Malaysia should remain firm in upholding justice without fear

WORLD International Day for Justice which is celebrated on 17 July marks the importance of bringing justice to people in general, promote rights of individuals and also stressing the significance of living in a peaceful world.

In this highly developed world, it is indispensably important to build a peaceful society for all to live harmoniously and to propel growth of nations.

Lim San Shien, President and Founder of University of Malaya Young Leaders Association (UM Young Leaders) said, in conjunction with the World International Day for Justice that human rights and justice should be prioritised at all times in the effort of building a peaceful society where peaceful society can only exist with the crucial elements of justice, rule of law, equality of all persons before the law and also the access to justice for all.

He is confident that Malaysia who had just been elected to be member of United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for term 2022-2024 will undertake more proactive measures in promoting justice and human rights like continued implementation of Universal Periodic Review recommendations, upholding obligations under CEDAW and recognise youths as stakeholders of nation building.

San Shien who is also a law student from University of Malaya opined that justice should not only be done, but it should be seen to be done. Recently, most legal jurisdictions in the world have also adopted digitalisation and virtual hearing to facilitate legal proceedings and hearing of cases.

For example, Malaysia have amended the Court of Judicature by introducing virtual means to conduct proceedings through remote communication technology to ensure justice can be served.

He added that Malaysia which practices Constitutional Supremacy as laid down in case of Ah Thian v Government of Malaysia and also Article 4(1) Constitution could assure all citizens that their personal liberty is upheld here as per Article 5 Constitution and also Article 8 which is equality of all persons before the law and equal protection of the law.

Malaysia should continue to be steadfast and remain firm in upholding justice without fear and favour to be exemplar for other jurisdictions to follow step.

In the process of justice, there is this legal maxim of Ubi jus ibi remedium which is important for all to bear in mind that every right comes with a remedy should the right is being in breach of.

Courts and judiciary should hear the cases based on merits of the cases and provide ruling based on principles of laws, statute, natural justice and also precedences.

“Varsity students and youth are the leaders of today and tomorrow thus we play significant roles in promoting justice and law by sharing legal knowledge with members of public, partake and organise impactful activities to raise awareness and maximise exposure of public pertaining to importance of law in regulating the society as well as doing our parts in obliging the laws thus realising Goal 16 of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030 which is peace, justice and strong institution,” San Shien told media in a statement.

“I have emphasized the importance and roles of law and justice by representing Malaysia in various high-impact platforms like winning Best Conference Paper award in International Youth Legal Exchange Conference, invited as panellist to Hong Kong Legal Week, presenter in ASEAN Digital Legal Summit, delegate to APEC, champion of Malaysia Model United Nations Cup and mooter in international moot competitions by UNHCR, universities as well as participant of international students exchange programme,” said San Shien in his statement.

San Shien who is the Government Varsity Leadership Icon viewed that all of us have collective responsibility and thus should work hand in hand with the government to build, promote justice as well as upholding supremacy of Constitution as the highest law of the land, rule of law and separation of power in order to realise Goal 16 of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030 which is peace, justice and strong institution.