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Consti Bulletin
The Constitutional Literacy Initiative is a collaboration between the Malaysian Bar and the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, which aims to promote and champion literacy of the Federal Constitution, democracy & the rule of law across all members of the Malaysian public. Both the Faculty and the Bar have a desire to promote Constitutional literacy and have determined that each brings the unique expertise and experience necessary to accomplish these objectives. Birthed from the synergy between the parties is the Consti Bulletin. The Consti Bulletin is issued monthly in which it highlights contemporary issues, primary in the local hemisphere whilst occasionally covering prominent developments in the international arena.
Now, the Consti Bulletin is back with a new design and even more engaging content that will surely keep you yearning for more. Do subscribe to the Consti Bulletin newsletter by filling in your email address below to make sure you do not miss out on our monthly issues while it is still piping hot!
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These two months had witnessed several controversial issues and landmark decisions by the courts. From a statement by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) saying our Federal Constitution does not bar non-Bumiputera students from enrolling at UiTM, to court rejecting Malaysian Bar's judicial review bid to challenge Zahid's DNAA. Not to forget the long winded case of Indira Gandhi, in which her latest lawsuit against the ICP and government was dismissed by the High Court.
On top of that, this issue also featured a remarkable commentary by Emeritus Prof. Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi regarding Separating the Attorney General from the Public Prosecutor in Malaysia.
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In a world where citizenship rights and gender equality are at the forefront of societal discourse, recent events have sparked both controversy and progress. This issue covers the decision by the government to abandon its controversial proposal to deny automatic citizenship to foundlings and stateless children, as well as the bold move by Kelantan to re-enact 16 provisions. Meanwhile, the Malaysian parliament has passed the Auku amendment bill which signifies a pivotal step towards reforming education governance.
Not to forget, this issue also features a notable piece of commentary by the esteemed Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi titled "Is the Malaysian Constitution in Renaissance?"
In the beginning of 2024, a massive bomb of surprise hit when former prime minister Dato Seri Najib Razak gets "discount" for his jail time and fine. This issue also covers the Federal Court's significant ruling that 16 provisions in Kelantan enactment were deemed unconstitutional in the case of Muslim's duo challenge, as well as the appointment of new Sarawak governor, Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar replacing Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
On top of that, this issue also featured a remarkable commentary by Emeritus Prof. Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi regarding Constitutional Conundrum of the royal pardon, some constitutional issues and proposals for reform.
In the annals of December, a pivotal moment unfolded as the Bersatu youth chief proposed to amend Federal Constitution so as to reserve the position of Prime Minister for Malay Muslim. This shared the spotlight with diverse news, including a State Chief Sharie Judge's statement on Muslim men in Terengganu and international calls for Israel to safeguard humanitarian workers in Gaza.
Moreover, this month also featured a notable commentary by Dr. Wilson Tay Tze Vern, offering insightful perspectives on the complexities surrounding the basic structure doctrine in Malaysia.
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November documented a major decision made by The Malaysian High Court to sentence Syed Saddiq to 7 years of jail, a fine of RM10mil and two strokes of cane. This issue also covers a myriad of news from the 4 days truce in Gaza to the court’s decision to uphold vernacular school’s legality, along with a noteworthy commentary by Dr. Sheila A/P Ramalingam on the issues surrounding criminal investigation by the MACC against a Court of Appeal judge.
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UMCT Consti Bulletin May 2023
The month of May witnessed many turmoils, including the government's withdrawal of the appeal against the High Court ruling that quashed the ban on the use of words such as ‘Allah’, the Home Ministry's seizure of watches allegedly linked to the LGBT community, and the Bar's adoption of a no-confidence vote against the Attorney General. However, amidst all these events, there is good news: attempted suicide is no longer a crime in Malaysia.
April, being an exceptionally eventful month, had witnessed the landmark Federal Court decision which declared the residents of TTDI victory in saving a public park. Notably, Sam Ke Ting was freed by the Court of Appeal in the infamous ‘basikal lajak’ incident. This edition also features a special commentary by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi on ‘MACC, The Ex-PM and the Independence of the Judiciary’.
The month of March undoubtedly left its impact on the country with its significant legal developments, including the abolishing of the mandatory death penalty, amendments to the Penal Code to criminalise stalking and the finalising of the policy bill to decriminalise attempted suicide. A special commentary piece by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi on ‘Ending Statelessness in Malaysia is also featured.
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The long-awaited February Consti Bulletin has arrived!
This month shines a new hope to future generations with the Cabinet's approval of amendments to the Constitution’s citizenship rules. This edition also features a special case commentary on Tan Kah Fatt & Anor v Tan Ying written by our very own Dr. Sheila Ramalingam.
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The January edition of the Consti Bulletin is here to recap all the pivotal moments in Malaysia that could define the entire year of 2023! The kick-off from DS Najib’s appeal to be reheard to CJ Tengku Maimun speaking out against attempts to intimidate judiciary surely have us at the edge of the page. The law breakthroughs more glory with the Federal Court decision, ruling an illegitimate child is entitled to inheritance from a parent who died without will.
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For the December edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover an array of topics including the mandatory death penalty reform and a PM confidence vote, as well as the Federal Court leave to appeal for overseas-born children citizenship. Also introducing our new Student Submissions and Ask UMCT Anything sections, alongside a special case commentary on Charles Santiago v Dato’ Sri Ismail Yaakob & Ors!
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For the November issue of the Consti Bulletin, we cover an array of issues from citizenship to the anti-hopping law to the latest New Zealand courts’ ruling on discriminatory voting ages. Featuring a special case commentary piece by Dr. Wilson Tay, do have a read and subscribe to keep updated!
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For the October issue of the Consti Bulletin, we unravel the Court’s decision on Charles Santiago’s lawsuit to halt GE15, the unanimous passing of the Anti-stalking Bill, as well as the breakdown of the seven Bills tabled to abolish the death penalty. Do have a read and subscribe to the Consti Bulletin to stay updated!
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For the August and September edition of the Consti Bulletin, we unravel Najib's guilty verdict in the final SRC appeal, the proposal to have 35% of Dewan Rakyat seats to Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the verdict on the constitutionality of Penang's Article 14A on anti-party hopping. Do have a read and subscribe to the Consti Bulletin to stay updated!
In this edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the plan to achieve the endemic phase in Malaysia, the upcoming anti-smoking Bill, and the recognition of sex work in India as a profession. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the March edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the vote in the Dewan Rakyat to reject the extension of SOSMA's detention period, the new minimum wage, and the possibility of a probe into the procurement of the MySejahtera app. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the February edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the recent Federal Court decision on the judicial review powers of the Syariah Court, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the passing of the Sarawak bill recognising children of mixed-marriages as natives. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the January edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the recent #TangkapAzamBaki protests, the anti-hopping bill, and the Court of Appeal ruling on the constitutionality of the current pension scheme. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the December edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the Sarawak elections, the constitutional amendments recognising MA63, and a case commentary on the recent ruling on vernacular schools. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the November edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the upcoming Sarawak elections, the use of medical cannabis in Malaysia and the recent ruling on denying bail to men. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the October edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include Budget 2022, the Melaka state elections and an exclusive case commentary from Prof Shad on the recent Undi18 ruling. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the September edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the recent citizenship ruling and an exclusive case commentary from Prof Shad on this ruling. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the August edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these include the appointment of the new Prime Minister Ismail Sabri, the Federal Court ruling that the NSCA is constitutional, and the call for the implementation of Undi18. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the July edition of the Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these happenings include the appointment of the new Deputy Prime Minister, protests from contract doctors and the suspension of parliament. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more. The Bulletin also has a fresh, new look!
In the June edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these happenings include the decree from His Majesty to reconvene Parliament, the leave for judicial review of the decision to delay lowering the voting age and fines for the publishing of fake news. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the May edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the establishment of proper channel for athletes to lodge complaint about sexual harassment, the need for a new Malaysia Agreement and the challenge by the Malaysian Bar against the emergency proclamation. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the April edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the filing of legal action by the Malaysian Bar regarding the constitutionality of the Emergency Ordinance, developments of the citizenship case and heavier punishment for the LGBT community. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
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In the March edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the enactment of a new "fake news" law, the delay in automatic voter registration and the ultimatum given by the court to rule on the constitutionality of vernacular schools. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the February edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the launching of the National Unity blueprint, MalaysiaKini being held liable for its users comments and the developments of the sexual harassment bill. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the January edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the declaration of a state of emergency, development of the Muhammad Adib case, the need to speed up the Act to control rentals. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the December edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the passing of budget 2021, the setting up of a new committee to address the overcrowding of prisons and the challenge by a Malaysian mother married to a foreign spouse to pass on her citizenship to her children. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the November edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the developments of budget 2021, amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the setting up of nine bipartisan select committees. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the October edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes His Majesty refusal to declare a state of emergency, the revision of the National Land Code and the increased powers to police inspectors to issue fines. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!
In the November edition of Consti Bulletin, we cover the biggest developments in the legal field. Among these includes the Phillipines's recent claim over Sabah, the appointment of Sabah Chief Minister and the amendment to the NSC Act. Read the Consti Bulletin to find out more!