Personal Statement

It was on July 9^th 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 5^th best speaker of the Inter-MJSC Debating Championship and 3^rd 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.