University of Malaya Law Review

[UMLR Legal Writing Competition Awards Ceremony Recap]

The University of Malaya Law Review (‘UMLR’) is thrilled to look back on the successful culmination of our inaugural Legal Writing Competition! On the 16th of May 2026, we gathered at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, to recognise outstanding legal scholarship and celebrate this year’s exceptional award recipients.

It was a fantastic afternoon celebrating our amazing winners, networking with top law firms, and meeting the keynote authors of our flagship Academic Journal. From grabbing exclusive UMLR merchandise and snapping photos at the photobooth to wrapping up with a great tea session, thank you to everyone who came out and made this milestone event such a memorable success.

Want to browse through the official event photos, find your photobooth snapshots, and relive the highlights of the day? Scan the QR code for more pictures from the ceremony!

For any further inquiries regarding the competition or future UMLR initiatives, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making our inaugural competition an unforgettable event.

‘Fueled by honesty, integrity, and a passion for the law.’

[Government Introduces 10-Year Passport Validity Option]

On Wednesday, the government gazetted amendments to the passport fee structure, allowing Malaysians to obtain passports valid for up to 10 years.

The Malaysian Immigration Department (‘JIM’) confirmed that it is ready to implement the new validity period once the government announces the commencement date. Until then, passports will continue to be issued with the current five-year validity period, with the public to be given a choice when the new system takes effect.

The Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026 introduces an optional 10-year Malaysian passport priced at RM350, with reduced fees of RM175 for senior citizens aged 60 and above and free issuance for registered persons with disabilities aged 18 and above.

Additionally, revised fees have been introduced for the replacement of lost or damaged passports, with higher charges imposed based on age category and for repeat replacements.

Immigration ready for 10‑year Malaysian passports at RM350, over‑60s pay RM175, disabled free KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) is ready to implement changes relating to passport validity of up to 10 years, as provided under the Fees...

[High Court Upholds Bus Driver’s Conviction and Sentence for Fatal Dangerous Driving]

On Wednesday, the Alor Setar High Court dismissed a tour bus driver’s appeal against his conviction for dangerous driving that caused a man’s death and injured two others.

The incident occurred in June 2017 when the accused, who was transporting 28 passengers from Negeri Sembilan to Thailand, crashed into the rear of a lorry. The impact caused the lorry to skid, hit a road divider, and overturn, killing a 53-year-old man and injuring two others.

The accused was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, carrying a jail term of between two and 10 years and a fine of up to RM20,000 upon conviction.

Consequently, the court held that the accused’s conduct fell below the standard expected of a competent and prudent driver, amounting to dangerous driving. It therefore upheld the conviction, sentence of 45 months’ imprisonment and RM13,000 fine, and a four-year driving licence disqualification.

Court upholds tour bus driver’s 45-month jail term, RM13,000 fine over fatal crash High Court says magistrate was correct in rejecting the defence’s challenge of a medical officer’s qualifications and evidence.

[High Court Upholds Good Behaviour Bond for Juvenile in Gang-Rape Case]

On Tuesday, the Kedah High Court upheld a two-year good behaviour bond imposed on a juvenile convicted of gang-raping a child in 2021.

The offence was committed at a hotel in Alor Setar by the 14-year-old juvenile together with two other offenders. The juvenile pleaded guilty in the trial court in 2024 and was subsequently placed on a two-year good behaviour bond without surety. Meanwhile, the two co-accused were each sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.

The presiding judge held that, although the offence was severe, it does not mechanically extinguish or override the sentencing framework under the Child Act 2001 for minors, emphasising that departing from it would undermine Parliament’s legislative intent. The court noted that the Act is specifically designed for child offenders and prioritises rehabilitation over retributive justice.

Consequently, the court found that the victim’s testimony, supported by medical evidence, was credible and sufficient to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Good behaviour bond sufficient for juvie who gang-raped girl, says court High Court in Kedah says the Child Act is a self-contained framework that prioritises rehabilitation over punitive sentencing for juvenile offenders.

[Faculty Achievement]

The University of Malaya Moot Club and the University of Malaya Law Review proudly celebrate Team UMNUS04 for their exceptional and inspiring achievement at the UM–NUS Friendly Moot Competition 2026!

The team consists of:
1. Mr Mah Sengzi
2. Mr Muhammad Irfan Shah Bin Mujibudhin

Through exceptional advocacy, teamwork, and dedication, Team UMNUS04 emerged as the Overall Champions of the competition and was additionally recognised with the award for Best Respondent Memorial. This accomplishment is a testament to the team’s hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence in mooting and legal advocacy. Their success brings pride to the institution and reflects the continued strength and reputation of the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Law on the regional stage.

Jointly organised by the National University of Singapore Law Mooting & Debate Club and the Universiti Malaya Moot Club, the competition stands as a meaningful platform for intellectual exchange, collegiality, and mutual respect between two of Southeast Asia’s leading law schools. It also plays an important role in advancing the standards of both written and oral advocacy among future members of the legal profession.

Once again, we extend our congratulations to Team UMNUS04 on this well-deserved and commendable achievement. May their triumph continue to inspire aspiring mooters and further elevate Universiti Malaya's name on both national and international stages.



‘Fueled by honesty, integrity and a passion for the law’

[High Court Acquits Two Men of 150kg Drug Possession Charge]

On Friday, the Shah Alam High Court acquitted two former restaurant workers of possessing nearly 150kg of illicit drugs, allowing them to walk free after six years in remand.

In October 2020, police arrested two men at a Kota Damansara house over the trafficking of 51.5kg of methamphetamine and 98.25kg of he**in. The 29-year-old testified to entering the house to collect restaurant supplies under his employer’s instructions while the 30-year-old was arrested about 100 metres away.

The court found that the prosecution failed to prove the men had exclusive custody and control of the drugs and did not effectively challenge their defence.

Consequently, the court acquitted both men after ruling that the prosecution failed to secure the attendance of a witness offered to the defence, noting that they made insufficient efforts to trace the individual.

Missing witness: 2 on drug charge freed after 6 years in remand Failure to secure the attendance of a witness offered by the prosecution 'placed the defence in a disadvantageous position', says judge.

[High Court Orders Insurer to Pay RM1.245 Million to Luxury Car Owner]

On Thursday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered an insurer to pay RM1.245 million to a luxury car owner after ruling that its demand for customs duties before releasing an insurance payout was not part of the policy and was made in bad faith.

The dispute arose after a Langkawi-registered Porsche, insured for RM1.225 million, was declared beyond economic repair following a 2022 accident. Although the insurer initially accepted the claim, it later withheld payment and alleged misrepresentation relating to the vehicle’s registration address.

The court held that the insurer had already accepted liability by classifying the vehicle as beyond economic repair and offering settlement. It also rejected the misrepresentation allegations, finding that the policy had never been validly repudiated under Section 19 of the Contracts Act.

Consequently, the insurer was ordered to pay RM1.225 million, together with RM5,150 in towing charges, RM13,317.80 in storage charges, 5% annual interest from the filing date, and RM50,000 in costs. The insurer has since filed an appeal.

Insurance firm ordered to pay RM1.24mil to luxury car owner The Kuala Lumpur High Court also orders Pacific & Orient Insurance Co to pay Lai Leong Peng RM50,000 in costs.

[Faculty Achievement]

The University of Malaya Moot Club and the University of Malaya Law Review proudly congratulate Team 2610 for its inspiring and outstanding performance at the ALSA International Moot Court Competition 2026!

The team consists of:
1. Mr Shawn Lee Wen Xuan
2. Mr Sheyshan Shanmugayogan
3. Mr Thishant Sai Sugaythran

Team 2610 emerged victorious as the Champion of the National Selection Rounds, standing formidable in advocacy and style. Notably, Mr Shawn Lee Wen Xuan was distinguished as the Best Oralist of the Final Round, a testament to his and the team's exceptionality.

Hosted by ALSA Malaysia, the ALSA International Moot Court Competition 2026 is ALSA’s flagship advocacy programme. Bringing together law students from across Asia, the Competition fosters engagement in rigorous, real-world legal advocacy in arbitration, while instilling professionalism and cross-border academic exchange.

The Top 4 Teams of the National Selection Rounds, Team 2610 included, are to represent Malaysia at the International Rounds this July.

The team is grateful to the ALSA Malaysia committee for organising the wonderful event. Special thanks also go out to Mr Patrick Yeow and Mr Tee Xi Quan for their responsibility and dedication as Director and Vice Director respectively. Additionally, the team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya for the continuous support and encouragement throughout this journey. Finally, the team members express their sincere appreciation to all who have supported them and offered valuable advice throughout their preparation and training process.

Once more, congratulations to Team 2610 for the remarkable achievement! May the team's victory serve as a beacon to inspire students to achieve even greater feats.



‘Fueled by honesty, integrity and a passion for the law’

[Former CEO Awarded Additional RM100,000 Of Damages In Defamation Suit]

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal awarded an additional RM100,000 in damages to the former Tune Talk CEO, upholding defamation findings against a news organisation and three journalists.

The dispute arose from two articles published in The Star and a reporter’s Facebook commentary from May 2019. The publications contained unsupported allegations that the former executive was a molester and had a history of drug and domestic abuse.

In November 2023, the High Court ruled in favour of the claimant on the balance of probabilities following the failure of all defences, awarding him RM200,000 in damages.

Upholding the High Court’s decision, the appellate court found that the media organisation failed to establish defences of justification and qualified privilege — emphasising that they failed to practise responsible journalism and seek the plaintiff’s side of the story.

Consequently, the appellate court dismissed the defendants’ appeal on liability and quantum, increased the total damages to RM300,000, and ordered costs of RM50,000.

Jason Lo awarded additional damages of RM100,000 in defamation suit Court of Appeal also dismisses the appeal by Star Media Group Bhd and three journalists on liability and quantum.

[Faculty Achievement]

The University of Malaya Moot Club and the University of Malaya Law Review express our deepest congratulations to Team 2610 for their outstanding performance in the ALSA Malaysia Mediation Competition 2026.

The team consists of:
1. Mr Foo Kai Cheong
2. Ms Yau Jing Jie

Team 2610 emerged as Semi-Finalists in the competition, demonstrating commendable mediation, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills throughout the tournament. In addition, Mr Foo Kai Cheong was awarded the Best Counsel Award in recognition of his exceptional advocacy and performance.

The ALSA Malaysia Mediation Competition (‘AMMC’) 2026, organised by the ALSA Malaysia, serves as a platform designed to enhance participants’ negotiation, communication, and dispute resolution skills through simulated mediation sessions. The competition was held from 9 to 10 May 2026 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (‘AIAC’), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team extends their heartfelt gratitude to Ms Hui Li Juan for her invaluable guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the competition. Her contributions played an essential role in the team’s preparation and confidence. The team members also express their appreciation to their friends and families for their continuous encouragement and belief in them throughout the competition journey.

Once again, congratulations to Team 2610 for their remarkable achievement!



‘Fueled by honesty, integrity and a passion for the law’