Samuel Leong is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (‘UM’) who graduated in 2009. Back in the day, he was instantly recognisable for being ‘that 6’4 chap with a ponytail and orange Crocs from the Faculty of Law’. Throughout his varsity years, Samuel managed to gain the full campus experience, acquiring a string of achievements along the way. Within the Faculty, he has cemented his reputation as an eloquent mooter, representing the Faculty in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (‘Jessup Moot’) for three successive years and being a member of the team representing Southeast Asia in the 2007 Commonwealth Moot Competition. Beyond the Faculty’s red brick walls, Samuel was a member of the UM Christian Fellowship and a student representative in the Student Representative Council of the University of Malaya (‘MPMUM’), which is presently known as the University of Malaya Students’ Union (‘UMSU’). He is currently based in Singapore as an Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright, one of the largest international law firms in the world. Samuel spent most of his earlier years in SS 2, Petaling Jaya. Being the second child out of the three boys in his family, he noticed that the ‘middle child tendency’ has stuck with him. He would always try to go against the flow and stand out from the crowd. This became more apparent when he broke the mould with his siblings. Growing up with two brothers who excelled in Mathematics and Science and later became engineers, Samuel felt the urge to distinguish himself. From an early age, Samuel had a knack for words. Thus, he decided to enhance his God-given talent by taking part in writing, public speaking and singing. Most of these skills were honed during his time at the church, where he enthusiastically participated in the church choir and drama teams. Samuel later identified these experiences as early exposure to the ‘performance’ aspect of the legal profession. Samuel displaying his acting chops during a theatre performance for church Samuel was an active student at the Faculty of Law. He had made a name for himself through various means, such as participating in the Mock Trial and Orientation Week Programme. However, his most significant contribution to the realm of excellence was his mooting tributes. Before enrolling in UM, Samuel had a hand in debates during his high school and pre-university years. His initial attempt at mooting was not an impetuous one. In fact, unlike most other first-year students, Samuel had already heard of the intellectual sport prior to joining the Faculty. One factor that drew Samuel to mooting was its close similarity with debating — conducting research, working on delivery and presenting before adjudicators were integral facets of both ventures. Mooting also appealed at the time because it offered rare opportunities to travel abroad to represent the Faculty. Samuel recalled that the mooting culture was not as ubiquitous as it is today. Back then, the Faculty sent representatives to very few competitions, such as the Jessup Moot and the International Humanitarian Law Moot. Accordingly, Samuel had to compete fervently to gain a seat at the table. His mooting journey began as early as his first year when he auditioned for the Jessup Moot. Initially, Samuel’s success in mooting was unanticipated because it did not start off on the right foot. He shared that during an audition, he had misinterpreted a moot question involving the conclusion of a contract. In legal terms, ‘concluding a contract’ refers to a stage when the parties have reached a consensus, thus finalising the terms of the contract. However, his misunderstanding of the concept resulted in his submission taking the wrong approach. Despite the rookie mistake, the audition panel that included Datin Grace Xavier was nonetheless impressed by Samuel’s wit; thus, he was selected to be the reserve for the Jessup Team in his first year. Ultimately, he went on to represent the Faculty in the Jessup Moot for the next three years in a row. He is grateful to Datin Mary George, who coached the team at the time, for having repeatedly putting her trust in him. His hard work and sheer dedication inevitably made mooting a part of his identity in law school. Some notable achievements under his belt include being crowned the Best Oralist twice for the Jessup Moot National Rounds and reaching the Jessup Global Rounds 2009 in Washington DC where he was ranked 45th in the general oralist rankings. In reminiscence of his old mooting days, Samuel described mooting as a strenuous yet significant part of his law school experience. Mooting requires substantial commitment, for example allocating long hours for preparation, attending classes for subjects beyond the syllabus and having intensive training sessions. As daunting as it sounds, Samuel highly encourages law students to try their hand at mooting because the skills picked up in the process would go a long way. He admitted that his acquired proficiency in conducting legal research, preparing cases, drafting written submissions and interacting with judges have tremendously helped him navigate through his career. He developed the ability to understand various laws quickly and to be more critical in crafting and scrutinising legal arguments. ‘Mooting serves as good training for advocates as it requires you to have a 360° understanding of your case. There are not many experiences in law school like it. Then comes the advocacy aspect; if you know your case and have fireproofed it, you will gain the confidence to defend or assert it. Overall, mooting provides a hands-on experiential lesson about the value of being prepared, knowing your materials and having confidence.’ For those who seek to refine their oral delivery, Samuel recommends watching television shows. He believes that this ordinary effort would facilitate picking up and emulating the characters’ accents, nuances and structures, thus improving oral advocacy by sounding more natural and persuasive. His personal favourite in law school was the hit legal-oriented television series, ‘Boston Legal’. A common misconception among law students is that mooting will only be helpful to those who plan to be barristers. Samuel concedes that although the statement is true to an extent, he believes mooting should not be limited as so. The practised skills that come with mooting apply to all branches of the legal profession. This includes in-house legal counsels and legal advisors, as these roles also require skills in drafting legal documents, breaking down legal jargons for their clients and convincing their clients about the correct legal position. Even if one does not plan to work within the legal fraternity, it is worth noting that such transferable skills would significantly boost one’s marketability in the labour market. Samuel with his teammates and Datin Professor Dr Mary George in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the Jessup Global Rounds 2009 Apart from his extensive mooting accolades, Samuel also took part in campus politics. In his third year, he ran as an independent candidate in student elections, wherein he was successfully elected as one of the two Faculty of Law representatives to the MPMUM. Despite not being part of the winning faction (Aspirasi), he was entrusted with the Deputy Secretary post for the International Relations Committee. His involvement in student politics led him to discover the exciting process of election campaigns whereby candidates sought to engage with their constituents. To do well, candidates must display commendable interpersonal skills during their brief campaign speeches and debates. Participating in campus politics taught Samuel the art of persuasion and a different kind of advocacy — one that is more convivial. In spite of the hurdles, the experience left a lasting impression on him. Campus politics notably trained him in delivering effective elevator pitches, and being able to convince someone in a concise yet cogent manner is a valuable skill indeed. Not only does it consolidate one’s competence, but it also aids one in completing work in a shorter amount of time. Understanding that time is a finite luxury, this ability can be favourably utilised in any setting requiring advocacy, even more so in a fast-paced working environment. Some of Samuel’s achievements in MPMUM include being part of the UM delegation to Universitas Al-Azhar, Medan and closing a deal with The Sun for the daily supply of newspapers for the Law Faculty. ‘All these opportunities came about because I was a UM law student at the time. Perhaps it is difficult for students to wrap their heads around these daunting commitments amidst learning topics like the elements of a Quistclose trust, but there really is something special about being a student at the best law school and the best university in the country.’ Standing out amongst the crowd is Samuel during his graduation day in UM After receiving his Bachelor of Laws (‘LLB’), he commenced his pupillage at Raja Eleena Siew Ang & Associates (‘RESAA’), one of Malaysia’s established law firms. The firm was chosen as per the guidance from his mentor, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Visu Sinnadurai who suggested that Samuel experience working at a medium-sized firm. Samuel described his time in RESAA as immensely insightful. Since he was the only pupil there at that time, he was given the opportunity to assist his pupil master in various areas of the law, such as legal research and drafting in civil litigation, administrative law, insolvency and real property transactions. To budding lawyers, there is no one-size-fits-all rule to choose a firm for pupillage. Samuel’s suggestion is to join a place that would best serve the purpose that one seeks. For instance, some people choose firms based on their sizes. The unique selling point of larger firms is that they could offer pupils more resources. They are generally more well-funded and capable of channelling more investments in the latest electronic databases, research tools and training. They would also have a larger clientele which would expose the pupils to more diverse and challenging learning opportunities. On the flip side, although smaller and medium firms may not necessarily have as large library and training budgets, their smaller operations provide a more personalised learning environment. Pupils would not have to encounter as many bureaucratic procedures compared to large-scale firms. The smaller departments would allow the pupils to interact more with their pupil masters and have a go at different job scopes within the firm. Another factor to consider is the teaching method at the firms themselves. Some firms opt for a more focused approach by assigning pupils to pupil masters. So, throughout the nine months, the pupil will only assist and serve the pupil master in his or her related fields. However, other firms employ the work pool model, where work is distributed among the pupils, irrespective of which team or area of law the work relates to. If one prefers learning in a more structured approach, the former might benefit them better. In contrast, if one is up for the challenge and has enough self-reliance, there is no harm in trying out firms with the latter setting. Looking for firms that are likely to retain their pupils is also one of the strategies to consider because it would give law graduates a rough overview of the firm’s inner workings. The pupillage period is a vital part of the pupil’s learning process in the legal fraternity. Thus, law graduates might as well shape their journey according to what suits them best. Indubitably, Samuel’s broad insights on this matter would greatly benefit the students who will be or are currently seeking pupillage opportunities. After his pupillage, Samuel furthered his legal journey in becoming a lawyer by pursuing his Master of Laws (‘LLM’) at Columbia Law School (‘CLS’). Samuel’s motivation to further his studies stemmed from his desire to acquire more knowledge and gain recognition from a more internationally-renowned institution. It was also part of his journey to self-discovery because he had always wondered whether having a master’s degree would alter his career path. Normally, students right out of law school would not be accepted, as the LLM programme in CLS is generally catered towards candidates with some work experience. His prowess in mooting elevated his candidacy and even assisted him in receiving the Fulbright Scholarship when then helped him gain a spot at CLS. At CLS, Samuel was named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, an award given in recognition for the superior academic achievement of law students. Samuel with his father and late mother during his graduation ceremony in Columbia Law School Speaking about his academic excellence at CLS, Samuel personally felt that his postgraduate studies were enhanced by the solid foundation he laid in UM. For instance, his exposure to Public International Law during his LLB course and participation in Jessup Moot gave him an advantage over his peers. The biggest takeaway from his time in CLS is the validation that UM, a local public university, could produce graduates who are equally competitive as their global counterparts. Indeed, UM is a terrific institution to complete one’s LLB, due to the rigorous legal education and training provided. The Faculty is indeed blessed to be graced with an esteemed staff of lecturers who are experts within their respective fields. He could not stress enough the prominent role UM has played in his journey. ‘The lawyer you will be is determined by your four years in UM. UM was formative, while Columbia was more about the exposure. I have a lot to thank UM for making me the lawyer I am today.’ After tracing his career trajectory, he realised that going for the LLM at CLS was pivotal. It allowed him to launch a career overseas in Singapore, starting with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (‘SIAC’) and later Norton Rose Fulbright. For most, going through just one law school experience is arduous enough. However, Samuel did an excellent job at both, impressing both his mentors and colleagues who worked with him. Other than working at law firms, Samuel also had the opportunity to work at the United Nations (‘UN’) as a legal intern. He first joined the UN Office of Legal Affairs as part of an externship in the LLM course. His second time with the UN was as an intern with the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations. That experience was rather different from his days as a pupil because his responsibilities in the UN Office of Legal Affairs was more similar to that of an in-house legal counsel. The job scope includes conducting legal research and drafting legal advice in the area of private, international and comparative law relating to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, among other things. Although it might sound intimidating, working at the UN had given him a more globalised working experience. Furthermore, the skills he sharpened in law school had definitely served him well throughout the whole process. To law students, Samuel could not emphasise enough the importance of having the ability to conduct legal research. Given where we are today, human interactions give rise to a multiplicity of issues, even the kinds that we have never encountered before. Lawyers are not in control over the legal problems presented before them. Understanding this fact, the only way lawyers can assist their clients is by understanding the legal principles and legislation through research before applying them to the scenarios at hand. Researching also sharpens the minds of lawyers by training them to have a mental framework — an asset that enables them to convey their findings more succinctly. At first, it may be challenging to get the hang of it. Regardless, just like any other skill, it can be improved with practice. Samuel fondly remembers his Political Philosophy papers for Professor Joseph Raz at CLS as the most intellectually challenging legal writing he has ever done. Nonetheless, such hardships allowed him to polish up his skills as a lawyer. Nowadays, society has developed a more globalised mindset; more and more people are interested in venturing their profession overseas — Samuel is no exception. After years of working in the legal profession, his career trajectory had brought him to Singapore. As aforementioned, Samuel briefly joined SIAC before landing a job at Norton Rose Fulbright. To those who are still at the crossroads, his advice would be to ‘Go for it!’ He pointed out that the landscape nowadays is more competitive, so it would be wise to begin the long process of thoughtfully crafting an attractive CV even from the early years in law school. The middle child in him simply presses students to ‘Find a way to stand out!’ Unearthing a niche as part of one’s identity would make one more memorable, especially in the eyes of potential employers. Not only would it demonstrate one’s passion, but it could also be a starting point for social interactions. After all, people are more articulate and enthusiastic when talking about things that interest them. In return, this would help create a good first impression. Remember, there is no particular standard in building CVs. As long as the experiences can contribute to self-growth, then they are probably worth pursuing. Samuel and his band from Norton Rose Fulbright Singapore (The NeRFs) giving an exhilarating performance When it comes to adapting to the diverse working environment abroad, UM students have little to worry about. Samuel agreed that the students are lucky to be part of such a diverse demographic; not only racially and religiously, but also socioeconomically. Apart from gaining academic knowledge, the four years spent studying in this manifold atmosphere would allow students to be more open-minded and emotionally intelligent. From his experience, Samuel had no problems interacting with clients and colleagues across the globe. The words he uttered in this regard could not have rung truer: ‘It is in UM that I have finally met the various cultures and ethnicities inherent to my country, and the exposure that UM graduates receive in this aspect is indispensable.’ In October 2020, Samuel reached another milestone in his career. He was ranked as one of the Future Leaders 2021 by the Who’s Who Legal Directory for arbitration, an impressive accolade that only recognises the foremost legal practitioners throughout more than 150 countries. He explained the selection process as being based on a series of surveys conducted among legal practitioners worldwide. The surveys contained a list of individuals who are in the running for the award. Those who receive outstanding feedback from their peers would then be eligible to be inducted into the directory. Hence, Samuel admitted that it was not something that he could have achieved on his own. He would like to thank all his mentors, friends and people he has met throughout his career for their utmost support. Additionally, Samuel underlines that the attributes of a good lawyer include, but is not limited to, being sincere, genuine, kind and paying it forward. This is particularly true when a lawyer addresses the concerns of the client. ‘Generally, people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ With the fast-paced development of the law, the industry is becoming more competitive than ever. As such, one could not expect to remain relevant by having a lackadaisical attitude. Therefore, it is vital to persistently keep up with the latest legal advancements to always have an edge. Nowadays, the opportunities to learn are omnipresent; experts in various branches of law conduct webinars, allowing people to learn in the comfort of their homes. Having discussions with peers would also be beneficial to gain a different perspective on things. Following years of work after graduating from law school, Samuel confessed that his expectations of working in the legal profession have changed. For instance, back in law school, he always imagined that he would be attending hearings in courts. In reality, his line of work as an arbitration lawyer has more limited avenues for oral advocacy. Since arbitration hearings do not occur as often, junior arbitration lawyers might not have many opportunities to deliver oral arguments. As a result, more weight is placed on perfecting written advocacy instead. In contrast, should one venture into litigation, chances are there would be more oral advocacy involved. Although Samuel has achieved a great deal by now, he does not fixate his most memorable moments to any accomplishments in particular. He expounded that his sense of fulfilment comes from the acknowledgement that he has done a decent job, whatever the outcome may be. Finishing cases, receiving favourable awards after an arbitration and pleasing his clients are simply components to a job well done. Samuel strives to continuously find pleasure in his job to motivate him to do better. This inspires him to be more appreciative of all the work he has done and will continue to do. ‘For a litigation lawyer, or even in dispute resolution, your results are the culmination of your work. It can be up to four or five years’ worth of work. So that is definitely memorable.’ Besides his extensive commitments as a lawyer, Samuel is also an active member of the community. Continuing on Samuel’s history in church-related endeavours, he is involved in leading and conducting Bible studies for churchgoers. Recently, he became a Management Committee member of the Malaysian Association in Singapore (‘MASIS’), a voluntary organisation that provides networking opportunities for Malaysians in Singapore. For the 2021 Chinese New Year celebration, they organised a heart-warming initiative to match Malaysian students with Malaysian families residing in Singapore. Since international travel is prohibited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative gave Malaysians stranded in Singapore a chance to experience reunion dinners and created a sense of being home again. Consequently, this effort was well-received by the participants. Samuel’s life seems to be engaged with endless happenings, even more so after becoming a new parent. Samuel shared how his outlook on life has changed and the challenges presented. Previously, he had no problem working around the clock, but after welcoming his children into his life, he had to compromise and prioritise their wellbeing. His attempt to balance this newfound responsibility alongside his work commitments is certainly commendable. Not many people can live up to the expectation of being a dedicated father and employee at the same time, yet Samuel is managing both responsibilities exceptionally well. It is challenging to live away from his family, including not benefiting from ‘yé yé’ or ‘gōng gōng’ (grandfather to the children) to take care of the kids, he joked. Fortunately, his bosses have been understanding as well. Samuel with his beloved wife and two children Beneath the perks of being a law student and a lawyer, it is understandable that life can get overwhelming at times. Alas, the struggle of working under a hectic schedule is said to be part and parcel of this chosen life. Hence, Samuel suggests law students to have a supportive circle. The number of people in a social circle is immaterial, as long as they are willing to go the extra mile to show support. The presence of encouraging companions would definitely help ease one’s law school journey. Recalling his time in law school, he credits his buddy, Kwan Will Sen, for always taking the time to help him study and pushing him to do better. To the current law students, Samuel wishes that they would make full use of their time in the Faculty. When in doubt, they should remind themselves that they have rightfully earned their spot there, and they should never downplay their capabilities. Although sometimes their self-confidence can take a beating from just being a ‘freshie’ in law school, always remember that it is all part of the process. At the end of the journey, they would see that it was necessary for their growth — both as a lawyer and a human being. ‘I wish UM students realise the value of their brand earlier, even while in law school; what an achievement it is to go to UM law. You are already part of a valued fraternity of lawyers and law graduates. Society recognises that brand of excellence, and you should be proud to use it, for worthwhile purposes, of course.’ Written by Sirhan Sidqi.
Edited by Azra Athirah. Reviewed by Celin Khoo Roong Teng and Luc Choong Guong Sang.
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Muhammad Haziq Azfar bin Ishak is a final-year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (‘UM’). A torchbearer for many students and friends alike, Haziq’s forthright and good-natured spirit shines through in the manner that he carries himself as the President of the University of Malaya Students’ Union (‘UMSU’). Never one to take for granted the trust and opportunities bestowed upon him, he has gone above and beyond to amplify the voices of his peers. Haziq’s innate belief that one must always act on one’s social and moral responsibility in whatever capacity one can serves not only as his personal incentive, but also galvanises those around him to join the good fight. Originally from Tanjung Malim, Perak, Haziq found himself relocating around the country frequently during his youth — having to restart and adapt to new school environments each time. Nevertheless, he took it in stride and embraced the different communities he encountered along the way. Being the first amongst six siblings, Haziq was no stranger to the heavy burden that often came with being the eldest in the family. However so, this was another aspect of his life that he learned to embrace, fostering those high expectations into a steady flame that illuminated his path as a young student. ‘Be it from my parents or teachers, I am glad that there was always this constant force behind me that prevented me from being complacent with my life,’ he admitted gratefully. Having graduated from the Maktab Rendah Sains MARA Taiping, it seemed as if wherever he looked, the conventional path to take was one built towards the STEM field. While such a career path would indeed be a great prospect, his intuition led him to ponder the possibilities that awaited him beyond the horizon. Reflecting upon this, he bravely leapt forward, setting his mind to pursue law in his foundation studies. The decision came about due to his veneration towards politicians, social activists and leaders of non-governmental organisations (‘NGOs’) who utilised their legal backgrounds to contribute significantly towards Malaysia’s advancement. That leap of faith allowed him to hit the ground running as he began gaining traction as a law student at the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Dengkil (‘UiTM’). Eager to see where his journey would take him next, he started weighing out his options. With UM law school in his sights both figuratively and literally — a picture of the Faculty pinned to his study area — he was resolute in making the UM Law Faculty his home for the next four years. True enough, after impressing the likes of Dr Sherin Kunhibava and Ustaz Abdul Muhsin during his interview, thus marked the dawn of his whirlwind of a journey as a UM law undergraduate. If life was a well-documented journal, Haziq’s ardour for student politics and activism could be traced back to the very preface of his teenage years. He fondly recollects constantly having his nose in a book, immersed in discovering the intricacies of the country’s political climate — from the historical foundations upon which Malaysia was built upon, to the implementation of current national policies. The latter, in particular, birthed a curiosity within him as he noticed how some of the systemic measures planted across the country were simply not harvesting the intended results. Such implications concerned him the most, knowing that the very livelihoods of everyday Malaysians were being put on the line. ‘As long as you live within a community of people, there will always be problems that arise in some form or another. As a member of that community, you need to put yourself in a position that allows you to act with courage to enact change wherever you can. This is how you can contribute to your society.’ Embedding this philosophy within himself, Haziq began searching for opportunities to nurture his growth as a student leader. Soon enough, his stepping stone into the vast and diverse world of politics came in the form of an offer to participate in the novel ADUN Muda Selangor 2016 programme. Being one of the youngest representatives amidst the handpicked group of bright-eyed youths, Haziq brimmed with zeal to take away as much as he could from the event — be it during the enlightening sharing session with YB Hannah Yeoh or the spirited debates concerning Selangor’s water supply shortages. Little did he know, his experience in the event would not only be a platform for him to start exercising his passion for statesmanship; it simultaneously served as a glimpse of what awaited him in the coming years. With an added year of experience as a UiTM student representative under his belt, Haziq stepped into the Faculty with fresh eyes and an inquisitive mind. During his first year, he was drawn towards joining the Majlis Orator Universiti Malaya (‘MORUM’) — a renowned hub gathering some of the best orators across campus. He wasted no time committing himself towards the hustle of the organisation, stepping up as the Director of the annual Debat Piala Timbalan Naib Canselor (HEPA) Universiti Malaya competition. After months of meticulous planning and voluminous paperwork, Haziq and his team came out on top with the positive reception displayed by eager participants. In spite of their success, his triumph was unfortunately eclipsed by his private musings on the impediments they had to overcome; particularly, the procedural hurdles that challenged them along the way. Haziq with the High Committee of the Debate Malaya Competition in 2019 As Haziq progressed on his journey within MORUM in his second year, both as the Secretary of the club and the Deputy Director of the Debat Malaya competition, these challenges became even more pertinent. Upon sharing his thoughts with his friends, he was sympathetic towards the common struggles equally faced by them when it came to executing major events for their respective organisations. By digging a little deeper, he also came to learn about the unfortunate welfare issues that plagued his circle of companions, and became unsettled by the fact that some of them could not even afford three square meals a day. Refusing to remain idle while others suffered, Haziq sought to take proactive actions to eradicate these issues. Thus, falling back onto his roots and what he knew best, Haziq marched with resolve into the thriving atmosphere of UM’s campus politics. ‘Perhaps for most people in campus politics, the factor that endorsed them to join this environment was that they wanted to be an active voice for students. For me, my journey did not begin with that sort of ambitious intention, but it was rather empathy that pushed me in this direction.’ Haziq joined campus politics in his second year as a modest student union executive member and was comfortable with the notion of supporting his superiors behind the scenes. However, it was evident that his colleagues had a different vision for him. Impressed by his industrious yet charismatic manner, they endorsed him as a potential candidate for a general seat in the student body during his first-ever campus election in 2019. Unsurprisingly, not only did he amount to their expectations, he even managed to surpass it — being conferred the formidable title of Deputy Vice President of UMSU post-election. Haziq understood the significant weight added to his responsibilities, yet he remained unfazed. He was steadfast in holding his ground to see through his initial aspirations of lending a much-needed helping hand to his community. A constant stream of effort was required to orchestrate and implement institutional reforms and welfare measures. During the arduous process, he unearthed a feeling within himself that made the fatigue all the more bearable and worth it — the feeling of witnessing how these small sparks of change manifest themselves into warm fires of hope and relief within the students. For example, their initiatives to smoothen the application process for the authorisation of events held on campus were exalted by many student organisers for their added efficiency. ‘Whenever I am assigned with a position, it matters to me very much that I carry out my responsibilities beyond what is expected of my role. To me, the integrity and good faith that people have entrusted in me is much more valuable than any other material possession that I own.’ Haziq and other Union members alongside YB Datuk Dr Shahruddin bin Md Salleh, the Deputy Minister of Federal Territories in 2019 — during the Union’s proposal of extending the GOKL City Bus PINK Line to UM The apex of his political endeavours in UM came about once more due to the showers of support and encouragement by those around him. As the Chairman of Angkatan Mahasiswa UM, he decided to contest in the 2019 campus election alongside Demokrat UM and University of Malaya Association of New Youth (‘UMANY’) — the powerhouse trio forming a coalition aptly named Suara Siswa. With that, Haziq was launched onto the frontlines of their campaign for student government. From relaying impactful speeches to the masses to generating awareness regarding their manifesto, he was confident to battle at the frontier with his comrades. This assurance largely stemmed from the fact that the coalition had a clear-cut vision on what they aspired to bring to the table and what type of union they wanted to represent as the face of UM. In his opinion, this was what distinguished them from other contending student fronts. The backbone of Suara Siswa: Haziq together with Mr Farhan Amran (Coordinator for Demokrat UM) and Mr Liew Liang Hong (President of UMANY) Despite the revolutionary progress they were making at the time, windy turns and bumpy roads inevitably turned their way. Indeed, encounters with other competitive entities are part and parcel of any political election. Haziq personally struggled with the opposition’s sharp-cutting remarks intended to cause a flurry of chaotic distraction from his cause. Nonetheless, such attempts to disconcert him uncovered a personal revelation instead; no matter what happened, he simply could not walk away from continuing to voice out the collective frustrations and calls for change. With the advice and solidarity generously afforded to him by his colleagues, he managed to come out on the other side of this life-changing experience unscathed. ‘If I had been left to muddle through those comments alone, I would not have been able to come out of it. It was only with the help of my friends and team that I learned how to combat it.’ Ultimately, it was the very accumulation of all his victories and defeats that guided him to where he is today — at the very helm of the ship as the esteemed President of UMSU. As always, with great power comes even greater responsibility. As the official student representative of the Union, Haziq was extended the courtesy to participate in Senate meetings as an official Senate Member — part of the University’s highest decision-making body in determining the general direction and policies of the institution. With this practice freshly introduced in 2019, it effectively meant that he was the very first from the sterling line of student body presidents to sit in these meetings. To prepare himself for this high-stakes position, he ensured that his actions and mannerisms reflect the very purpose of his presence in the first place — to push for student leadership to be on par with the University’s top administrators in terms of influence as much as possible. True enough, his presence on behalf of all students in Senate meetings has proven to be of much value. The pressing questions and concerns he raised have often been taken into consideration by other Senate members during votes surrounding policies. Haziq’s commendable attempt at navigating uncharted waters was further exemplified during the unforgettable month of March 2020, when the entire campus was thrown into a frenzy of uncertainty due to the strict enforcement of the first phase of the Movement Control Order (‘MCO 1.0’). As a result of the alarming announcement, some students chose to remain in the residential colleges and off-campus rental houses. Unbeknownst to them, the pandemic would only persist and escalate thereon. Soon after, the staggering flood of responses collected from those students through virtual surveys administered by UMSU immensely shook Haziq’s conscience. With a majority of them detailing grievances of not being able to access basic household necessities, Haziq knew that the Union had no choice but to rise up in the face of the pandemic. Haziq understood that time was of the essence. He swiftly formed the COVID-19 Management Taskforce to tackle the unforeseen yet dire consequences that the MCO 1.0 had towards students. From there, a series of intensive initiatives was employed: the distribution of food aid to those stranded on campus; delivery of household necessities to those in the off-campus rental houses; a 95% rental fee reduction for the houses under the management of UMSU; and even the establishment of ‘Wang Saku KMUM’ which provided pocket money to students who were in desperate need of financial aid. It was clear that the items on his to-do list were endless. Nevertheless, with fundraisers and financial donations reaching an astounding RM10,000, the team continued to carry out the impossible. Suffice to say that this was a true testament of willpower from Haziq and his assiduous ensemble of Union members. Their work to alleviate the ramifications of the pandemic in their unique approach did not stop there. The recent announcement of the second phase of the Movement Control Order (‘MCO 2.0’) raised many red flags as UM students were expected to endure Open and Distance Learning (‘ODL’) for a third semester. Hence, UMSU once again stood firm and formed another committee to solve the adversities that arose due to ODL. In fact, this committee even reached out to struggling students all over the country to offer aid in the form of Internet package assistances. Furthermore, laptops acquired from NGOs and offices of certain Members of Parliament were also distributed accordingly to help accommodate those with technical difficulties. Truly, Haziq and his team tirelessly laboured to uplift the students from their unfortunate circumstances. ‘We just tried to help everyone to the best of our abilities as we knew that ODL was starting to become extremely inaccessible for some of our peers.’ Haziq with his Union members during their trip to the states of Kedah, Perak and Penang to distribute internet package aids and laptops to students in need Apart from dedicating his time and energy to the COVID-19 task forces, Haziq was also an active member of various other committees rooted in issues concerning student activism and empowerment. Some of these projects were not just limited to campus grounds, but even reached all the way up to the Ministry of Higher Education’s polished settings. For example, Haziq was invited by the Ministry to contribute his perspective as a student representative on behalf of all public university students across Malaysia in the Working Committee for Improvement of Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (‘UUCA’). The committee comprised various legal experts in the country, including the esteemed Datuk Emeritus Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi, a renowned academician at the UM Law Faculty and Malaysian legal landscape. Although Haziq has his personal differences with the UUCA — one that reflects a similar stance taken by the majority of student activists — he was still grateful to be involved in such a high-calibre committee, guaranteeing that efforts to amend the Act would place equal importance on the voices of the students who would be most affected. Upon sharing details of his scheduled appearance to present his paper on the proposed amendments to the upper ranks in the Ministry, one wonders if he finds it difficult to assert his voice in the forum, especially as an individual representing the youths of Malaysia. To this supposition, Haziq divulges: ‘Even if you speak as a student representative amongst a boardroom of high-level and distinguished persons, you need not feel inferior. As long as you speak with certainty and truth, the very merit of your opinion should be the aspect that is upheld. It is not the position of the person that should be considered in decision-making but rather the merit of his opinion. That is the way forward that we need to practice.’ Haziq during the hybrid Universiti Malaya Student Parliament for Session 2021 Even with his rapid succession within campus politics, Haziq did not neglect his avidity for public speaking and debate, evident in the string of prestigious local and international accolades he clinched. Looking back, Haziq feels extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such an active and neighbourly community of orators in MORUM, and he credits them for aiding him in expanding his skills despite not being equipped with a prior background in debate when he entered UM. Together with his diligent training and natural aptitude for oral advocacy, he even went on to represent Malaysia in the 19th ASEAN University Network and 8th ASEAN+3 Educational Forum and Young Speakers’ Contest held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The opportunity to participate in the rigorous intelligent discourse regarding the problems faced by nations of the ASEAN+3 region was not something that he took lightly. Consequently, he successfully brought home the highly coveted Runner-up title. Haziq alongside the other finalists of the Young Speakers’ Contest and the President of Chiang Mai University In addition to that, in the same year, he was given a chance to travel to Cambodia as part of the Malaysian delegation to the Asia Pacific Summit led by YB Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew — an opportunity that most students can only dream of. Unlike all his previous public speaking endeavours, this particular event was not competitive in nature. The platform allowed him to refine his diplomacy skills, interacting with many highly competent ministers and government officials from the other participating countries. ‘I was extremely grateful to those who entrusted in me the opportunity to forge such connections, even if I was far from holding the same level of expertise other attendees had.’ Haziq with the Malaysian delegation to the Asia Pacific Summit 2019 in Cambodia led by YB Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, the Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju Apart from utilising his legal studies to boost his oral advocacy skills, Haziq did not want to limit himself to one discipline. Preferring to sharpen his skills in other mediums, he began employing his ability to form coherent arguments differently and more persuasively. From The Star to Berita Harian, Haziq was featured in numerous thought-provoking articles ranging from burning topics such as the Undi18 movement to the hefty burden of tuition fees imposed on students during the pandemic. He even managed to broadcast his views on Berita Harian as a columnist, penning an article on reducing the voting age to 18 years old. On top of that, as the President of UMSU, he was also active in providing press statements on behalf of the Union to reaffirm their stance on issues affecting the students’ quality of life and education. To him, the self-imposed fear that certain students have in utilising written media must be conquered, as neglecting to do so would only add to the list of opportunities wasted in not advocating for their cause. ‘University students act as the conscience of society as we are given the opportunity to learn from institutions set up by public funding. When we share our stance and opinions through the mainstream media, there is a higher chance of capturing the government’s attention towards our voices — and hopefully, that will translate more during the formulation of national policies.’ Haziq’s published article in Berita Harian on lowering the voting age During this period, Haziq attended to a multitude of commitments all at once. It was no surprise that he had to endure many abstract hurdles alongside the duties and obligations that came forth around-the-clock. When COVID-19 hit, Haziq took it upon himself to personally sift through the thicket of complaints lodged by affected students. While this brought levels of comfort and assurance to both the students and his team, his own return to home only totalled up to 25 days throughout the whole year. At the same time, he was also invested in maintaining his academic performance at the Faculty. Nevertheless, all the personal sacrifices he willingly made were worth it. Haziq successfully persevered and was satisfied that he managed to achieve the key performance indicators he set up for himself. With his time in the Cabinet coming to an end, Haziq looks forward to all the free slots in his Google Calendar that he would have on his hands. Primarily, he wishes to focus whole-heartedly on digesting the lessons and legal knowledge that remain during his final stretch in the Faculty, alongside dedicating some time to reflect on his future plans. His mind is set on completing his chambering and practising as a lawyer for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, he is also excited to see the facets of growth he could cultivate with his law degree — parallel to the icons who inspired him to pursue law in the first place. ‘I would love the opportunity to work with NGOs that pertain to students’ rights or even the peoples’ welfare. I think it would be a great way for me to continue fighting for what I believe in, even if I am no longer a student or a Union member myself.’ For his fellow students in the Faculty who are still finding ways to forge their path, Haziq offers a few words in the hopes that it will help anyone out there struggling: ‘Law school is something that is certainly not easy, and it comes together only with hard work and critical thinking that you develop over your course. However, to be hardworking, you need motivation, and that comes in the form of setting a goal in your mind, be it big or small. When you focus on the big picture and track your performance as you go, no matter what you choose to commit yourself to, you will find that everything else will flow naturally from the objectives you wish to see yourself achieve.’ Haziq with two of his closest confidants in the Faculty, Mr Ameer and Mr Najib, who have been with him through thick and thin Written by Ashley Khor
Edited by Azra Athirah Reviewed by Celin Khoo Roong Teng and Luc Choong Guong Sang David Lee Chee Hou is a final-year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (‘UM’). Raised in Batu Gajah, Perak, David is well-known for being a generalist in law school, primarily dabbling in legal research. To many, his avidity for varying experiences is his defining trait. His outlook on life — ‘do not put all your eggs in one basket’ — propels him to fearlessly experience everything law school has to offer. Without this mentality, he would never have been able to power through countless events and programmes that shaped the person he is today. Aside from his responsibilities as a final-year student at the Faculty, he is currently working as a paralegal in Ow & Partners and holds the position of Senior Advisor at the Asian Law Students Association (‘ALSA’) Malaysia.
Jacqueline Hannah Albert, born and raised in Johor Bahru, is currently a final-year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). Fondly recognised for her trademark smile, most people who have met her would describe Jacqueline as having an uplifting presence. Jacqueline is regarded as the embodiment of an all-rounder, or as one could say, a ‘Jacq’ of all trades. Throughout her years in law school, she has proven herself to be an intellectual powerhouse and a resilient individual who is always ready to take on new challenges. Armed with an array of experiences gained through volunteering, mooting and client consulting, there is more to Jacqueline than meets the eye. Hence, what encapsulates Jacqueline as a person is her remarkable achievements coupled with a desire to pursue enriching experiences and to uplift the less-privileged communities in more ways than one.
Natalie Ooi Wan Qing, fondly known as Natalie, is an alumna of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). Graduating from UM in 2011, Natalie is often remembered alongside her teammates for their remarkable feats in high-profile mooting competitions, notably the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (Jessup Moot) and the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vis Moot). Beyond the Faculty, her rising career as a litigation lawyer and co-founder of a law firm is certainly one for the books.
Tan Jia Shen is a final-year student of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). A friendly face in the Faculty known to most as Jia Shen, his burning passion and brilliance in the mooting courts have preceded his reputation amongst students as one of the prominent mooters the Faculty has to offer. Fuelled by his multidisciplinary approach in understanding the inequalities that plague marginalised communities, Jia Shen also resolved himself in exploring different platforms to fully maximise his voice as a law student. However, perhaps the most remarkable qualities that Jia Shen has are his modesty and altruistic spirit. His repute of kindness extends to sharing advice and company with peers and juniors alike, showcasing his ability to remain grounded amidst his accolades.
Farhan Amran is a final-year student of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). Everywhere he goes, he is known simply as Farhan — a prominent frontliner of student activism spotlighted for his zealous quest to protect student rights both within and beyond the Faculty. Farhan’s limitless passion is reflected by his involvement in projects, which some caught the attention of various parties, organisations and even the government. His adventurous journey throughout activism is full of twists and turns. However, what lies beneath his exterior is simply a person who places prominence on equality within society.
Corina Robert Mangharam is a final-year student who will soon graduate from the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM) in October 2020. She is adorably known to many as Corina for her constant involvement and presence in Faculty activities. In four years of her time as a UM law student, she managed to endeavour in projects within and beyond the Faculty—which in return, cultivated her impressive string of leadership positions. Corina is an inspiring figure amongst the student body and is much admired by her peers. However, her achievements had never diminished her gentle and compassionate personality. Known for her resolute mindset even in the face of adversity, Corina is now undergoing her pupillage at Messrs Fahri & Co.
Ananthan Moorthi is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya ('UM'). More fondly referred to as Moots, he cruises through life as a bold risk-taker to continually broaden his horizons. Equipped with a free spirit, he embodied outstanding aptitudes as a prominent leader, sought-after moderator and mooter. He is currently a pupil-in-chambers at Steven Thiru & Sudhar Partnership after graduating in 2019.
Iqbal Harith Liang, in front of the Faculty of Law Iqbal Harith Liang, known endearingly to most as Iqbal, is a final year student of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (“UM”). Iqbal has left an impression on many, be it as the strict disciplinary officer in Lex Ordinem, the senior with the exemplary work ethics or the laid back student playing pool with friends in the student lounge. The commonality of each impression left to the members of the Law Faculty is that Iqbal is a kind and passionate student who is willing to lend a hand to anyone, regardless of his relationship with them. Iqbal has been involved in various student organisations and will leave the faculty with a multitude of achievements, which will be explored in this write-up.
Sufiah Yusoff, a final year student from the Faculty of Law, University Malaya. Sufiah Yusoff, known to many as Sufiah, is a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (“UM”). A prominent figure to the members of all the student bodies in the Faculty, she played a role of being the trailblazer for female representation within UM’s student politics. However, behind the myriad of accomplishments, that she has accumulated throughout her four years of undergraduate study, lies a passionate individual who sacrificed her leisure time for the benefit of other students.
Abraham Au, an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. Au Tian Hui, better known as Abraham, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). Graduated in 2016, his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of the people in court defines his professional character, though what lies beneath is an empathetic soul who simply wishes to uphold basic human rights. From his lively university life filled with fervent activism, accomplished mooting, and excellent academics, Abraham’s story is surely one to take note of. Currently, Abraham is a partner at Messrs G.S Nijar since July of 2018.
Soh Lip Shan, a final year student from the Faculty of Law, University Malaya. Soh Lip Shan, adoringly known to many as Lip Shan, is a final year student from the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. Like any Penangite, a bowl or two of mouth-watering authentic Penang laksa and cendol will always have her reminiscing her childhood home. Her undying love of reading fantasy novels, especially the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones series, and thrillers penned by Jeffrey Archer is balanced out by her interest and occasional practice in playing the piano, cross-stitching, and gaming.
Yeap Yee Lin, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya Yeap Yee Lin, or better known as Yee Lin, is currently enrolled as a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (“UM”). Born and raised in Penang as the eldest of the family, she boasts extensive knowledge in the digital world. Much like her favourite cartoon character, Doraemon, Yee Lin is regarded as a good-natured and selfless soul. In the same vein, she aspires to be resourceful and always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Lim Ming Ying, an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya Lim Ming Ying, or more commonly known as Kimberly, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). A kindred spirit fuelled by her positive outlook on life, the formerly active member of the Faculty shines in student-run activities and legal research without forgetting to care for the environment. With a burning passion to improve herself, Kimberly never fails to put her best foot forward in all her endeavours. After graduating in 2019, Kimberly is now undergoing her pupillage at the Penang branch of Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill.
Neoh Kai Sheng, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University Malaya Neoh Kai Sheng, commonly known as Kai Sheng is a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. In the eyes of individuals who have yet to make his acquaintance, Kai Sheng is placed on a pedestal, boasting excellent academic records while dominating the mooting scene. However, behind these staggering accomplishments, lies a genuine, multifaceted individual who began his journey in law school with humble beginnings.
Rizq Nurrqausar Binti R M Bakri, a final year student in the Faculty of Law, University Malaya Rizq Nurrqausar Binti R M Bakri, fondly known as Qausar, is a final year law student here in the University of Malaya. Qausar was born on 16 April 1997 in Perak and raised in Petaling Jaya as the eldest child in her family. Her love and passion of reading — particularly the non-fiction and self-help genres by Richard Templar and Haemin Sunim — is often complemented with Netflix’s much adored ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ series amongst others. Recognised for her humour and delicate side of sentimentality, Qausar is also gifted with the skills of baking ‘kek batik’, as affirmed by friends and acquaintances alike!
Raphael Kok, an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. Raphael Kok, known to many as Raphael, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (‘UM’). As a mooting coach, Raphael is commonly associated with his massive contribution in successfully guiding countless of UM mooting teams to multiple victories, nationally and internationally. Constantly raising the bar after each win, he is one of the driving factors to the mushrooming number of world-class mooters from the UM Law Faculty. Drawing a parallel to most students prior to entering law school, Raphael started his journey without even wanting to read law in the first place. As a kid who was mesmerised by dinosaurs and stars, Raphael aspired to be an archaeologist and astronaut. However, his family, which consists of UM alumni, prompted him to further his studies in UM. His diverse array of interests — ranging from history, politics, technology, and journalism — reaffirmed his decision to venture into the multidisciplinary realm of law. Thus, he acquired his undergraduate law degree from UM in 2008.
26/11/2019 0 Comments The 33rd Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture - International Commerce: Mapping the Law in a Borderless WorldLandscape view of the coveted 33rd Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture at the Grand Ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. On 5th of November 2019, the 33rd Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture was held at the Grand Ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The lecture was organised by the Sultan Azlan Shah Foundation and the University of Malaya. It was an honour to have a highly-esteemed guest speaker, The Right Honorable, The Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Justice of the Supreme Court of United Kingdom to deliver a speech on the topic of ‘International Commerce: Mapping the Law in the Borderless World,’ in the presence of DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and DYMM Raja Permaisuri Perak Darul Ridzuan, Tuanku Zara Salim.
Benjamin Kho Jia Yuan, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. Kho Jia Yuan is a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. More fondly known as Benjamin, he hails from Johor Bahru yet is legally a Sarawakian. He is a big fan of Crayon Shin-chan, squash, bread, and lame jokes. The joy he finds in reading, especially the Harry Potter Book Series and Jin Yong’s Novels, is perhaps the only contender for his love for Wantan Noodle. Some recognise him for his intellectual prowess, others for his involvement in a multitude of projects, with a spice of volunteerism and a sprinkle of mooting. Yet, behind his formidable achievements lies a kind, compassionate and dedicated character who constantly strives to gain new experiences.
Sahira Sha’ari, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya As the spark of light in the dim halls of the Faculty, Sahira Sha’ari has never failed to cheer her fellow peers up. Known to many as Sahira, her multifaceted achievements speak volumes, cementing her as an all-rounder in juggling leadership roles in student bodies and moots simultaneously. Soon to be stepping out of law school, Sahira has set her eyes on either an overseas fellowship program or a paralegal position in a law firm before delving into the civil litigation field.
Lim Wei Jiet, an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. He may have graduated in 2014, but the name Lim Wei Jiet has become a household name to countless members of the Faculty, legal fraternity and society in general. Fondly known as Wei Jiet, he is recognised for his outstanding academic track record and his remarkable achievements within and without the Faculty. Now, Wei Jiet serves as a legal associate at Messrs Sreenevasan.
Hanan Khaleeda, an alumnus from the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya Hanan Khaleeda binti Fadzil, or better known as Hanan, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. An outspoken and confident character, Hanan’s numerous moot, debate and leadership accolades are hallmarks of her four illustrious years in law school. Amongst others, she participated in the Oxford Intellectual Property Moot Competition 2017 as well as the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition 2018. Hanan was also the Editor-in-Chief of the 2017/2018 Executive Board of the University of Malaya Law Review. At present, Hanan oversees the 2018/2019 Executive Board and is due to graduate in October 2019.
Lily Sabreena binti Mastura, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. Lily Sabreena binti Mastura, fondly known as Lily, is a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (UM). Her grit and graceful personality shines through, making her one of the more eminent personalities in the Faculty. In her 4 years of law school, Lily participated in various international moot competitions, notably the Tun Suffian International Human Rights Moot Competition, the International Maritime Law Moot Competition (IMLAM), the LAWASIA International Moot Competition and the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition. In all the competitions she participated, Lily and her team has made remarkable achievements which put the Faculty on the map as a formidable moot powerhouse in the international landscape.
Adam Thye Yong Wei, a final year student at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya Adam Thye Yong Wei, fondly known as Adam, is a final year student of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (‘UM’). Highly recognised for his recent success as the Runner-up of the National Client Consultation Competition 2019, Adam is a prominent, all-rounded student who was active in mooting competitions—both as participant and organiser—as well as in legal aid efforts. Soon to be stepping out of law school, Adam anticipates a working holiday trip to the United States of America for a few months after his final examination, before commencing his pupillage in the field of litigation.
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