SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is in the final stage of securing approval from the Ministry of Higher Education for the offering of its Bachelor of Laws programme.
Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Professor Dr Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie said the process of setting up the faculty and its academic programme has taken about two years, with the Faculty of Law approved for establishment on March 19, 2025, while approval for the Bachelor of Laws programme is still pending and expected by the end of this month.
Despite awaiting official clearance, she said Unimas has begun groundwork, including recruiting academic staff and upgrading facilities at its city campus, where the faculty will be based.
“The premises, previously used by the Faculty of Medicine, are currently being renovated, with four floors allocated for the new faculty.
“Among the key features is a technologically advanced moot court located on Level Five, which is expected to be completed by June,” she told Sarawak Tribune today.
Unlike conventional moot courts, the facility will incorporate flexible, collapsible spaces and movable furniture, allowing it to be adapted for different legal settings such as criminal and family courts.
The university also plans to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology to provide students with immersive courtroom experiences.
“We aim to position its law faculty as a ‘boutique’ institution, with a selective intake process.
“Prospective students will be required to undergo interviews before being offered admission.”
She added that the programme is not listed under the centralised UPU application system due to timing constraints. Instead, applications are expected to open independently in May or June, subject to approval.
“The first intake, targeted for the September semester, will be limited to 30 students.
“The bachelor’s degree programme will be open to applicants from STPM, diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) and A-Level backgrounds.
“A foundation programme in law is not currently offered though it may be considered in the future.”
She said the introduction of the law faculty is also seen as part of a broader effort to deepen public understanding of key national and state frameworks, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as well as governance and industry-related matters.
“We are quite excited about this law programme and if we can produce the cream of the crop, God willing, they will contribute to Sarawak, not only Sarawak but also the wider region.
“I believe the PCDS narrative is very significant.”
Prof Fitri added that while Unimas is not a state-owned institution, it continues to align its long-term plans with the aspirations of the Sarawak government in developing talent to support the state’s future growth.
