KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is set to make history with the establishment of its Faculty of Law, which is expected to admit its first cohort of students this September.
UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, said the establishment of the faculty takes into account the state’s unique needs, including legal aspects closely tied to Sarawak’s identity and development.
“We are establishing the Faculty of Law with the aim of contributing to the development of law at UNIMAS, including focusing on Customary Law related to MA63, as well as adopting a transdisciplinary approach to support Sarawak’s economic development,” he said in a TVS report after a courtesy call on the Premier at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
He said that the first intake is expected to enrol 30 students, with priority given to Sarawakians, although opportunities will also be open to candidates from outside the state.
The initiative has received full support from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who also expressed his intention to sponsor students of the faculty, particularly Sarawakians, to produce more local legal experts.
The faculty will also explore new areas of law, including those related to technology such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), in line with the state’s development direction.
UNIMAS also plans to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for customary law as well as a research centre focusing on customs and history to strengthen the faculty’s research agenda.
In another development, the Sarawak government is increasing its commitment to medical education at UNIMAS.
“Any Sarawakian who meets the criteria will continue to be sponsored by the state government to pursue medical studies at UNIMAS,” he said.
This move is expected to expand access to education and increase the number of local doctors and specialists in the long term.
Overall, the establishment of the Faculty of Law and the increased intake of medical students reflect the strategic approach of UNIMAS and the Sarawak government in developing highly skilled human capital.
Earlier, the UNIMAS delegation presented the letter of reappointment to the Premier as Pro-Chancellor of UNIMAS for a three-year term from March 15, 2026 to March 14, 2029.
