Prof. Dato’ Dr. Johan Shamsuddin Bin Hj. Sabaruddin

Dean, Faculty of Law

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

A warm welcome to the Faculty of Law, UNIMAS, the newest faculty of law in Malaysia and the first for Sarawak and Sabah. The students of the 2026/2027 cohort are privileged to be the pioneer batch of law students to this “boutique” law school. Why “boutique”? This is because we provide a different approach to legal education from the other law schools in Malaysia. We conduct teaching and learning differently in that our student-focused classes are small, tutorial sessions are on a one-to-one basis (or similar) and we emphasis the use of the latest teaching innovation and technology.

Apart from that, the students will be following a law curriculum which is more localized. As we are in Sarawak, the study of law here will encompass a Sarawak eco-system including the understanding of Sarawak constitution and history, MA63, customary law and the operation of laws which has taken place in Sarawak. The students will also be exposed to local community service and international mobility, equipping them to serve confidently in both local and international communities.

Meanwhile, the international relations programme which is also under this faculty will continue to excel, which will provide the same education quality and experience as the law students gain. The curriculum which has been reviewed from the previous international relations programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities will give the same advanced learning experience as the law programme to produce graduates with a thorough understanding of global political dynamics, international affairs, and the intricate relationships between nations.

Supported by the excellent members of the faculty who are very experienced, the students will be receiving an education which will fulfill the aspirations found in the vision and mission of our faculty. My congratulations to all and I wish you a very fruitful and beneficial educational experience with us. May we all achieve our objectives.