An online news portal reported this week that the University of Malaya (UM) is the first university in the country to have a student-run law journal publisher.
However, some lawyers from the legal fraternity are slowly speaking up against such claims saying that the above is untrue.
Lawyers who were former students from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) say that it was them, and not UM, who are the first publishers of a student-ran law journal.
Newspaper clippings sighted by Astro AWANI, some dating back to 2002, show that claims made by these lawyers could be true.
The clippings, from The Star and Berita Harian, possibly dated in early 2002 ran reports highlighting the fact that it was the IIUM Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws' students as running the Law Majalla, which is the IIUM's law school's Law Review.
Fahda Nur Ahmad Kamar, a Partner of law firm - Fahda Nur & Yusmadi says that "I was the founder of the Tan Sri Ahmad Ibrahim Legal Research Group that was set up in year 2000.”
“I continued being part of the research group, as Editor-in-Chief of the legal journal Law Majalla, until it was published in 2002" says Fahda.
The claims made by IIUM-graduate lawyers also go beyond them being the first, but that they were the only ones in the country at that time. Fahda added "as I recollect, we were not only the first student-run law journal publication in the country, but we were the only ones doing it too during that period".
Standards run high when it comes to student-led law journals. Amongst reputable ones include the likes of the prestigious Harvard Law Review and the Yale Law Review. It is therefore critical for claims on Law Reviews in the country to have the record straighten out if the need arises.
Upon asking on why the need to set the record straight, lawyer Noramilin Yusof of Messrs Abu Talib Shahrom, and now UKM Assoc Prof Dr Shahrul Mizan Ismail, both of whom were members of the editorial and research team in year 2002 also spoke on the matter.
Noramilin emphasised that “publishing a legal journal on our own was a difficult task without proper funding. It was not right for another institution to claim to be the first”.
Law Majalla was first published in 1991. After a 10 year hiatus, a 2002 edition was also published.
“Financial support is vital to ensure continuity of any student project and I hope that UM's current venture would have that support” says Assoc. Prof. Shahrul Mizan.
The University of Malaya Law Review’s inaugural volume, which will be published on 31 July 2017, features an article by retired Federal Court judge Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram. Also announced are articles featuring UM law professor, Datuk Shad Saleem Faruqi and Selangor Speaker YB Hannah Yeoh.
Ibrahim Sani
Sat Jul 22 2017
A newspaper clipping, circa 2002 reports of Law Majalla publication revival.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.