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Contributed by the National Young Lawyers
Committee
 “Sign up for the Young Lawyers Convention NOW!”
Ummi was admitted to the Malaysian Bar on 20 July 2005. A graduate of UiTM, she
practises in the area of general litigation in Kedah. She attended the recently
concluded Malaysian Law Conference, and is encouraging others to attend the
Young Lawyers Convention in Penang from 18-20 January 2008. Teo Nie Ching
interviewed her.
What did you think about the 14th Malaysian Law Conference in general?
Since this was the first time attending the MLC, I think it was very impressive.
From the venue itself, to the VVIPs who attended the Conference, and the
interesting topics discussed right to the food - it was perfect. The Conference
was quite well managed and I like the fact that transportation to the venue was
easy.
Why did you want to attend the MLC?
The first time the Kedah/Perlis State Bar Committee issued a circular on the MLC,
it attracted me right away. The previous participants of the Conference told me
how the Conference could change my perceptions and make me a better lawyer. I
also realised by attending the Conference that it would open my mind and add
knowledge from the sessions I would attend. My confidence level also improved
and I was able to mix around with participants from various walks of life in a
comfortable environment.
Which were the two outstanding sessions and why?
Being asked such a question, I would say the sessions on ‘Freedom of Religion’
and ‘Freedom of Expression in the Arts – A Theatrical Illusion?’ The former was
a very interesting one. No doubt, the issue is sensitive and seldom being
discussed at large. At the Conference however, the issue was discussed among the
participants openly. It showed that we as the lay public are ready to discuss it
maturely without any arguments taking place. Not just that, a big applause
should be given to the speakers as well. They were not only good but they
managed to tackle the issues wisely. Great issues coupled with great speakers
made this session an interesting one. As speakers from various organisations
were invited, the issue could be dealt with openly and queries were answered
satisfactorily. The latter session was interesting in its own way. As lawyers,
we undoubtedly are fully aware of the very fact that freedom of expression is
guaranteed under the Constitution. However, freedom of expression in the arts is
in my opinion seldom brought up. Attending the session made one realise that
being an artist is not I might say a ‘glamorous’ job to have. For instance, from
the speakers themselves, we know that there are many obstacles ahead which await
them before their movies, plays and acts may be released to the public. I don’t
think many of us are aware of this fact and it is because we never look at it
closely unlike other forms of expression guaranteed under the Constitution.
Answering the question - freedom of expression in the arts is merely a
theatrical illusion!
How was the organisation of the MLC?
The organisers managed the Conference quite well. Signs were well-placed. The
volunteers were very helpful and they were well-prepared to answer any inquiries
from the participants. Even though there were many people attending the
Conference, the registration process was very systematic and didn’t take a long
time.
Any suggestions for the future?
Although the Conference was successfully ended, I still think there is room for
improvement in terms of time management. For example, I found myself rushing in
and out of sessions because the gap between them was too short. The organisers
need to estimate the time better taking the number of participants into
consideration.
Any disappointments?
I was disappointed because I didn’t manage to attend every topic since some of
them overlapped. For example, I had wanted to attend the ‘Dealing with
Electronic Evidence’ by Vincents Chartered Accountants, Australia session, but
at the same time I also wanted to be part of the ‘Freedom of Religion’ session.
It is such a loss when interesting topics are held at the same time. Another
disappointment was the bad time management. Since I had to rush around, I
started to lose my focus and all the rushing made me a bit tired. I also found
that the lunch break didn’t take into consideration time for the Muslims to pray
and have a break at the same time.
Did you benefit from the MLC?
I definitely benefited from the MLC. Not only did I gain knowledge, I also
learnt how to change the way I think on several issues. With that, I am able to
communicate confidently and mix around with various people regardless of their
backgrounds. I was also able to exchange thoughts with other participants. I am
a totally new person with a great deal of information at hand when the
Conference ended.
The 3rd Young Lawyers Convention is coming soon. Will you be taking part in
the Convention and what do you expect from it?
Of course! Attending such a Convention is an opportunity for a young lawyer like
me not to miss. I believe that the Convention will be interesting especially
when recent issues, topics or problems concerning the young lawyers are
discussed. It will definitely broaden one’s knowledge and this is what matters
most for young lawyers who should be fully equipped with broad knowledge. Apart
from that, attending the Convention would also mean that we will get to know
lawyers from all over the country and this will help in creating a stronger bond
among ourselves.
Looking at the schedule, which session are you most interested in?
I am most interested in Session 4, ‘Standing Out in a Crowded Profession’
because I believe that the session will surely help me to establish and
differentiate myself from other lawyers. Another reason why I am interested in
this session is because the format is in a more relaxed mode and points are
easier taken.
How do you think we young lawyers are able to stand out in a crowded
profession?
As a young lawyer, I know I am not able to compete with experienced lawyers now.
However, I do believe I can still stand out in a crowded profession by
differentiating myself and showing my capabilities to do better. I always
believed that knowledge is a most powerful of tools. By improving my knowledge
in the field as well as my general knowledge, I think it would help me stand
out. To do that, it is a must for me to keep updating myself on current issues.
Getting involved in community activities is also beneficial because the type of
knowledge gained is quite different. I also believe that by acquiring sufficient
knowledge on IT and ICT issues, this would surely be an advantage. I urge
everyone to sign up for the Convention!
What are your comments on the recent BERSIH rally?
I felt they were just trying to express their own disappointment on how the
Election Commission conducted the general elections. They made demands for equal
access and to ensure that accusations are no longer made about the elections
being unfair. It is a commendable effort since accusations are the last thing
voters want to hear during elections. Lies are difficult to counter. If the
Government granted these demands made by BERSIH, less misunderstanding will
occur. I also believe that linking the King to the demonstration was appropriate
and a smart move by BERSIH. Although the King has no executive powers, I still
believe the King’s advice to the Prime Minister is an act which represents
public opinion. However, I felt sorry for the passengers of the LRT who received
no warning of the new route, KL Sentral straight to Dang Wangi which was changed
by the authorities in an attempt to make it more difficult for people to reach
the rally area. I agreed with the suggestion made by Tunku Abdul Aziz in
treating the BERSIH group differently compared to other illegal protesters since
the organisers of the BERSIH rally had ordered the assembly to be a peaceful one
at all times.
From the Walk for Justice, BERSIH Rally to the HINDRAF one, do you think
assemblies and processions are an effective way of expressing the peoples’
desires?
Yes, they will definitely get the attention required and directly, the issues
will spread through the media, to society and the Government as well as to
foreign governments. Rallies may be considered an effective ‘marketing strategy’
performed by the organisers. However, news was not spread widely in the local
media and newspapers as if they were not important events. The foreign media
such as Al-Jazeera covered the event with detailed videos, and ground and
satellite images while BBC and CNN featured the news in their online papers as
well. Internet savvy Malaysians turn to the alternative media where online news
discussed the rallies in full force to answer the void left by our local media.
When most, if not all the local media and newspapers are being indirectly or
directly controlled by the Government, do you think the organisers had
successfully conveyed the message to the people outside the city?
I do think the organisers successfully conveyed the message, but I disagree with
this action. There are better ways for it to be done, and the Government should
be more open in hearing out public opinion. Message conveyed through these
organisations are often exaggerated and more of personal and emotional
statements. For the people outside the city, they need to analyse the message
conveyed and take note only of rational statements.
The Government used various methods to prevent or discourage people from
attending the rallies. What do you think our Government was afraid of?
When there is a rally there must be something wrong somewhere. But I do believe
that the Government only emphasised the aspect of peace in our country. Whenever
there is a rally, society might receive uncertain information. Therefore, if
such thing was to happen, it is difficult for the Government to maintain peace
in our country. Nevertheless, our Government also needs to listen to the
opposition parties or those involved in the rallies before their ideas turn into
demands. As an Islamic country, we always believe in “musyawwarah” or discussion
in order to allow every opinion to be heard and considered. Maybe this is the
best action for our Government to adopt, to discuss and reveal the truth to the
public.
Do you think the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds was
justifiable?
For me, the use of water cannons is acceptable but I certainly disagree with the
use of tear gas. There is no need to harm ‘unclear-minded’ citizens. When the
truth is revealed, they will calm themselves and think rationally. The use of
tear gas might also jeopardise their health.
Three more public rallies are expected to be held in the Klang Valley streets
next month. Do you think this is a good trend?
These rallies are definitely not a good trend. It affects not only the harmony
of the citizens but also the economic growth of the nation. Thousands of people
were stranded due to the rescheduling of transportation, offices and businesses
were closed and a great deal of money was wasted to repair the damage caused. I
also feel that these rallies bring shame to this country. We have always live
peacefully regardless of the different races and with these rallies, foreigners
might have different views opposed to what we have been promoting.
Other YL Personalities:
Mohd Taufik Bin
Md Tahir
Goh Chuan Chean
Hemalatha
Parasa Ramulu
Kho Yieng San
Ng Li Lin
Karthigesan
a/l Shanmugam
Juna Binti
Jusoh
Syamsuriatina
Ishak
Albert Ding
Choo Earn
Sulaiman Bin
Abu Bakar
Nasdrul Umur
Bin Shamsulhuda
Elaine Daly
Devkumar
Kumaraendran
Sandesh Kabir
Singh
Edelina Sophia
Binti Sophian Pulle
Mohd Busyairy
Bin Che Muda
Wong Fook Meng
Fadiah Nadwa
Fikri
Lee Chooi Peng
Angeline Cheah
Yin Leng
Mishant a/l
Thiruchelvam
Shahrizal Bin
Mohd Zin
Rezalman B.
Bahran
Gavin Tang Cheng
Loong
Noreen Ahmad
Ariff
Nadia Ashikin
binti Maduarin
David Dinesh
Mathew
Nizam Bashir
Bin Abdul Kariem Bashir
Amer Hamzah
Bin Arshad
Ernie
Suffiani Binti Salim
Ahmad Syukri
Bin Yusoff
Dipendra
Harshad Rai
Soo Wee Loon
Tracy Hah
Aminuddin bin
Abdullah
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Circular No 297/2008
