UNIMAS set to offer law programmes

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is set to establish a Faculty of Law, making it the first university in Sarawak to offer programmes in this field.

UNIMAS Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, said that this initiative is being undertaken to meet Sarawak’s need for legal expertise, particularly in matters specific to the state’s legal landscape.

“To date, law programmes have not been offered at any university in Sarawak.

“Therefore, recognising Sarawak’s current need for legal expertise, especially in areas such as the Sarawak Land Ordinance, Customary Law, the Sarawak Constitution, and Land Law, I am pleased to announce that UNIMAS will establish the Faculty of Law to fulfil this aspiration,” he said during the 2025 Vice Chancellor’s Address at Arena Gemilang, Detar Putra, yesterday (Jan 24).

Ahmad Hata also emphasised the importance of Sarawak’s strategic location bordering Brunei and Indonesia, as well as its proximity to the South China Sea, which necessitates the state having experts in international law.

“This is crucial to addressing issues such as maritime disputes, immigration, cross-border security, and regional safety concerns,” he added.

He further said that the faculty will offer two key programmes: Bachelor of Laws with Honours, and Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Relations with Honours.