On 6 November 2008, the former Malaysian Chief Justice, Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad, gave a talk titled ‘Harmonization of Common Law and Shari’ah in Malaysia: A Practical Approach’ at Harvard University in honour of Abd Al-Razzaq Al-Sanhuri, a highly respected Egyptian scholar and jurist. These were some of my notes and thoughts upon reading the speech. All Quranic translation are taken from the translation rendered Abdullah Yusuf Ali with his commentary; Published by Amana Corporation. Finally, though I make general references to Muslims and non-Muslims, I appreciate the hybrid nature of one’s personality and affiliations as posited by Edward Said, and my doing so is merely to facilitate directness of expression where thoughts of the interaction between the two social constructs are concerned.
Majlis Peguam dibubarkan menjadi parti politik?
Ia amat menyedihkan apabila kenyataan semacam ini oleh Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang dibuat, jika benar seperti dilaporkan lebih kurang 1 bulan yang lalu: The Bar Council should opt to dissolve itself if it wanted to dabble in politics. … He also advised Muslim lawyers in the country to be united as Muslims were “under […]
I.S.A. – Ikut Suka Aku, Ini Seksaan Aku
Rakus, kau perkosakan jiwa rakyat Kau rampas anugerah kurnian ilahi Apakah ertinya kebebasan dibawah belenggu kau Apakah ertinya kemerdekaan dibawah pengaruh kau
Welcome Address to the Bar Council Human Rights Debate
An edited version of Mr. Edmund Bon’s opening speech at the inaugural Bar Council Human Rights Debate given on 9 December 2008. In his speech his explains the germination and eventual evolution of human rights and its development within the framework of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (‘UDHR’). He also discusses the qualities of human rights and deals with the cultural and political criticisms against human rights. Finally, he enjoins us to embrace human rights and use it as a weapon against oppression by government.
Interview with LoyarBurokker Amer Hamzah Arshad
Amer Hamzah Arshad’s interview with Off the Edge for the December 2008 issue.
Legal aid as a place for development of legal skills and experience
Some time ago, I was invited to address young lawyers at a conference organized by the International Bar Association (IBA) in Singapore on the topic “Strategy for a Successful Legal Career Planning: Pro Bono and Governmental Entities”. I have tidied up the text to reflect as much as possible what I wanted to say and what I actually said.
A Meditation about Moving by an occasional Mover
A meditation on the Mover’s role at the call to the Bar.
In thinking about talking about sensitive issues
On 3 December 2008, the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was reported to have announced that UMNO (United Malays National Organization) would “draw up a mechanism that would allow sensitive feelings to be discussed without offending the feelings of other parties.” What an amazing invention that would be if it could actually exist […]
Grounds of Judgment of Raja Petra bin Raja Kamarudin lwn Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
The RPK Grounds of Judgment by Datuk Syed Ahmad Helmy
Tribute: Roger Tan Retires as Bar Council Webmaster
Tribute to Roger Tan
A Consideration of Judicial Pronouncements on Privileged Communications
A consideration of England’s House of Lord’s decision in Rush & Tompkins Ltd v Greater London Council and Another [1989] 1 AC 1280 and Malaysia’s High Court decisions of Oh Kuang Liang v Associated Wood Industries Sdn Bhd [1995] 2 CLJ 961 and Dusun Desaru Sdn Bhd & Anor v Wang Ah Yu & Anor [1999] 2 CLJ 749.
On Royal Immunity
Reflections on the Regent of Negri Sembilan, Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar’s recent media statement on 26 November 2008 to reinstate complete legal immunity to the rulers.
Of Mentions and Mentioning on Behalf
A meditation on a mention date and an exploration into the implications of ‘mentioning on behalf’ of another party in court.
Of technology and its influence in the formation of legal principles
A meditation about the interactivity between the formation of legal principles and the available technology at the time, and how the latter influences the former.
A Plea to Lawyers to Vote
A call to arms to lawyers to vote. I’ve been requested to post this from a considerate lawyer, Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif. Epilogue: Sadly, despite in these elections for the 2009-2010 Bar Council, only 3,683 ballots were returned out of a total 12,747 issued. For full results, see the Malaysian Bar website.
Legal Blog Writing Contest by eLawyer.com.my
A legal blog writing contest held by eLawyer.com.my open to all with cash prizes to be won. The contest is supported by the Law Society (University Malaya), the UK Malaysian Law Student Union, the Law Student’s Union (International Islamic University Malaysia), the Law & Commerce Society (Management & Science University Law Society) and the Law […]
Muslim/non-Muslim marriages in Malaysia
Marriages between Muslims and non Muslims is prohibited under Islamic law, except in certain limited circumstances. Malaysian Islamic law is even more limited than some other schools of Islamic law. International human rights norms however suggest that the prohibition and criminalisation of interfaith marriages is an unreasonable restriction on the rights of men and women […]
Malaysia Votes 2008 – Campaign contributions
A list of bank accounts to contribute to, for those trying to offer a better opposition to check and balance the excesses of the current government.
“Stop. You’re under arrest for taking a walk!”
Malaysian Lawyers have been arrested, and are being held in a police lock up without bail, just because they dared to hold a walk to celebrate International Human Rights Day. PS Malaysia sits on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Don’t you just miss school?
A lone boy. Made to stand in the middle of a school field. During school hours. Useful?