Reading: 3 University of Sheffield: 2 University of Warwick: 3

Total Universities: 19 Total Applicants: 39

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Careers Development

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Fellowship: The Fellowship Department, KPUM LEXiCON Symposium

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

The Fellowship Department

Who are we?

The KPUM Fellowship is the department in KPUM which seeks to empower Law students by providing a platform for them to develop their interests in chosen areas of law and to engage with the public about Malaysian law through various projects.

What projects have we carried out thus far?

The KPUM Fellowship Blog: features posts about Malaysian law, current legal issues in Malaysia and activities of the Fellowship The KPUM Human Rights Law Journal: features articles on current human rights issues in Malaysia LEXiCON Law Symposium 2015: a conference featuring a diverse range of panellists who spoke about current legal issues in Malaysia.

How can you contribute as a Fellow?

We are currently looking for writers for our blog and Human Rights Law Journal!

If you are a Law student intending to practise in Malaysia, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about Malaysian laws, as well as various legal and human rights issues in Malaysia.

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Fellowship

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

KPUM LEXiCON Symposium

Report for KPUM LEXiCON Symposium

On the 12th of September, KPUM held its inaugural LEXiCON Law Symposium at the Brickfields Asia College Petaling Jaya campus. A conference organised by law students, for law students, LEXiCON is an initiative under KPUM’s Fellowship department.

The event took place from 9.30am to 5.30pm with about 200 participants in attendance.

Five topics were chosen as the focus of LEXiCON this year – the Reform of Legislatures, International Arbitration, Environmental law, Anti-terrorism law and Hudud law – the sessions were conducted in that order. Besides panel discussions lasting about an hour each, LEXiCON kicked off with a series of half-hour workshops on each panel, to give participants a crash course on the topics.

The first panels of the day were the Reform of Legislatures and International Arbitration panels. The Reform of Legislatures panel consisted of YB Zairil Khir Johari and Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah.

YB Zairil said that reforms to set up more select committees & to have Parliament sit for more days in a year were not difficult to implement. Dato’ Saifuddin highlighted the possibility of reforms towards proportional representation in the Dewan Negara. Both cited the need for greater access for legislators to government data.

The International Arbitration panel centred on the sustainability of the confidentiality principle of international arbitration, in light of recent attacks on arbitration’s legitimacy. Discussing opposing sides of the topic on the day were Rajendra Navaratnam of Azman, Davidson and Co. and Alan Gomez of Tommy Thomas. Supporting confidentiality in arbitration, Rajendra referred to the review mechanisms of arbitration institutions and the role of market forces in enhancing the quality of arbitrators as compelling justifications for maintaining existing confidentiality rules and practices. Opposing this view, Alan argued that confidentiality stymies the development of legal precedents which, in turn, undermines the quality of arbitral awards.

(Continue on the next page)

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

KPUM LEXiCON Symposium

Report for KPUM LEXiCON Symposium (Continued)

During the subsequent Environmental Law panel, Miss Lavanya Rama Iyer from WWF Malaysia highlighted the flaws in current policies emphasising capitalistic gain at the expense of the environment. There were also lengthy discussions on the plight of the ‘orang asal’ and the unsatisfactory safeguards protecting them and the forests that are crucial to their lifestyles. Associate Professor Dr. Azmi Sharom pointed out the differences in the legal regime for East and West Malaysia and suggested applying the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a way forward. Nevertheless, it was very heartening to notice the increased judicial activism in East Malaysia as well as moves to establish a Green Court encompassing both civil and criminal matters related to the environment from Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Richard Malanjum: the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak himself.

The session on the Prevention of Terrorism Act featured two opposing speakers. Mr Faidhur Rahman from the NGO Young Professionals argued that the Act is necessary to protect collective rights, including the security of persons and property, even if it is at the expense of some individual rights. He disagreed with the idea that all preventative laws must be counter productive to democracy, stating that the law will serve the “greater good”. YB Wong Chen, MP of Kelana Jaya, conversely argued that that the Act is not actually responding to any real threat and instead works to instil fear into citizens. He also suggested that the motivation behind the Act is to pander to American interests. While conceding that the Act is marginally better than the ISA, some provisions in the Act cause concern, stating that any inclusion of judicial scrutiny amounts to no more than the “rubber stamping” of executive decisions.

The final panel was on Hudud law, featuring Professor Shamrahayu from International Islamic University Malaysia, Fatihah Jamhari from Concerned Lawyers for Justice and Datuk Malik Imtiaz from Messrs Imtiaz. Attendees of the LEXiCON 2015’s Hudud Law panel were surprised to hear that the Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (II) (1993) 2015 was tabled without prior consultation with the Putrajaya-Kelantan technical committee on hudud, whose terms of reference included a mandate to assist the Kelantan state government in the implementation of hudud. Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz, a member of the committee says that the committee was not given an opportunity to scrutinize the bill, which all members of the LEXiCON panel agreed contained several errors and lacunas.

To end the day, the KPUM President, Lee Su Wen, gave a closing speech. She thanked the LEXiCON working committee for their great work and also introduced KPUM’s vision and direction for the next year to the students and guests in attendance. Overall, the inaugural conference was executed fairly smoothly and the KPUM Fellowship intends to make it an annual event, as we strongly believe that it helps empower law students with better knowledge of Malaysian law.

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Miscellaneous and Upcoming Events

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Upcoming Events

Strategic Litigation Camp

The Strategic Litigation Camp is a platform to empower students with litigation skills, the application of international human rights norms, as well as sharpen your knowledge in human rights!

KPUM, alongside MCCHR, is organising a 3 day 2 night camp to train the best bright young minds out there.Â

KPUM Annual Dinner 2016

This is a formal, black tie event that celebrates the new heights that KPUM has managed to reach this year. We have invited many law firms to join us, and represents an opportunity for all members of KPUM to dine together in a formal setting.

Parallel to our vision to empower our members, this event will also AWARD deserving law students under our jurisdiction who have stood out academically and non-academically in the term 2015/2016. Details are as follow: Date : 20th August 2016 (Saturday) Time : 6 pm–10:30 pm Venue : The Westin, Kuala Lumpur Ticket Price : Early Bird Price (RM80 only for the first 25 tickets) Standard Price (RM100)

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Miscellaneous & Upcoming Events

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Upcoming Events

Law Reform Competition 2016

#PRU is a pioneering event of the KPUM, furthering the mission of ‘uniting the law students, empowering the future lawyers, and furthering the rule of law’. Law reform is the process of modifying and updating laws so that they are concurrent with societal changes and better reflect the current values and needs of the society.

This competition aims to provide a platform for Malaysian students, especially those who are studying law, to engage with the legal developments of the country and to suggest ways to improve the existing Malaysian legal framework.

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Miscellaneous & Upcoming Events

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: July 2015 – May 2016

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 31 July 2015

On The Suspension of The Edge and Blocking of Sarawak Report

The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) notes with serious concern the three-month suspension of newspaper The Edge’s publishing permit, immediately following its coverage on the ongoing 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.[1] Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s earlier statement that the publication and its owner should be held responsible “for publishing inaccurate reports and false information”.[2] In a letter to the company, the Home Ministry deemed their 1MDB coverage “prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to public order, security or likely to alarm public opinion or is likely to be prejudicial to public and national interest”.[3] However, it has not been made clear what aspect of The Edge’s coverage is actually prejudicial to public interest, public order or public security. The assertion that the reports were false and inaccurate, or that they may have been based on tampered documents,[4] should first have been confirmed and substantiated before taking any action against the newspaper at all.

In fact, the potential mismanagement of a state-owned strategic investment company is a matter of intense public interest, and The Edge’s 1MDB reports should have been cause for further investigation, not suppression. To justify such heavy-handed action against media outlets would cripple the press’ ability to report on any potential scandal or otherwise keep the government accountable.

The Union echoes the Bar Council’s criticism of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984[5] as “offensive to the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution”.[6] We submit that the discretion of the Home Ministry to unconditionally suspend or revoke publishing permits without any form of accountability allows the government undue influence over the press and is an infringement on the freedom of press that is integral to any democracy.

The Act also stands in contrast to the international community at large. Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks of the freedom to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. [7] In addition, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) also makes mention of the freedom to “seek, receive and impart information…in writing or in print”.[8] Regrettably, Malaysia has not signed, much less ratified, the ICCPR.[9] The Union urges the government to take necessary steps to ensure Malaysia is on par with international standards of press freedom and human rights.

Strong safeguards protecting freedom of expression in the country are essential for an independent press. A free press serves as a valuable check against abuse of power, and an effective platform for disseminating information and public education.

By the same token, the Union also expresses its strong concern with the blocking of whistleblower websiteSarawak Report.[10] The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) decision to restrict access to the site is blatant censorship, and lies in clear contravention to MSC Malaysia’s Bill of Guarantees[11] and the government’s promise in 1996 not to censor the Internet.[12]

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 31 July 2015

On The Suspension of The Edge and Blocking of Sarawak Report (Continued)

There are of course valid concerns over journalistic ethics that require consideration. Newspapers and media outlets should not be able to publish anything without regulation. However, the Union opines that regulation of the press should be independent of the government. A Media Council or Media Ombudsperson would perhaps be better placed for this, as the Bar Council has also suggested in the past.[13] Such a body, consisting of representatives from the press itself (as well as other non-government representatives) would create an effective separation of power. Such a council would be well-placed to deal with the question of The Edge’s use of promised payments to secure information and evidence, for instance.[14] To wit, the Union calls for an immediate reversal of The Edge’s suspension and the abolishment of the PPPA 1984, in order to secure for Malaysia the press freedom, accountability and freedom of speech any vibrant democracy should possess.

Uniting Law Students, Empowering Future Lawyers, Furthering the Rule of Law. On behalf of the Union, Lee Su Wen President 2015/16, Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia di UK & Eire (KPUM).

(Note: The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) is a non-partisan union that represents the interests of law students. It seeks to speak out on current issues that are of interest to law students, including those that involve human rights.)

[1] http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysia-orders-suspension-of-two-publications-1437733153 [2] http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/01/Home-Ministry-The-Edge-letter/ [3] http://www.theedgemarkets.com/my/article/malaysia-suspendsedge-publishing-permit-3-months-over-1mdb [4] http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/the-edgewarned-over-reporting-tampered-information-on-1mdb [5] http://www.agc.gov.my/images/Personalisation/Buss/pdf/Federal%20Consti%20(BI%20text).pdf [6] http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_release_repeal_the_printing_presses_and_publications_act_independent_regulation_to_preserve_independence_of_media.html [7] http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ [8] http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/ccpr.aspx [9] http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/md-treaties [10] http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/07/19/MCMC-block-sarawak-report/ [11] http://www.mscmalaysia.my/bogs#bog7 [12] http://chedet.cc/?p=441 [13] http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_release_repeal_the_printing_presses_and_publications_act_independent_regulation_to_preserve_independence_of_media.html [14] http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/the-edgeowner-and-editor-admit-misled-justo-over-us2m-payment-for-stolen-d

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 7 October 2015

On the Federal Court decision in Public Prosecutor v Azmi Sharom Note: The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) is a non-partisan union that represents the interests of Malaysian law students primarily in the UK, and for those enrolled in a UK degree program in Malaysia. It seeks to speak out on current issues that are of interest to law students, including those that involve human rights.

The United Kingdom and Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) notes with disappointment and concern the Federal Court’s decision on 6 October 2015 in the case ofPublic Prosecutor v Azmi Sharom regarding the constitutionality of the Sedition Act 1948.

The Union reiterates its previous criticisms of the Act. “Sedition” and “seditious tendency” remain poorly-defined, unreasonably broad terms that may easily be construed to encompass a wide variety of actions. It is a creature of British colonialism used to target dissent, and one that Parliament has regrettably expanded towards abusive ends over the decades.

Such a relic of British imperialism has no place in modern society, much less in a country that was once subject to that same colonial oppression. It stands in stark contradiction to widely-accepted international standards of human rights and freedom of expression, such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—a treaty that Malaysia has regrettably neither signed nor ratified.

As such, the Union is dismayed that the learned judges of the Federal Court did not take the opportunity to uphold the freedom of speech, assembly and association provided for by Article 10 of the Federal Constitution against the grossly disproportionate derogations from those rights in the Sedition Act. The Union reserves its full appraisal of the matter until the release of the Federal Court’s full written judgment. In brief, however, we are surprised that the Court does not consider the Act’s connection to exceptions outlined in Article 10(2)(a) too remote. The broad nature of “seditious tendency” and the current slate of sedition charges pending against various politicians, activists and members of civil society speak in fact to the Act’s remoteness as far as justifications of national security, public order or public morality are concerned.

By the same token, we are of the view that the Act also fails the proportionality test expounded in the case of Sivarasa Rasiah v Badan Peguam Malaysia & Anor (a test the Federal Court has upheld). The Union is of the opinion that the Court ought to sustain the approach of reading Constitutional freedoms generously, rather than narrowly as they appear to have done.

Furthermore, we continue to express our solidarity with the larger student body in Malaysia. Several students are facing charges under the Act and we believe it is an unacceptable targeting of student participation in the political process.

The Union once again calls on Parliament to abolish the Act, in line with Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak’s 2012 pledge. #MansuhAktaHasutan Uniting Law Students, Empowering Future Lawyers, Furthering the Rule of Law. On behalf of the Union, Lee Su Wen President 2015/16, Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia di UK & Eire (KPUM)

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 3 November 2015

UKEC Annual General Meeting 2015: Words from the President and Vice President of KPUM

UKEC AGM Day 1, 31st October 2015 Today we were at the Malaysian High Commission representing this Union at United Kingdom & Eire Council of Malaysian Students (UKEC)'s Annual General Meeting 2015. Both of us had a vote each in the election of the new UKEC committee for 2015/16 in our capacities as Supreme Councillors of UKEC. A New Voting System, and a New Member of the Supreme Council The Supreme Council passed two special motions, first to amend the voting system from First Past the Post to Alternative Voting (one that KPUM has already adopted in our recent AGM). Other than that, the Council also voted to include Malaysian Medics International UK in the Supreme Council. Welcome, MMI UK! Chairperson's Showdown Of the Executive Committee that was elected in today's AGM, of note was the fierce yet commendably civil Chairperson's Debate between Chairperson candidates Faridah Faiz and Daniel Subramaniam. The Union applauds the overall progressive stances and innovative recommendations put forward by both candidates as well as the questions posed during the entire AGM by both the Supreme Councillors and members of the public. There was a high level of engagement from all the different stakeholders, and we hope the newly elected Committee will continue pushing this further and further.

A Tip of the Hat We also note with pleasant surprise the frequency with which KPUM's name was mentioned throughout the AGM. References were made to the Union's work numerous times during the elections, debate of motions, etc. Most of it was in regards to our work in the past year, which safe to say saw one of the most amazing years we have experienced as a Union. A lot of it were indirect references to our stances and work, especially on current issues that affect the student population. It seems to us that our work the entire past year had not gone unnoticed, especially on the student organisation scene, and it is wonderful to feel like all the work of the past and present Executive Committees, Executives, Ambassadors and Fellows have been recognised. Rest assured, we will continue doing what we do, as well as pushing the boundaries in an attempt to break new ground.

A New ChairDan, A New Direction Congratulations once again to the new UKEC Executive Council, especially the newly elected Chairman *drumroll* Daniel Subramaniam. We look forward to working together throughout the next year.

Now, on to the 2nd day of the #UKECAGM2015 tomorrow where apart from the Regional Chairpeople elections, the motions we have submitted will also be tabled.

UKEC AGM Day 2, 1st Nov 2015 Non-Regional Chairperson On the second day of UKEC's AGM, KPUM proposed a motion to create a new post of Non-Regional Chairperson in the Executive Council of UKEC. For context purposes, other than the core UKEC Executive Council there are 12 Regional Chairpersons who represent the Malaysian societies in their particular region. However,

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 3 November 2015

UKEC Annual General Meeting 2015: Words from the President and Vice President of KPUM (Continued)

student organisations that are not based in London but rather cover the entire UK (such as KPUM, MMI UK and MACFIS) are all lumped together under the Regional Chairperson for London.

Therefore, KPUM proposed for a motion to have those student organisations come under the jurisdiction of a new, Non-Regional Chairperson as this will enable such organisations to have better representation, relevancy and voice at the Executive level in UKEC. This motion was passed by the Supreme Council.

Due to time constraints, this non-Regional Chairperson could not be elected at the current AGM. After discussions between KPUM and MMI UK (the Supreme Councillors from MACFIS were not present), it was decided that UKEC would appoint a non-Regional Chairperson upon the advice of the organisations who will come under the jurisdiction of this new non-Regional Chairperson. We will announce your new non-Regional Chairperson to you as soon as UKEC appoints one!

KPUM's Motions KPUM also proposed a further 2 motions: 1) A suggestion that Malaysian societies in the Supreme Council should change their stance of avoiding politics (non-political) to a stance of non-partisanship (not supporting any one party), especially when it comes to discussing issues that are relevant to students. The Union notes that Malaysian student societies and organisations are inherently political creatures as their officers are elected based on their manifestos and policies, and as such it is illogical to maintain politics to be a taboo topic, as is so often the case. The Union further postulates that not only is this a denial of our day-to-day realities, but also a significant handicap on the potential for Malaysian student societies and organisations to champion crucial student interests, for instance the rise in international student tuition fees in the UK, or employability.

However, this motion was defeated by an overwhelming 2 for, 26 against, and 6(?) abstaining. Amongst the reasons put forward were that being vocal on such issues may dissuade sponsors from sponsoring the Malaysian societies. Regardless, we still consider this a victory as it managed to spark heated debate over the matter.

For that, we humbly thank every Supreme Councillor present for considering our motion and for participating in a fierce but substantial discussion.

2) As a Union and as part of the Supreme Council, we noticed the difficulty for Malaysian Societies, especially the smaller ones, to acquire funding for the projects and events they have in mind.

Hence we saw the need for a mandate that UKEC shall create a mechanism for Malaysian societies and organisations under its jurisdiction to apply for financial aid (be it grants or loans) if they so need, together with accountability mechanisms in place for this application process.

After brief questions as to the implementation (which we proposed to be entirely up to UKEC's discretion), the motion was passed overwhelmingly, by a unanimous vote from the Supreme Council.

An Independent Review Body: For Greater Accountability Next on the list was a motions passed in UKEC's OGM in March,

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Official Statement: 3 November 2015

UKEC Annual General Meeting 2015: Words from the President and Vice President of KPUM (Continued)

namely the appointment of an Independent Review Body meant to monitor and to hold accountable the elected candidates for their election promises and manifestos. This is to ensure accountability and also transparency, a direction that KPUM is happy to see UKEC moving towards increasingly. The discussion concerned the make up of the body, and who should sit on it. Manchester Malaysian Society proposed a suggestion for 13 Supreme Councillors (one from each Region and the Non-Region) to sit on this Body. Nottingham Malaysian Society pointed out the need for equal gender representation, suggesting an added layer of requirement—that there be an equal number of males and females represented in this Body. There were three structures proposed: for the body to be made up of 13 Supreme Councillors, 13 Councillors and 1 Member of the Public in attendance on that day or the structure proposed by the Reading Malaysian Society—where 2 Supreme Councillors will be elected on the day itself—one male, one female—and they would proceed to open applications to the public. Arguments for all structures were made, with the majority voting for the second structure—to have 13 Supreme Councillors who are in attendance to be elected, representing each region along with 1 open to the Member of the Public who were observing this year’s UKEC AGM throughout the two days.

Nik Azmi from London was nominated by Imperial College London Malaysian Society as the Member of the Public who would sit on this Review Body. After a simple majority voting for this proposal, Nik Azmi is now the only person to be on this Independent Review Body, whereas the other 13 Supreme Councillors will be elected in due course (or so we have been told). The Union applauds the inclusive direction taken by the Supreme Councillors and UKEC by including a member of the public on this Independent Review Body.

To Conclude We are glad to have been a part of this year’s #UKECAGM2015. We saw a huge shift in participation amongst the Supreme Councillors, in part from UKEC’s inclusive efforts. Furthermore, the Union appreciates the debates and discussions that we sparked and the SCs actively participated in. We hope to see this increasing momentum of participation and progressiveness continue with the new Executive Council in office.

In service of the Union, Lee Su Wen & Jason Yong President & Vice President (UK) 2015/16

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 15 November 2015

Joint Statement on the Recent Acts of Violence

In light of the recent events in Paris and around the world, some of which have not received enough media attention (for example the attacks in Beirut), we, the Malaysian students of the UK and Ireland condemn the acts of violence that have transpired. We stand in solidarity with the families of those affected, the authorities involved and the grieving cities. We recognise however, that this attack is an attack on the ideals of tolerance and moderation. This makes all who do not believe in the ideals of the perpetrators, targets. We oppose this extremism and we are committed to the promotion of tolerance and moderation.

We hope for the continued safety of all. We urge all Malaysians particularly in Paris and France to contact the Malaysian Embassy (+33145531185 or +33632606184) in the event of an emergency and to keep track of any ongoing developments in the interest of their own safety.

Supporting Malaysian Societies GenCorporate International Council of Malaysian Scholars MPUK Malaysian Medics International UK KPUM MACFIS MASUK University College London Malaysian Society Imperial College Union Malaysian Society Kings College London Malaysian Society London School of Economics Malaysia Club Queen Mary University of London Malaysian Society City University Malaysian Society The University of Westminster Malaysian Society Brunel University Malaysian Student Association University of East London Malaysian Society School of Oriental & African Studies Malaysian Society Warwick Malaysian Student Association Keele University Malaysian Society Oxford Brookes University Malaysian Society Aston University Malaysian Society Coventry University Malaysian Society University of Birmingham Malaysian Society Oxford University Malaysia Club Birmingham Malaysian Society Cardiff University Malaysian Society Malaysian Association of Swansea University Malaysian Society, Aberystwyth University of Newcastle Malaysian Society Northumbria Malaysian Society Durham University Malaysian Society University of Kent Malaysian Society University of Sussex Malaysian Society University of Portsmouth Malaysian Society Reading University Malaysian, Bruneian and Singaporean Association Malaysian Student Association Southampton Malaysian Student Society Surrey University of Bath Malaysian Society Exeter Malaysian Student Society University of West England Malaysian Society

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KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 15 November 2015

Joint Statement on the Recent Acts of Violence (Continued)

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Malay Cultural Society University of Bristol Malaysian and Singaporean Student Association Bristol University of Plymouth Malaysian Society Edinburgh Malaysian Student Association St Andrew Malaysian International Group Dundee University Malaysian Society Strathclyde University Malaysian Society Malaysian Aberdonian Students Association (MASA) Glasgow University Malaysian Society Herriot Watt Malaysian Society University of Nottingham Malaysian Society Nottingham Trent University Malaysian Society Loughborough University Malaysian and Singaporean Student Society Leicester University Malaysian Society University of York Malaysian Society Leeds University Malaysian Society (LUMSOC) Leeds Beckett Malaysian Society Leeds University Malaysian and Singaporean Society Sheffield University Malaysian And Singaporean Society Sheffield Malaysian Students Association Hull University Malaysian Society Cambridge University Malaysian Society University of Essex Malaysian Students Society University of East Anglia Malaysian Society Manchester Students Society Lancaster University Malaysian Students Society Liverpool Malaysian Society Malaysian Society, National University of Ireland Galway (MSNuig) Trinity College Dublin Cork PPMC Dublin Business School Malaysian Society Belfast (MSSNI) Queen’s University of Belfast Malay Club Dublin PPIM PMCSA UCD Ireland Malaysian Society

Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 9 December 2015

On the National Security Council Bill 2015

The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) notes with serious alarm the recent passing of the National Security Council Bill 2015 in the Dewan Rakyat. The Bill, which proposes to grant new, considerable powers to the National Security Council (NSC),[1] was passed a mere two days after it was tabled in Parliament.[2] Undermining fundamental constitutional principles The Union submits that the Bill is unconstitutional, pursuant to Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution.[3] The Bill gives the Prime Minister the ability to declare ‘security areas’ where relevant authorities will have ‘special powers’ to deal with threats in the interests of national security. In effect, the Bill would grant to the Prime Minister powers which are constitutionally vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong; Article 150 of the Federal Constitution confers powers upon the Agong to ‘issue a Proclamation of Emergency’ where it ‘is satisfied that a grave emergency exists’. This makes the constitutionality of the Bill suspect, and is a clear attempt to circumvent Article 150.

Furthermore, the membership of the Council quashes any notion of independence or impartiality in its operations, and includes no system of check-and-balance. The Prime Minister will be Chairman of the Council, whilst the other members—the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Communication and Multimedia, the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Chief of Defence Forces and the Inspector General of Police[4]—are all appointed by the Prime Minister. These other Council members play only an advisory role in the Chairman’s decisions. As the Prime Minister can appoint and dismiss them as he pleases, the Bill effectively confers broad unilateral and discretionary powers to the Prime Minister.

In essence, the NSC would be run entirely by the Prime Minister.

Rather than functioning as an independent body within government, the NSC as envisioned in the Bill would only further concentrate power in the executive branch of government, undermining the check-and-balance system that an adherence to the principle of separation of powers would provide.

Undermining fundamental liberties The powers conferred upon the Council by the NSC Bill are of a wide and discretionary nature. It allows for the Prime Minister to declare a security area ‘if he considers it to be necessary in the interest of national security’.[5] The declaration only takes effect for six months, but the Prime Minister may unilaterally extend the period of the declaration as many times as he wishes.[6] The Bill sets out that ‘national security’ may (non-exhaustively) include ‘sovereignty, territorial integrity, defence, socio-political stability, economic stability, strategic resources, [and] national unity’,[7] but the Bill does not otherwise define the term formally.[8] The Council’s functions is ‘to formulate policies and strategic measures on national security’[9] with the power ‘to do all things necessary or expedient’[10] in relation to national security. Within a ‘security area’, the NSC may appoint a Director of Operations (DO),[11] who may set curfews, exclude or evacuate persons and control the movements of persons and vehicles.[12] In addition, the DO may take possession of land and buildings, command the use of resources and utilities and order the destruction of unoc-

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 9 December 2015

On the National Security Council Bill 2015 (Continued)

cupied buildings.[13] Any Security Forces deployed in the area will also be armed with significant powers to arrest, stop and search individuals, enter and search any premises, seize vehicles and use ‘reasonable and necessary’ force.[14] More chillingly, the Bill empowers Magistrates and coroners to ‘dispense with the holding of a death inquiry or inquest’ of persons killed in the ‘security area’, if they are satisfied that ‘the person has been killed in the security area as a result of operations undertaken by the Security Forces for the purpose of enforcing any written laws’.[15] Security Forces in the area will in essence have carte blanche to use disproportionate force, so long as it is part of their operations or in the enforcement of ‘any written laws’. The broad and unchecked nature of this law would create a substantial risk of abuse[16]—a rule of men rather than law.

Conclusion The Union once again reiterates that this Bill is an unprecedented threat to the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution in Malaysia. This proposed legislation threatens to usurp powers constitutionally vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The membership of the Council is blatantly non-independent, and serves at the pleasure of the Prime Minister. The Council concentrates yet more power in the hands of members of the executive who already hold other responsibilities in government.

The Union submits that the powers granted by the Bill contain too much latitude for abuse. The broad and vague ambit of ‘national security’ can be used to curtail the exercise of legitimate rights, such as the freedom to assemble peacefully. It would even be within the letter of the Bill to declare entire states (even the entire country) a ‘security area’ under which these vast ‘special powers’ may apply.

‘Government Entities’ like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara and the various state governments will be subject to the directives and executive orders of the NSC, effectively stripping them of their independence.

In particular, the Union is gravely concerned that such a major Bill was tabled and passed in the Dewan Rakyat with no publicity or opportunity for public scrutiny beforehand. Neither were lawmakers given enough time to fully evaluate the Bill.[17] Therefore, the Union urges the members of the Dewan Negara to delay the passage of this Bill in the upper house of Parliament, with a view towards returning it to the Dewan Rakyat for a proper, transparent debate. Furthermore, the Union strongly calls on the Malaysian government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the Bill and the blatantly authoritarian rule that it presents us.

The Union stands with the Malaysian Bar in echoing the words of our then-patron the late Raja Azlan Shah (acting Chief Justice of Malaya, as he then was): “Unfettered discretion is a contradiction in terms…Every legal power must have legal limits, otherwise there is dictatorship…”[18]

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 9 December 2015

On the National Security Council Bill 2015 (Continued)

Uniting Law Students, Empowering Future Lawyers, Furthering the Rule of Law. On behalf of the Union, Lee Su Wen President 2015/16, Nicholas Wong Human Rights Officer 2015/16, Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia di UK & Eire (KPUM).

(Note: The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) is a non-partisan union that represents the interests of law students. It seeks to speak out on current issues that are of interest to law students, including those that involve human rights.)

[1] https://www.mkn.gov.my/ [2] http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/after-marathon-debate-parliament-approves-controversial-nsc-bill [3] Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution reads: ‘This Constitution is the supreme law of the Federation and any law passed after Merdeka Day which is inconsistent with this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.’

[4] Clause 6(a) of the NSC Bill 2015.

[5] Clause 18(1).

[6] Clause 18(4).

[7] Clause 4(a).

[8] Clause 2 of the NSC Bill 2015 defines several key terms in the Bill, including ‘Government Entities’, ‘dangerous things’ and ‘Security Forces’, but does not offer a formal definition for ‘national security’.

[9] Clause 4(a).

[10] Clause 5.

[11] Clause 20.

[12] Clauses 22-24.

[13] Clauses 30-33.

[14] Clauses 25-29.

[15] Clause 35.

[16] http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/04/malaysia-approves-security-law-amid-warning-it-could-lead-to-dictatorship [17] http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/after-marathon-debate-parliament-approves-controversial-nsc-bill [18] In the case of Pengarah Tanah dan Galian, Wilayah Persekutuan v Sri Lempah Enterprise Sdn Bhd [1979] 1 MLJ 135.

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 10 April 2016

On the Sedition Probe against Members of the Malaysian Bar

The United Kingdom and Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) stands with the Malaysian Bar Council in the recently opened investigation against members of the Malaysian Bar into the motion calling for the resignation of the Attorney General (AG), which was passed during the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysian Bar. The Union strongly disagrees with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and upholds the powers and duties of the Malaysian Bar in upholding the cause of justice without regard to its own interests or that of its members, uninfluenced by fear or favour.[1] Background On the 19th of March 2016, the Malaysian Bar held its 70th AGM where a motion [2] was proposed to call for the resignation of the current Attorney-General, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali. The motion was brought by lawyers Charles Hector, Francis Pereira and Shanmugam Ramasamy. This motion subsequently passed, with over 700 members voting in favour of the motion.[3] Subsequently on the 29th of March 2016, an investigation was opened under section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code[4] to investigate a complaint in respect of section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948.[5] Section 4(1)(a) of the 1948 Act states that an offence is committed by a person who “does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act which has or which would, if done, have seditious tendency”.

The persons questioned were the three aforementioned lawyers, as well as the Secretary of the Malaysian Bar, Karen Cheah Yee Lynn.

Criticisms following the investigation It is important to reiterate the objectives and powers of the Malaysian Bar outlined in section 42 of the Legal Profession Act 1976,[6] most especially section 42(1)(a) whereby: “(1) The purpose of the Malaysian Bar shall be— To uphold the cause of justice without regard to its own interests or that of its members, uninfluenced by fear or favour” The pursuit of this investigation is an interference with the Bar Council’s statutory obligation to convene and conduct the Malaysian Bar’s AGM under section 64 of the Legal Profession Act (LPA) 1976. The investigation also potentially infringes the statutory entitlement of Members of the Malaysian Bar to move motions for the consideration of the Malaysian Bar under section 64(6) of the LPA. Furthermore, with the use of the Sedition Act, the right to freedom of expression–enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia is Article 10, which provides for the rights to freedom of speech, assembly and association–is undermined. By pursuing the sedition probe, it threatens the independence of the Members of the Bar Council and the Malaysian Bar in realising its objects and powers.

It is also worth noting that calling for the accountability of an official sitting in public office is within the bounds of a democracy [7] which requires for an exercise of freedom of expression.

Conclusion The Union would like to reiterate our stance that there is also no place in a democratic society for laws and administrative actions

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 10 April 2016

On the Sedition Probe against Members of the Malaysian Bar (Continued)

which seek to silence and forcefully remove any possible dissent [8]. The Union stands strongly with its view that the Sedition Act is a broadly drafted, archaic and draconian act that has no place in a democracy.[9] [1] Section 42(1)(a) of the Legal Profession Act 1976 [2] Motion 7.2 (“Motion on the Attorney General, Public Prosecutor and Improvement of Public Perspective of Administration of Justice in Malaysia�) http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/malaysian_ bar_s_resolutions/resolutions_adopted_at_the_70th_annual_general_meeting_of_the_malaysian_bar_held_at_renaissance_kuala_lumpur_hotel_saturday_19_mar_2019.html [3] http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/cops-probing-lawyers-over-malaysian-bar-motion-calling-for-ags-resignation [4] Criminal Procedure Code http://54.251.120.208/doc/laws/ Act_593_-_Criminal_Procedure_Code_(CPC).pdf [5] http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_release_|_pdrm_must_respect_the_statutory_duties_of_the_bar_council_and_the_statutory_rights_of_members_of_the_malaysian_bar. html [6] http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_release_|_pdrm_must_respect_the_statutory_duties_of_the_bar_council_and_the_statutory_rights_of_members_of_the_malaysian_bar. html [7] http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/nothingseditious-about-asking-ag-to-quit-lawyers-say#sthash.wOZ02tmZ. dpuf [8] KPUM Statement, 11 March 2015 [9] KPUM Statement, 1 September 2014

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 25 May 2016

KPUM Condemns Travel Ban Policy as Threat to Student Political Freedom

The United Kingdom and Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) is strongly alarmed at the recent trend of arbitrarily-imposed government travel bans on Malaysians. The Union also condemns the suggestion that Malaysians who ‘discredit or ridicule’ the government be barred from travelling overseas.

This is a significant threat to Malaysian students, especially those pursuing their studies abroad. Many students engage healthily in political discourse, and a policy that persecutes anyone who ‘discredits and ridicules’ the government is harmful to this. Under this definition, even students who attend government-sponsored forums to offer ideas and criticisms (events which are common in the UK) are at risk of ‘discrediting’ or ‘ridiculing’ the government by pointing out flaws in its work. As these students commonly return to Malaysia over the holidays, banning ‘government critics’ from travel could mean these students will be unable to return to university, and see their studies significantly disrupted.

It is relieving to hear Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad clarify that government critics will not face travel bans.

However, his remarks contradict Immigration Department director general Datuk Sakib Kusmi’s, who confirmed the existence of such a policy with The Star in its original report. In addition, public figures who have criticised the government, such as Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah, DAP MP Tony Pua and activist Hishamuddin Rais have still faced travel bans.

The Deputy Home Minister has also continued to assert that the government may still bar anyone from leaving with no explanation or justification. This is a bad practice which invites abuse, as well as a breach of natural justice principles. While the ownership of a passport may be a privilege rather than a right, the right to life and personal liberty includes a right to travel. It is also a well-established principle in law that fundamental rights should be interpreted generously and liberally, not narrowly or merely literally; see the case of Lee Kwan Woh v Public Prosecutor [2009] 5 MLJ 301.

The government cannot therefore have full and unlimited discretion to limit that right; it must provide reasons. The government holds great power over individual Malaysians. It is true that individuals who abuse their freedom or the law may cause harm.

However, governments who abuse the law may cause much more damage. On balance, it is therefore good sense to have the law side with the individual Malaysian rather than the government.

It is therefore ridiculous for Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad to suggest that the government has a blank check when it comes to deciding which Malaysians may leave the country.

The Union urges the Deputy Home Minister and the Immigration Department to exercise due responsibility and transparency in imposing travel bans. We also call upon the Immigration Department director general to clarify, in light of Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad’s remarks, whether or not a policy to impose travel bans on government critics really exists and has been applied in the past.

The Union would also like to remind all parties that amendments to the Sedition Act were passed last year to allow for criticism against the government. While the amendments have not yet become law, that part of the Sedition Act has in spirit been effectively abolished. The government should act in good faith to honour this.

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

Official Statement: 25 May 2016

KPUM Condemns Travel Ban Policy as Threat to Student Political Freedom (Continued)

Finally, we call on other Malaysian student organisations and leaders to express their concerns over this matter. A ban on travel for any student is a significant attack on students’ liberty, free speech and political expression. Such a policy would have a chilling effect on student involvement in politics, both locally and overseas.

Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy. It is a freedom fiercely protected in many of the countries our students study in. We believe the government must assure students that they will not be persecuted for articulating their political beliefs.

The response of any competent, democratic government to ‘ridicule’ should be to accept, refute or explain the criticism – not to censor it.

Uniting Law Students, Empowering Future Lawyers, Furthering the Rule of Law. On behalf of the Union, Lee Su Wen President 2015/16, Nicholas Wong Human Rights Officer 2015/16, Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia di UK & Eire (KPUM).

(Note: The United Kingdom & Eire Malaysian Law Students’ Union (KPUM) is a non-partisan union that represents the interests of law students. It seeks to speak out on current issues that are of interest to law students, including those that involve human rights.)

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Official Statement

KPUM Annual Report 2015/16

KPUMDesigned by Kevin Teh

Empowering Future Lawyers Uniting Law Students Upholding Rule of Law