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Human Rights training programmes at Universiti Malaya and KDU College

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Contributed by Khaizan Sharizad Ab. Razak and Saha Deva Arunasalam

The Education and Training Working Group (ETWG) of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee (Committee) conducted two training programmes at Universiti Malaya (UM) and at KDU College on 9 and 10 January 2009 respectively.

The unique programmes are tailored for undergraduate students with the objective of introducing them to human rights principles, current human rights issues in Malaysia and challenges faced by human rights activists in dealing with rights violations.

The short two-hour session at UM was well-received, and the Committee will continue to work with Professor Gurdial Singh Nijar of the Law Faculty and his students to conduct further sessions on human rights activism. This co-operation between the Bar and one of the leading law schools in Malaysia marks a new era of active involvement by the Bar. The Committee aims to train prospective members (of the Bar) at an early stage to raise the level of awareness on human rights law in line with a lawyer’s duty to uphold the cause of justice without fear or favour.

At KDU College, the session included information on the history and origins of the modern human rights movement, the peoples’ rights in the Federal Constitution and two specific modules on freedom of speech and the Sedition Act, and on detention without trial and the ISA.

There was also an engaging and thought-provoking session titled ‘Power, Government, Society, Activism and You’. It was an interactive session where the participants were divided into groups and asked to present forms of social action to seek the repeal of the ISA and to support the same. Interesting ideas targeted at the younger generation were presented.

Roger Chan, co-chair of the ETWG, said that he is happy with the progress of the recent training programmes but further fine-tuning to the modules for consistent delivery of outcome needs to be done. He also said that the Committee’s ‘Bringing Human Rights Home’ tour in co-operation with the respective State Bar Committees re-commences with the next stop at Malacca on 21 February 2009 and then to Kelantan.

“There is a pressing need to train lawyers who are in active practice to benefit them regardless of their seniority at the Bar, and we intend to engage our fellow members. This would empower our comrades to provide quality legal services and representation to society. I would urge members to attend these programmes”, said Roger, a practitioner of almost 18 years’ standing.