KUCHING: Promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equity in legal fields creates an environment where individuals are valued, opportunities are accessible to all, and merit prevails over prejudice.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed that nation-building is a dynamic process which requires collective effort to drive progress across industries and beyond.
He praised the inaugural Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM) East Malaysia Grand Night for its theme, ‘Diversity and Inclusivity in Nation Building, saying it as a reflection of Malaysia Madani’s vision by uniting legal practitioners and judges from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak in a spirit of unity.
“Diversity and inclusivity are not merely ideals; they are strengths essential for nation-building.
“The presence of our East and West brothers and sisters — judges, statesmen, practitioners, corporate counsel, academicians, and law students — united, dining together, and learning from one another regardless of race and religion exemplifies the collective strength of our profession,” he said.
He said this during the event held at Borneo Cultural Museum on Saturday (Sat 11).
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi graced the event.
Fadillah, who serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) commended ICM for bringing together judges, retired judges, lawyers, jurists, legal academicians, corporate counsel, and law students across all levels.
By fostering professional legal excellence, he praised ICM for truly living up to its theme, ‘A Home for the Whole Spectrum of Law Professionals.’
On the same note, Fadillah highlighted ICM’s collaboration with higher education institutions, including Universiti Malaya (UM), as a platform for cultural exchange and fostering appreciation of Malaysia’s diversity.
He acknowledged the successful conclusion of ICM’s 10th Legal Education Series (LES) at Swinburne University, commending its commitment to advancing legal education despite challenges.
During the event, Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universiti Malaya (UM) and ICM.
He commended the collaboration, expressing confidence that it would lead to numerous impactful events, discussions, and initiatives to enhance the legal profession and contribute to the nation’s progress.
“ICM’s collaboration with higher education institutions, including Universiti Malaya, fosters cultural exchange and unity, equipping future legal practitioners with the skills to serve Malaysia’s diverse society.
“Sarawak, in particular, has excelled in preserving and enhancing these values. Ongoing training on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and cross-cultural communication is crucial for practitioners at all levels.
“These efforts elevate the quality of legal services and ensure they are delivered with professionalism and integrity,” he added.
Additionally, he addressed the law students, urging them to learn from the wisdom of the judges and senior lawyers present, and to carry forward the torch of justice for the betterment of the nation.
