UM has proposed off-campus Law Faculty in Sarawak: Abang Johari

KUCHING: University Malaya (UM) is keen to set up a new off-campus Law Faculty in Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari revealed last night (Dec 20).

The Premier said the proposed campus aims to offer an array of subjects, notably encompassing the study of critical areas such as Native Customary Rights (NCR) and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

The Premier delivers his speech.

“I don’t mind to share with you … this is the first time I am disclosing this. I have been approached by Universiti Malaya which is proposing to have an off-campus Law Faculty in Sarawak.

“The subjects will include NCR and MA63 as elective subjects. MA63 is not taught in Peninsular Malaysia. However, following discussions on MA63, they now wish to delve into the origins of MA63, our Cobbold Commission Report, and our traditional laws,” Abang Johari said in his speech at the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) appreciation night dinner at Pullman Hotel, here.

He also highlighted Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak’s contribution, offering a four-year law course where students study two years in Kuching and another two years in Melbourne, Australia, and eventually being admitted to the Victorian Bar.

Abang Johari reiterated the state’s vision to provide free tertiary education to all Sarawakians at local universities by 2026.

“The Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his deputy Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee are currently calculating the costs.

“By the year 2026, regardless of race, religion, wealth, or status, eligible Sarawakians studying in our local universities will have their fees covered,” he added.

Acknowledging the need for adequate preparation, he stressed the importance of synchronising the increase in student intake with the corresponding rise in the number of lecturers.