KUCHING: The Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) has welcomed a recent decision made during a meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education to lift the moratorium on setting up a law school.
Its president Gurvir Singh Sandhu said the new development would provide invaluable opportunity to one education institution to set up a law school here.
“Such news is definitely welcome in Sarawak,” he said in his address during the opening of the Legal Year for Sabah and Sarawak 2025 held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here today.
He said education plays a vital role in fostering respect for the rule of law by equipping individuals with the knowledge and understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities.
“By promoting both legal literacy and a culture of respect for the law, education strengthens the foundations of good governance and a functioning democracy,” he said.
On a related note, he also applauded the significant development in the landscape of higher education in Sarawak which is the abolition of the quota system for admission to the state universities.
“At this transformative moment in our education system, we will usher in a new era that is guided by meritocracy and fairness for all, regardless of race or religion.
“This significant shift will ensure that university admissions are now determined by academic performance, aptitude, and the potential a student demonstrates,” he said.
He said by abolishing the quota system in Sarawak, the state is sending a clear message that it value the contributions of all communities, but that merit — rather than identity or background — should be the determining factor in accessing opportunities.
“Every student, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or region, should feel empowered to pursue their dreams and aspirations based on their academic capabilities to be a contributing member of the society,” he said.
Earlier, the opening of the Legal Year started with the ceremonial procession by the legal fraternity where they marched from the Old Court House to the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre.
Among those present were Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri *Datuk* Abdul Rahman Sebli, Sarawak Attorney-General *Datuk* Saferi Ali, and Sabah Attorney-General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh.
