It was on July 9th 2011
that the Bersih (Clean) rally took action. Organized by the Coalition for Clean
and Fair Elections, the Walk for Democracy pushed the Electoral Commission of
Malaysia to ensure free and fair elections in Malaysia. The Commission was
demanded to clean up the electoral roll, reform postal voting, use indelible
ink, introduce a minimum 21-day campaign period, allow all parties free access
to the media, and put an end to electoral fraud. Such event drew the attention
of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong as the Head of the state to address his people. Despite
the royal intervention by His Highness, the government remained adamant in
their stance to illegalize the street rally. This occurrence made me wonder about
the true condition of the protest – Whether it was legal or illegal? On one
hand the rally called for a reformation in the country’s corrupted system. However,
the rally also caused chaos and anarchy which are destroying peace and order in
the nation. These questions intrigued me to learn more about the law and its
catalytic effect on human society. Since then, my interest in law was fostered
and it promoted me to ask even more questions regarding religious freedom and
moral codes.
I am very interested in reading law.
The law is very crucial since it forms the foundation on which any civilized society
is based. Law is multi disciplinary and is very fascinating. This is because it
not only involves the technical understanding of the constitution, but also psychology,
science, English, Latin, philosophy, forensics and so many other subjects to
mention. This enhances the study of law as a complete subject in all respects.
It is astounding how the law permeates every aspect of our lives. One law professor
even said that it is the universal solvent, so to speak. It mixes with every
other discipline in some way, and everything else mixes with it in another.
My participation in debating confirmed
me of my interest in reading law. I was enthusiastic for practice and I tried
to make myself eligible for tournaments as frequently as possible. Even at the
point where my team faces inevitable defeat, my motivation never faded. This is
because my true intention is not victory, but to obtain experience and
knowledge of the soft skills that a strong debater needs. Skills like critical
analysis and finding creative approaches to an issue is not just a valued
capability to a debater, but also an important aptitude for a capable
barrister. My spirit did not leave me in vain. My team managed to break into the
finals of the Inter-MJSC Debating Championship for 2010 and 2011. My determination
also allowed me to achieve the award of 5th best speaker of the Inter-MJSC
Debating Championship and 3rd best speaker of the IIUM Interschool
Debating Championship. I was also listed for training as one of the potential debaters
to represent Malaysia in the World School Debating Championship 2012.
Moreover, I am a holder of a second
degree black belt in Taekwon-Do. It means that I hold the responsibility of a Boosabum
or an assistant instructor. My experience leading a class taught me that being discipline
is crucial since I need to set an example. Being strong-willed helped me to
become a gold-medalist in the sport of sparring. Despite it all, my Sabum or
instructor brought great emphasis on the five tenets of Taekwon-Do. These tenets
are: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Nevertheless,
I picture my future as the last two phrases of the student’s oath: "I
shall be a champion of freedom and justice" and "I shall build a more
peaceful world." I believe that studying law and becoming a barrister may
help me to realize this dream and contribute in a better future.
I would like to pursue studying law
at a university in the UK because the Law program there provides a
comprehensive and critical understanding of core legal principles. It includes
not only torts law, contracts law and criminal law, but also European law and
human rights law. Studying abroad would also provide me the chance to broaden
my perspective and see the world from a different angle. This experience would
encourage me to analyze the law within its broader economic, political,
cultural, and international settings. If God willing that I am accepted into
your law program, I would partake in a three year undergraduate degree program
which results in an LLB. I further plan to apply to join one of the four Inns
of Court and then complete the one-year Bar Professional Training Course
(BPTC), followed by a pupilage in a set of barristers' chambers to become a full
pledge barrister. I am determined to study law at your university.