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First Printing, 2006<br />

Copyright <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> Malaysia, 2006<br />

All rights reserved. No part <strong>of</strong> this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any<br />

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval<br />

system, without permission in writing from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia.<br />

Published in Malaysia by<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> Malaysia,<br />

Level 6, Block C3, Parcel C,<br />

Federal Government Administrative Centre,<br />

62512 Putrajaya.<br />

http://www.agc.gov.my<br />

Printed in Malaysia by<br />

GLOBAL PRINTERS SDN. BHD.<br />

No.19B, Wisma Global, Jalan TSB 1,<br />

Taman Perindustrian Sg. Buluh,<br />

Jalan Subang, 47000 Sg. Buluh,<br />

Selangor Darul Ehsan.<br />

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia<br />

Cataloguing-in-Publication-Data<br />

ISSN: 1823-8394


From <strong>the</strong> desk <strong>of</strong> The <strong>Attorney</strong> General <strong>of</strong> Malaysia 1<br />

Message from The Solicitor General <strong>of</strong> Malaysia 2<br />

Address by The Head Of The International Affairs Division 3<br />

Clients’ Charter and Objectives 5<br />

Our Pr<strong>of</strong>ile 6<br />

Our Organization 8<br />

Our People 9<br />

Unit 1 - Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation 10<br />

Unit 2 - International Trade and Finance 17<br />

Unit 3 - Human Rights and International Organizations 23<br />

Unit 4 - International Criminal Matters 28<br />

Unit 5 - Special Projects, Environment and Miscellaneous Matters 35<br />

Reports on Special Events<br />

• Hague Convention On Private International Law Seminar<br />

• Special Projects between Malaysia - Singapore 46<br />

Financial Statement 94<br />

Acknowledgements 95


from <strong>the</strong> desk <strong>of</strong><br />

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MALAYSIA<br />

I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity to grace <strong>the</strong> foreword <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

inaugural issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division’s Annual Report 2005.<br />

The International Affairs Division was formed on <strong>the</strong> 1st <strong>of</strong> June 2003.It is<br />

as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rapid expansion <strong>of</strong> international law and<br />

<strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> international legal issues and <strong>the</strong> changing emphasis<br />

in its content.<br />

The main objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division are to study and analyze all relevant international treaties,<br />

conventions and o<strong>the</strong>r crucial instruments in determining whe<strong>the</strong>r Malaysia should sign, ratify<br />

and accede to such instruments. Subsequently advice on <strong>the</strong> harmonization and implementation<br />

measures be given, be it legislative or administrative.<br />

Extensive range <strong>of</strong> subject matter from maritime law to human rights to international trade to<br />

dispute settlement requires a high degree <strong>of</strong> knowledge, expertise and experience. Offi cers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Affairs Division have been attending international negotiation and courses to enhance<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir ability and knowledge in <strong>the</strong>ir respective fi elds.<br />

1<br />

The <strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division also conducted and attended seminars, workshop<br />

and lectures to give <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> necessary exposures and to enable <strong>the</strong>m to keep abreast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

developments in <strong>the</strong> sphere <strong>of</strong> international law.<br />

This Annual Report covers <strong>the</strong> period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005. This Report<br />

serves as a permanent record <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work undertaken by <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division for <strong>the</strong><br />

period in review. It is very informative, amply illustrated and at <strong>the</strong> same time enjoyable to read.<br />

Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General<br />

Malaysia.


message from<br />

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL OF MALAYSIA<br />

The International Affairs Division (IAD) came into being on <strong>the</strong> 1st <strong>of</strong> June<br />

2003 due to <strong>the</strong> need to have a custodian committed to <strong>the</strong> protection and<br />

advancement <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s rights and interests in <strong>the</strong> international fora.<br />

International law has, since <strong>the</strong> inception <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong>, been handled as a sub-set <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> advisory function <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Advisory and International Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>Chambers</strong>. At one point in its history,<br />

international law matters were handled by just a couple <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from that<br />

Division. Suffi ce to say <strong>the</strong>re was no special focus or dedicated resources<br />

to managing emerging international law issues much less any degree <strong>of</strong><br />

specialization among its <strong>of</strong>fi cers.<br />

2<br />

With full Government support, <strong>the</strong> IAD was successfully established on 1 June 2003 with a strength <strong>of</strong> 27<br />

<strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> various grades and 22 staff. The prioritized areas <strong>of</strong> work were refl ected in <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Division into 5 specialized units, that is -<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

(v)<br />

<strong>the</strong> Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation Unit;<br />

<strong>the</strong> Human Rights and International/Regional Organizations Unit;<br />

<strong>the</strong> International Trade and Finance Unit;<br />

<strong>the</strong> International Criminal Matters Unit; and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Environmental and Miscellaneous Matters Unit.<br />

The IAD was fur<strong>the</strong>r augmented through a re-organization that took effect on 1 September 2005 to facilitate<br />

fur<strong>the</strong>r specialization into areas such as extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. As <strong>of</strong><br />

1 September 2005, IAD’s strength has been increased to 72 <strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> various grades and 26 staff while<br />

international law work is divided among 8 specialized Units:<br />

(i) <strong>the</strong> Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation Unit;<br />

(ii) <strong>the</strong> Human Rights and International/Regional Organizations Unit;<br />

(iii) <strong>the</strong> International Criminal Matters Unit;<br />

(iv) <strong>the</strong> Trade and International Finance Unit;<br />

(v) <strong>the</strong> Special Projects Unit;<br />

(vi) <strong>the</strong> Environmental, Space and Miscellaneous Matters Unit;<br />

(vii) <strong>the</strong> Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Unit; and<br />

(viii) <strong>the</strong> Extradition Unit.<br />

I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this Division for <strong>the</strong> timely production <strong>of</strong> this inaugural<br />

issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Annual Report which will serve as pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dedication and hard work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers and staff<br />

<strong>of</strong> this Division.<br />

Puan Sri Datuk Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh<br />

Solicitor-General<br />

Malaysia


address by<br />

THE HEAD OF<br />

THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION<br />

The dearth <strong>of</strong> focus, resources and expertise in international law matters<br />

was distressingly magnifi ed with <strong>the</strong> September 11, 2001 attacks against<br />

<strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America. As countries around <strong>the</strong> world scrambled<br />

to come to terms with <strong>the</strong> daring attacks, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

(<strong>Chambers</strong>) much like its legal brethren elsewhere was called upon to<br />

provide immediate advice to <strong>the</strong> Government on <strong>the</strong> legal issues such<br />

as <strong>the</strong> appropriate classifi cation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> attacks against <strong>the</strong> USA for <strong>the</strong><br />

purpose <strong>of</strong> determining an appropriate response by <strong>the</strong> United Nations and <strong>the</strong> international community.<br />

Belatedly it was recognized that <strong>Chambers</strong> had to initiate some positive moves to manage international<br />

law issues better.<br />

Immediate remedial action was initiated in 2001. The plan was to develop in-house specialization in<br />

international law by fi rstly establishing an International Affairs Division (IAD).<br />

On <strong>the</strong> 1st <strong>of</strong> June 2003, IAD was successfully established with a strength <strong>of</strong> 27 <strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> various<br />

grades and 22 staff. On 1st September 2005, <strong>the</strong> IAD was fur<strong>the</strong>r augmented through a re-organisation<br />

to facilitate fur<strong>the</strong>r specialization into areas such as extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal<br />

matters. IAD’s strength has been increased to 72 <strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> various grades and 26 staff while international<br />

law work is divided among 8 specialized Units:<br />

3<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Human Rights and International/Regional Organizations Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> International Criminal Matters Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Trade and International Finance Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Special Projects Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Environmental, Space and Miscellaneous Matters Unit;<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Unit; and<br />

• <strong>the</strong> Extradition Unit.<br />

Upon <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IAD, <strong>the</strong> Division was immediately placed into full action to deal with<br />

international law issues in all its diversity and complexity. It was recognized <strong>the</strong>n and continued to be<br />

acknowledged now that it is not an easy task to achieve. However with full commitment and dedication <strong>of</strong><br />

all <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers, <strong>the</strong> IAD has slowly but surely gained its due recognition and success.


The IAD have also obtained <strong>the</strong> full support and guidance from The Honorable <strong>Attorney</strong> General and The<br />

Honorable Solicitor General. Short, medium and long-term training programmes were put in place utilizing<br />

both in-house and local expertise as well as engaging experts from foreign training institutions such as <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Nottingham, United Kingdom and <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Wollongong, Australia. In addition, smart<br />

partnership/ attachment programmes are being sourced with foreign agencies and legal fi rms to develop<br />

expertise in advocacy and international arbitration and mediation. Foreign language pr<strong>of</strong>i ciency is ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

area <strong>the</strong> IAD are exploring since English is but one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> international lingua franca. The goal is to establish<br />

a critical mass <strong>of</strong> in-house international law experts in <strong>the</strong> various fi elds by 2012.<br />

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers and staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IAD for all <strong>the</strong>ir hard work in<br />

producing a very informative and commendable Annual Report. Their commitment, creativity and passion to<br />

produce this reports refl ects <strong>the</strong> exemplifi ed nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers and staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IAD.<br />

‘ Vous avez fait du bon travail.’<br />

4<br />

Azailiza Mohd Ahad<br />

Head<br />

International Affairs Division


CLIENTs CHARTER AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Clients Charter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

“We are committed to provide legal service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest quality to clients and we always act<br />

according to <strong>the</strong> Constitution and laws effi ciently, justly and equitably.”<br />

Objective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

To provide legal services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highest quality, effi ciently, fairly and equitably in accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />

Constitution and laws.<br />

Functions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

• To give legal advise and views to <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Government in accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />

international law and principles taking into account <strong>the</strong> policy <strong>of</strong> Malaysian Government,<br />

public policy, interest and domestic laws.<br />

• To advise <strong>the</strong> Federal and State Government on all legal matters including syariah laws.<br />

• To draft all legislation for <strong>the</strong> Federal Government.<br />

• To provide prosecution instructions to all related law enforcement agencies for criminal<br />

cases.<br />

5<br />

• To represent <strong>the</strong> Government in civil cases.<br />

• To revise and reprint <strong>the</strong> laws <strong>of</strong> Malaysia and to undertake law reform in identifi ed areas.<br />

Clients Charter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division<br />

“Committed to <strong>the</strong> protection and advancement <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s rights and interests in <strong>the</strong> international<br />

fora, to <strong>the</strong> rendering <strong>of</strong> legal advice to <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia in accordance with international<br />

law and principles and to ensuring that Malaysia’s international obligations are undertaken and<br />

implemented in accordance with national law and policies.”<br />

Objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division<br />

• To protect and improve Malaysia’s rights and interests in <strong>the</strong> international arena.<br />

• To give legal advice and views to <strong>the</strong> Malaysian government in accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />

international law and principles taking into account <strong>the</strong> policy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Malaysian government,<br />

public interest and domestic laws.<br />

• To ensure that Malaysia’s international obligation under any agreements, treaties and<br />

conventions which have been signed, agreed upon, ratifi ed or participated by Malaysian<br />

government are carried out in accordance with <strong>the</strong> Malaysian law and policies.


our pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

The International Affairs Division was previously part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Advisory and International Division. Following <strong>the</strong> <strong>Chambers</strong>’<br />

restructuring process, <strong>the</strong> Advisory and International<br />

Division was divided into two separate divisions namely<br />

<strong>the</strong> Advisory Division and <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division<br />

with effect from June 2003. The reorganization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Affairs Division as a separate Division within<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> was in recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

rapid expansion <strong>of</strong> international law and <strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> international legal issues, and <strong>the</strong> changing emphasis<br />

in its content. Mr. John Louis O’ Hara was <strong>the</strong> fi rst<br />

Head <strong>of</strong> this Division until his appointment as a Judicial<br />

Commissioner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> High Court in September 2005. He<br />

was succeeded by <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n Deputy Head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division,<br />

Madam Azailiza Mohd. Ahad.<br />

Our Current Head <strong>of</strong> International Affairs Division, Mdm. Azailiza Mohd. Ahad.<br />

6<br />

From Left: The <strong>Attorney</strong> General, <strong>the</strong> Honourable Tan Sri Abdul Gani<br />

Patail and <strong>the</strong> Deputy Head <strong>of</strong> International Affairs Division, Mr. Stanley<br />

Clement Augustin.<br />

Our Former Head <strong>of</strong> International Affairs Division, Mr. John Louis<br />

O’Hara.<br />

The Division is tasked to undertake comprehensive studies<br />

<strong>of</strong> all relevant international treaties, conventions and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

pertinent instruments in determining <strong>the</strong> acceptability <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se instruments for <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> signing, ratifi cation<br />

and/or accession. Therefore, if ratifi ed or acceded to, this<br />

Division would also provide advice on harmonisation and<br />

implementation measures, be it legislative or administrative.<br />

The international instruments cover an extensive range <strong>of</strong><br />

subject matter, from human rights to international trade law<br />

to maritime and space law, and <strong>of</strong>ten require a high degree<br />

<strong>of</strong> knowledge and expertise.<br />

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIVISION<br />

The Division’s responsibilities entail advising Federal<br />

Ministries and Agencies on <strong>the</strong> implications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

international obligations undertaken by Malaysia and <strong>the</strong><br />

measures that are required to fully implement <strong>the</strong>m, in<br />

particular where <strong>the</strong> enactment <strong>of</strong> legislation is required<br />

to fulfi l those obligations. In this area, <strong>the</strong> Division works<br />

closely with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Divisions in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong> to tap into <strong>the</strong>ir expertise on Civil, Criminal<br />

and Syariah matters as well as <strong>the</strong>ir legislative drafting<br />

skills. In undertaking <strong>the</strong>se responsibilities, <strong>the</strong> paramount


importance is to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty and integrity in accordance<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Federal Constitution and prevailing laws and also to preserve noninterference<br />

with Malaysia’s domestic affairs.<br />

Offi cers from <strong>the</strong> Division actively participate in <strong>the</strong> negotiations <strong>of</strong> international<br />

treaties both bilateral and multilateral wherein <strong>the</strong>y are called upon to advise<br />

<strong>the</strong> Malaysian delegation on legal matters under discussion. The Division’s<br />

<strong>of</strong>fi cers are <strong>of</strong>ten invited to be part <strong>of</strong> Malaysian delegations to negotiations<br />

<strong>of</strong> international treaties, joint commission meetings, bilateral talks, United<br />

Nations expert group meetings and many o<strong>the</strong>r international fora.<br />

The Division is also a reference point for advice on matters related to<br />

international law. The Legal Advisers <strong>of</strong> Ministries and Departments also<br />

submit <strong>the</strong> bilateral and multilateral agreements that <strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />

Ministries and agencies are proposing to enter into for <strong>the</strong> consideration and<br />

scrutiny <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division. State Legal Advisers are similarly required to submit<br />

such agreements for <strong>the</strong> approval <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Division where <strong>the</strong> agreements<br />

involve foreign parties as <strong>the</strong>se come within <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> external affairs<br />

constitutional mandate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal Government. Although international<br />

legal issues have a tendency to interrelate and overlap, <strong>the</strong> Division operates<br />

optimally by being organized into eight units based on subject-matter:<br />

The International Affairs Division is presently headed by Madam Azailiza<br />

Mohd. Ahad and is assisted by Mr. Stanley Clement Augustin.<br />

7


8<br />

our organization


our people<br />

Offi cers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division attending <strong>the</strong> Division’s fi rst conference for 2005 at <strong>the</strong> Nexus Resort Karambunai, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah<br />

from 3 May to 6 May 2005.<br />

9<br />

The dedicated staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division.<br />

The International Affairs Division Meeting for 2005 was held at Mutiara<br />

Taman Negara, Pahang from 17 November to 20 November 2005.


unit 1 - maritime, territorial<br />

matters and civil aviation<br />

The Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation Unit deals<br />

with all international law issues concerning matters on <strong>the</strong><br />

Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea and maritime boundary, land boundary<br />

demarcation, overlapping claims in <strong>the</strong> South China Sea,<br />

United Nations Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea 1982<br />

(UNCLOS), merchant shipping, piracy and coast guard.<br />

The subject matter under <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> this Unit are as<br />

enumerated below:<br />

• Maritime issues and maritime delimitation;<br />

10<br />

• Overlapping claims issues in <strong>the</strong> South China<br />

Sea;<br />

• UNCLOS;<br />

• Shipping;<br />

• Maritime enforcement;<br />

• Civil aviation related matters; and<br />

• Research and consultations on land border and<br />

territorial disputes before decision is made to<br />

refer to international tribunals/ dispute settlement<br />

mechanisms.<br />

Anugerah Khidmat Cemerlang 2005.<br />

Course on International Boundary Delimitation by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom Hydrographic<br />

Offi ce (UKHO) from 5 – 9 December 2005.<br />

In particular, this Unit is involved and is responsible for<br />

<strong>the</strong> following areas <strong>of</strong> work:<br />

• Providing legal advice on issues namely -<br />

• Implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> provisions <strong>of</strong><br />

UNCLOS;<br />

• Piracy under <strong>the</strong> Regional Cooperation<br />

Agreement on Anti-Piracy in Asia<br />

(RECAAP);<br />

• Matters under <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Maritime Organization<br />

(IMO);<br />

• Matters related to merchant shipping<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Merchant Shipping<br />

Ordinance 1952;<br />

• Matters related to civil aviation<br />

under <strong>the</strong> International Civil Aviation<br />

Convention (ICAO);<br />

• Matters related to <strong>the</strong> enforcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement<br />

Agency Act 2004;<br />

• Matters relating to Malaysia’s<br />

participation in <strong>the</strong> Sulu Sulawesi<br />

Marine Ecoregion (SSME)<br />

Programme;


• Matters related to <strong>the</strong> joint survey<br />

and demarcation <strong>of</strong> international<br />

land boundary between Malaysia and<br />

Indonesia;<br />

• Matters related to <strong>the</strong> joint survey<br />

and demarcation <strong>of</strong> international<br />

land boundary between Malaysia and<br />

Thailand; and<br />

• Matters concerning UNESCO’s<br />

Convention on Underwater Cultural<br />

Heritage.<br />

• Providing legal advice on maritime and land<br />

boundary issues such as overlapping claims in <strong>the</strong><br />

South China Sea (which are still being negotiated)<br />

before submission to international third party<br />

adjudication or dispute settlement mechanism;<br />

• Representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

at inter-agency meetings and advising <strong>the</strong><br />

Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia on <strong>the</strong> aforementioned<br />

matters;<br />

11<br />

• Representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> at<br />

preparatory meetings and advising <strong>the</strong> Government<br />

<strong>of</strong> Malaysia in negotiation involving maritime<br />

and land boundary issues before submission to<br />

international third party adjudication or dispute<br />

settlement mechanism;<br />

• Representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> for<br />

<strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s interests internationally<br />

and advice on Malaysia’s international obligations<br />

at international meetings such as Meeting <strong>of</strong><br />

State Parties <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS, Meeting <strong>of</strong> State Parties<br />

<strong>of</strong> ICAO and IMO Meetings;<br />

• Carrying out <strong>the</strong> harmonization <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS to<br />

ensure Malaysia’s compliance with <strong>the</strong> same by<br />

amending current domestic legislation or enacting<br />

new legislation such as <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

• Maritime Zones Bill 2004;<br />

• Merchant Shipping Act 2004;


• Exclusive Economic Zone (Amendment)<br />

Bill 2001;<br />

• Continental Shelf (Amendment) Bill<br />

2001;<br />

• Environmental Quality Act 1974; and<br />

• Fisheries Act 1985.<br />

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005<br />

For <strong>the</strong> year 2005, Unit I has undertaken a number <strong>of</strong><br />

activities and programmes in addition to <strong>the</strong> normal<br />

scope <strong>of</strong> work under <strong>the</strong> Unit. Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>reto, this Unit<br />

also liaises with Unit V (Special Projects, Environment and<br />

Miscellaneous Matters) to safeguard Malaysia’s interest<br />

in <strong>the</strong> event that negotiations as regards to land and<br />

maritime boundary matters fail and <strong>the</strong> matter proceeds<br />

to international third party adjudication. Amongst <strong>the</strong> main<br />

activities and programmes that were undertaken are as<br />

follows:<br />

1. Seminars, Courses and Workshops<br />

1.1. Offi cers from Unit 1 attended <strong>the</strong> following<br />

programmes:<br />

12<br />

(a)<br />

Briefi ng on <strong>the</strong> Convention on International<br />

Interests in Mobile Equipment (Cape Town<br />

Convention 2001)<br />

• The above briefi ng was held on 15 April<br />

2005 at Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad,<br />

Menara TM, Kuala Lumpur.<br />

• The main aim <strong>of</strong> this briefi ng was to give<br />

an insight into <strong>the</strong> whole framework and<br />

workings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cape Town Convention<br />

2001 and <strong>the</strong> Protocol to <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

on International Interests in Mobile<br />

Equipment on Matters Specifi c to<br />

Aircraft Equipment (Aircraft Protocol<br />

2001), in particular <strong>the</strong> complex system<br />

<strong>of</strong> declarations under both instruments.


(b)<br />

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)<br />

Regional Seminar/ Workshop for National Safety<br />

Oversight Coordinators (NSOC), Bangkok,<br />

Thailand<br />

• This seminar/ workshop was held on 18<br />

- 19 June 2005 in Bangkok, Thailand.<br />

• The seminar/ workshop, though primarily<br />

targeted at NSOC, was also extended<br />

to o<strong>the</strong>r relevant state agencies to<br />

familiarise <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong> process and<br />

implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> comprehensive<br />

system approach for <strong>the</strong> conduct <strong>of</strong><br />

safety oversight audit <strong>of</strong> which every<br />

ICAO Member State must comply to <strong>the</strong><br />

prescribed standard and recommended<br />

practices.<br />

1.2 The following courses were attended by Offi cers <strong>of</strong><br />

Unit I and Unit V jointly as <strong>the</strong> subject matter handled<br />

are interconnected:<br />

13<br />

(a)<br />

Training Workshop on Boundary Negotiation<br />

and Dispute Resolution organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

International Boundary Research Unit (IBRU),<br />

University Of Durham, United Kingdom<br />

• The above workshop that was held on<br />

27 – 30 June 2005 at <strong>the</strong> University<br />

<strong>of</strong> Durham was organized by IBRU, an<br />

exclusive world research centre that<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, a range <strong>of</strong><br />

consultancy services, information and<br />

expertise on all aspects <strong>of</strong> boundary<br />

delimitation, demarcation, management<br />

and dispute resolution. IBRU also runs<br />

regular training workshops on practical<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> boundary making, including<br />

maritime boundary delimitation,<br />

negotiating international boundaries,<br />

preparing for litigation and arbitration,<br />

geographical information for boundary<br />

management, and archive research for<br />

boundary dispute resolution.


14<br />

(b) Advanced Course in International Legal<br />

Frameworks for <strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Marine<br />

Pollution and <strong>the</strong> Conservation <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity<br />

within Oceans Part I: Conserving Marine<br />

Biodiversity<br />

• This course was organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Nottingham and was held<br />

on 1 - 5 August 2005 at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> Malaysia.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course focused<br />

on UNCLOS 1982 and <strong>the</strong> modern<br />

techniques <strong>of</strong> ocean management.<br />

The course was intended to impart on<br />

participants knowledge on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Sea pertaining to <strong>the</strong> key environmental<br />

principles, <strong>the</strong> modern tools <strong>of</strong> ocean<br />

management, <strong>the</strong> regional regimes,<br />

<strong>the</strong> alternative regional institutional<br />

frameworks, <strong>the</strong> East Asian Seas Region<br />

and biodiversity conservation.<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

Advanced Course in International Legal Frameworks<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Marine Pollution and <strong>the</strong><br />

Conservation <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity within Oceans Part<br />

II: Preventing Marine Pollution<br />

• The course was again organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Nottingham and was held<br />

on 12 - 15 September 2005 at <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> Malaysia.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course addressed<br />

<strong>the</strong> steps and procedures to be<br />

undertaken in preventing marine<br />

pollution under <strong>the</strong> UNCLOS 1982 in<br />

which <strong>the</strong> topics included land-based<br />

sources <strong>of</strong> marine pollution, dumping<br />

at sea, introduction to <strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong><br />

shipping and <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fl ag state,<br />

port state control and civil liability for<br />

environmental damage at sea.<br />

Seminar on Maritime Law<br />

• This seminar was held on 20 - 22<br />

September 2005 at <strong>the</strong> Judicial and<br />

Legal Training Institute, Bangi, Selangor.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course provided<br />

a broad outlook on various aspects <strong>of</strong><br />

Maritime Law, in particular a <strong>general</strong><br />

overview <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS.<br />

(e)<br />

Briefi ng by <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Centre for Remote<br />

Sensing (MACRES)<br />

• This briefi ng was held on 14 November<br />

2005 at MACRES, Jalan Tun Ismail,<br />

Kuala Lumpur. The briefi ng covered <strong>the</strong><br />

purposes, capabilities and technical<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> remote<br />

sensing in Malaysia.<br />

Offi cers from <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division attending a talk on “Remote Sensing” at MACRES,<br />

Kuala Lumpur on 14 November 2005.


(f)<br />

Course by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom Hydrographic Offi ce (UKHO) on<br />

International Boundary Delimitation<br />

• The course was organized by <strong>the</strong> UKHO at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> on 5 - 9 December 2005.<br />

• The course sought to address several maritime issues<br />

such as maritime zones, rules <strong>of</strong> passage, charts,<br />

baselines, satellite imageries, and <strong>the</strong> geodetic principles,<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>general</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> delimitation, <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

technical experts under UNCLOS and <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />

in <strong>general</strong>.<br />

(g)<br />

Advance Course in International Negotiations<br />

2. Lectures<br />

• This course was held on 19 - 23 December 2005 in<br />

ILKAP in which <strong>the</strong>oretical and practical aspects <strong>of</strong><br />

international negotiations were addressed.<br />

2.1. Offi cers from Unit I, with <strong>the</strong> cooperation <strong>of</strong> Unit V, had also participated<br />

in delivering lectures at <strong>the</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Diplomacy and Foreign<br />

Relations (IDFR) and ILKAP. The lectures were attended by participants<br />

from various agencies, which mainly consisted <strong>of</strong> diplomatic <strong>of</strong>fi cers,<br />

<strong>of</strong>fi cers from <strong>the</strong> Judicial and Legal Service, <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Maritime<br />

Enforcement Agency and <strong>the</strong> Police Force.<br />

15<br />

2.2. The lectures were on <strong>the</strong> following subject matter:<br />

(a)<br />

Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />

• The above lecture was delivered at IDFR on 6 September<br />

2005 and at ILKAP on 27 September 2005, which was<br />

mainly on <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea.<br />

• The lecture was meant to give a basic understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea, which included <strong>the</strong> historical background <strong>of</strong><br />

maritime law, <strong>the</strong> maritime regimes, maritime enforcement<br />

in Malaysia and <strong>the</strong> legal instruments pertaining to <strong>the</strong> law<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea in particular UNCLOS.<br />

(b)<br />

Malaysia’s Experience at <strong>the</strong> International Court <strong>of</strong> Justice (ICJ)<br />

• The above lecture was delivered at IDFR on 7 September<br />

2005.


• The said lecture covered, amongst<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs, Malaysia’s experience in <strong>the</strong><br />

International Court <strong>of</strong> Justice in <strong>the</strong> Case<br />

Concerning <strong>the</strong> Sovereignty over Pulau<br />

Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan (Indonesia/<br />

Malaysia) and an advisory opinion on <strong>the</strong><br />

Legal Consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Construction<br />

<strong>of</strong> a Wall in <strong>the</strong> Occupied Palestinian<br />

Territory.<br />

3. Meetings and Conferences<br />

1.1 Offi cers from this Unit had attended and participated<br />

in giving legal comments and assisting relevant<br />

Malaysian agencies in <strong>the</strong> meetings and conferences<br />

pertaining to –<br />

16<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

International Conference <strong>of</strong> State Parties<br />

to <strong>the</strong> International Convention for <strong>the</strong><br />

Suppression <strong>of</strong> Unlawful Acts Against <strong>the</strong><br />

Safety <strong>of</strong> Maritime Navigation, 1988 and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Protocol for <strong>the</strong> Suppression <strong>of</strong> Unlawful<br />

Acts against <strong>the</strong> Safety Of Fixed Platforms<br />

Located on <strong>the</strong> Continental Shelf, 1988;<br />

The Declaration on <strong>the</strong> Conduct <strong>of</strong> Parties in<br />

<strong>the</strong> South China Sea (DOC);<br />

IMO Sponsored Meeting on <strong>the</strong> Straits <strong>of</strong><br />

Malacca and Straits <strong>of</strong> Singapore, Jakarta<br />

and Indonesia;<br />

Tripartite Technical Experts Group (TTEG)<br />

Meeting on <strong>the</strong> Safety <strong>of</strong> Navigation and<br />

Environmental Protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Straits and<br />

Maritime Navigation; and<br />

Jakarta Meeting on Marine Electronic<br />

Highway in <strong>the</strong> Straits <strong>of</strong> Malacca.


UNIT 2 - INTERNATIONAL TRADE<br />

AND FINANCE<br />

The International Trade and Finance Unit deals mainly with<br />

issues in relation to international trade and fi nance matters.<br />

The scope <strong>of</strong> work requires this Unit to work closely with <strong>the</strong><br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> International Trade and Industry (MITI) and <strong>the</strong><br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Finance (MOF). This Unit’s scope <strong>of</strong> work includes<br />

multilateral trade arrangements (World Trade Organization<br />

(WTO) and Organization <strong>of</strong> Islamic Conferences (OIC)),<br />

regional (Association <strong>of</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Asian Nations (ASEAN),<br />

Asia-Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) and D8) and<br />

bilateral trade arrangements (Bilateral Investment Treaties<br />

and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries such as<br />

<strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America (USA), New Zealand, Japan<br />

and Free Trade Agreements under <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> ASEAN).<br />

17<br />

Japan – Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (JMEPA) Meeting, 2005.<br />

FTA negotiations are <strong>the</strong> latest trend in <strong>the</strong> modern trade scene.<br />

Countries are now strongly pursuing bilateral trade agreements<br />

to maximise <strong>the</strong> benefi ts <strong>of</strong> a bilateral negotiations on issues<br />

which were not resolved in <strong>the</strong> international forum such as<br />

WTO and ASEAN. The <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit are tasked with<br />

advising relevant Government agencies in relation to Malaysia’s<br />

commitments and obligations under <strong>the</strong> various International<br />

Trade and Finance Agreements and <strong>the</strong>reafter are involved in<br />

<strong>the</strong> drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various legal instruments.<br />

This Unit is tasked in ensuring that Malaysia honours its<br />

obligations and commitments under <strong>the</strong> international trade and<br />

fi nance rules and at <strong>the</strong> same time safeguarding Malaysia’s<br />

interest domestically and at <strong>the</strong> international forum.


ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005<br />

1. Conclusion <strong>of</strong> Agreements and Negotiations<br />

1.1. Japan Economic Partnership Agreement<br />

18<br />

The Prime Minister <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, H.E. Dato’ Seri<br />

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister <strong>of</strong><br />

Japan, H.E. Junichiro Koizumi signed <strong>the</strong> Japan-<br />

Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (JMEPA)<br />

on 13 December 2005, Malaysia’s fi rst bilateral free<br />

trade agreement with ano<strong>the</strong>r country. The JMEPA<br />

negotiations took 2 long years <strong>of</strong> intense negotiations<br />

to complete. The JMEPA negotiations commenced in<br />

2003 and were fi nally concluded at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2005.<br />

The <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit actively participated in<br />

<strong>the</strong> negotiations, advising <strong>the</strong> Malaysian delegation<br />

and <strong>the</strong>reafter in <strong>the</strong> drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> JMEPA text.<br />

The JMEPA encompasses trade in goods, trade in<br />

services and investment protection. The JMEPA also<br />

covers a wide range <strong>of</strong> economic activities including<br />

intellectual property protection, enhancement <strong>of</strong><br />

business environment and bilateral cooperation in<br />

capacity building.<br />

1.2 Ongoing Bilateral FTA negotiations<br />

Currently Malaysia is involved in three on-going<br />

bilateral FTA negotiations with countries namely New<br />

Zealand, Australia and Pakistan. These negotiations<br />

commenced in 2005 and are expected to be<br />

concluded in 2006. The <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Legal Advisers attached to MITI are involved in<br />

<strong>the</strong> negotiations and drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> texts for <strong>the</strong>se<br />

FTAs. Malaysia and USA have agreed to commence<br />

FTA negotiations in June 2006 and to be concluded<br />

by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2007.


1.3 ASEAN Bilateral FTA Negotiations<br />

Malaysia is also actively involved in <strong>the</strong> ASEAN<br />

bilateral FTA negotiations with countries such as New<br />

Zealand, Australia, Korea and India. Offi cers from this<br />

Unit assist <strong>the</strong> Legal Advisers from MITI in negotiating<br />

<strong>the</strong> ASEAN Bilateral FTAs.<br />

2. Seminars, Courses and Workshops<br />

(a)<br />

Workshop on Negotiating FTAs<br />

(b)<br />

This seminar was jointly organised by MITI and <strong>the</strong><br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia.<br />

The workshop was held from 23 - 27 January 2005<br />

to provide <strong>the</strong> participants with a good introduction<br />

to selected issues arising in free trade negotiations,<br />

especially on tariff elimination, aspects <strong>of</strong> trade<br />

facilitation, trade in services and investment.<br />

Advanced Course in Intellectual Property Law: A<br />

Global and Comparative Law Perspective<br />

(c)<br />

Seminar on Competition Policy<br />

This seminar was organised by <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs on 27 May<br />

2005 with a view to formulate a National Fair Trade<br />

Policy.<br />

19<br />

This course was organized by <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong><br />

Nottingham and held from 9 - 13 May 2005. Various<br />

international copyright, trademark, and patent<br />

regimes such as <strong>the</strong> Agreement on Trade-Related<br />

Aspects <strong>of</strong> Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), <strong>the</strong><br />

Madrid Protocol, <strong>the</strong> WIPO Copyright Treaty and <strong>the</strong><br />

WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty were<br />

discussed. The course also delved into <strong>the</strong> issues<br />

related to enforcement which has become one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

main problems in curbing world wide piracy.<br />

(d)<br />

Third World Network Regional Seminar on FTAs<br />

This seminar was held from 26 - 28 August 2005<br />

at Boulevard Hotel, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur<br />

to discuss <strong>the</strong> current and ever growing trend <strong>of</strong><br />

countries strongly pursuing bilateral trade agreements<br />

in an attempt to maximise <strong>the</strong> benefi ts <strong>of</strong> a bilateral<br />

negotiations on issues which were not resolved in <strong>the</strong><br />

WTO multilateral. The seminar analysed <strong>the</strong> cause<br />

and factor as well as <strong>the</strong> impact and consequence<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries actions by <strong>the</strong>se countries and also<br />

<strong>the</strong> impact and consequence to <strong>the</strong> neighbouring<br />

countries.<br />

(e)<br />

Mediator Skills Course<br />

This course was held from 26 - 30 September 2005<br />

at ILKAP and focuses on <strong>the</strong> skills and procedures<br />

needed when mediating a dispute. The course<br />

involves training <strong>the</strong> participants in mediation styles<br />

by way <strong>of</strong> practical exercises. The objective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

course is to hone skills in mediation and <strong>the</strong>reafter<br />

develop effective mediation techniques.


(f)<br />

Workshop on (New or Changes in) U.S. Laws and<br />

Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights<br />

The workshop which was held at Singapore from<br />

29 November - 2 December 2005 is among one <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> intellectual property co-operation programmes<br />

between ASEAN and <strong>the</strong> United States Patent and<br />

Trademarks Offi ce (USPTO). The purpose <strong>of</strong> this<br />

workshop is to provide <strong>the</strong> participants with <strong>the</strong><br />

latest development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> intellectual property rights<br />

laws and regulations in <strong>the</strong> USA. This exposure is<br />

to benefi t <strong>of</strong>fi cers dealing with negotiations in FTA<br />

with USA in matters relating to intellectual property<br />

rights.<br />

(g)<br />

Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum Banking<br />

20<br />

The forum was organised by <strong>the</strong> Centre for Research<br />

and Training (CERT) from 6 - 8 December 2005<br />

at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The<br />

participants and <strong>the</strong> speakers at this forum discussed<br />

<strong>the</strong> various concepts under <strong>the</strong> Islamic banking and<br />

fi nance regimes such as Mudharabah, Murabahah,<br />

Musyarakah and Ijarah. There are different schools<br />

<strong>of</strong> thoughts on <strong>the</strong>se issues which differ from one<br />

Islamic country to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. The participants and <strong>the</strong><br />

speakers attempted to harmonise views on many<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> Islamic banking and fi nance. The forum<br />

also focused on <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> principles<br />

<strong>of</strong> Islamic banking and fi nance in today’s world<br />

especially with regard to <strong>the</strong> issue on <strong>the</strong> usage <strong>of</strong><br />

credit cards, insurance and hire purchase.<br />

3. Meetings<br />

The <strong>of</strong>fi cers from <strong>the</strong> Unit have actively participated<br />

in many inter-agency discussions and meetings by<br />

providing legal advice to <strong>the</strong> relevant Government<br />

agencies. The following are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meetings<br />

attended in 2005:


International<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

42nd Session <strong>of</strong> United Nations Commission on International Trade<br />

Law (UNCITRAL)<br />

Working Group 2 (Arbitration and Conciliation)<br />

8th ASEAN-India Trade Negotiating Committee<br />

Trade Negotiating Group Meeting<br />

Dispute Settlement Body Special Session Meeting<br />

10 - 14 January 2005 New York<br />

23 - 25 February 2005<br />

28 Feb -1 March 2005<br />

4 - 5 April 2005<br />

Jakarta,<br />

Indonesia<br />

Geneva,<br />

Switzerland<br />

Meeting on Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement 9 - 10 May 2005 Tokyo, Japan<br />

Third ASEAN-Republic <strong>of</strong> Korea FTA Negotiations<br />

Malaysia-Pakistan FTA<br />

2nd Trade Negotiation Committee Meeting<br />

Malaysia-New Zealand FTA Negotiations<br />

43rd Session <strong>of</strong> UNCITRAL Working Group 2<br />

(Arbitration and Conciliation)<br />

6 - 11 June 2005<br />

6 - 9 September 2005<br />

9 - 11 June 2005<br />

4 - 5 July 2005<br />

18 - 21 October 2005<br />

Singapore<br />

Seoul, Korea<br />

Islamabad,<br />

Pakistan<br />

Wellington,<br />

New Zealand<br />

3 - 7 October 2005 Vienna, Austria<br />

WTO 6th Ministerial Conference 13 - 18 December 2005 Hong Kong<br />

21<br />

Domestic<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

Malaysia-Japan Meeting Economic Partnerships Agreement<br />

Negotiations<br />

7 January 2005<br />

17 February 2005<br />

3 March 2005<br />

13 June 2005<br />

23 June 2005<br />

MITI<br />

Malaysia-US Joint Counsel Meeting under<br />

Malaysia-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)<br />

10 January 2005 MITI<br />

Meeting on Liberalization <strong>of</strong> Legal Services with Bar Council 29 - 30 March 2005<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

2 nd Meeting <strong>of</strong> Working Group Technical Committee on Trade<br />

Services<br />

9 June 2005 MITI<br />

Long-term Strategy for Trade Services Liberalization in Malaysia 15 June 2005 MITI<br />

Trade Policy Review for Malaysia 17 June 2005 MITI<br />

Malaysia-Australia FTA Negotiations 3 - 5 August 2005 MITI<br />

Malaysia-New Zealand FTA Negotiations 21 - 25 November 2005 MITI


UNIT 3 - human rights and<br />

international organizations<br />

This Unit is responsible for rendering legal advice on issues<br />

relating to human rights, international organizations and<br />

bioethics. These responsibilities are carried out in <strong>the</strong><br />

following manner:<br />

• Conducting studies and analysis on <strong>the</strong> provisions<br />

<strong>of</strong> international conventions and treaties to<br />

determine <strong>the</strong> feasibility for Malaysia to become a<br />

party <strong>the</strong>reto;<br />

The 6th Asean Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) held at Hanoi, Vietnam from 19<br />

– 20 September 2005.<br />

• Analysis on <strong>the</strong> relevant domestic laws and <strong>the</strong><br />

Federal Constitution to ensure compliance with<br />

<strong>the</strong> provisions <strong>of</strong> international conventions and<br />

treaties;<br />

• Preparing Cabinet Papers and this <strong>Chambers</strong>’<br />

comments for Cabinet Papers submitted by <strong>the</strong><br />

Ministries;<br />

• Drafting and vetting agreements, Letters or<br />

Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Understanding (MoU) and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

legal documents;<br />

23<br />

• Attending multilateral and bilateral meetings and<br />

negotiations held and organized by international,<br />

regional and national bodies agencies;<br />

Opening Ceremony <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 10th Asean Senior Law Offi cials Meeting (ASLOM) held<br />

at Hanoi, Vietnam on 16 September 2005.<br />

• Rendering opinion on matters referred to <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> by <strong>the</strong> Legal<br />

Advisers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministries.<br />

Malaysia, by virtue <strong>of</strong> being a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United<br />

Nations, has subscribed to <strong>the</strong> philosophy, concepts and<br />

norms provided by <strong>the</strong> Universal Declaration <strong>of</strong> Human<br />

Rights (UDHR), which sets out <strong>the</strong> minimum and common<br />

standard <strong>of</strong> human rights for all peoples and all nations.<br />

Apart from <strong>the</strong> UDHR, subject to <strong>the</strong> provisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Malaysian Constitution and <strong>the</strong> applicable laws and policies,<br />

Malaysia also adheres to <strong>the</strong> principles laid down in various<br />

international human rights instruments, which include <strong>the</strong><br />

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),<br />

<strong>the</strong> International Covenant on Economic, Social and<br />

Cultural Rights (ICESCR), <strong>the</strong> International Convention on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong> All Forms <strong>of</strong> Racial Discrimination (CERD),<br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention against Torture and o<strong>the</strong>r Cruel, Inhuman or<br />

Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), <strong>the</strong> Convention


on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child (CRC), and <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong><br />

Elimination <strong>of</strong> All Forms <strong>of</strong> Discrimination Against Women<br />

(CEDAW). As <strong>of</strong> December 2005, Malaysia is a party to <strong>the</strong><br />

following human rights instruments:<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child;<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong> All Forms <strong>of</strong><br />

Discrimination Against Women;<br />

Supplementary Convention on <strong>the</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong><br />

All Forms <strong>of</strong> Discrimination Against Women;<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Nationality <strong>of</strong> Married Women;<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Prevention and Punishment <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Crime <strong>of</strong> Genocide.<br />

24<br />

The Unit is also responsible in coordinating <strong>the</strong> participation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this <strong>Chambers</strong> to represent <strong>the</strong><br />

Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia at various meetings <strong>of</strong> international<br />

and regional bodies. The main international organizations<br />

which Malaysia has been participating in are, for instance,<br />

<strong>the</strong> United Nations, OIC, ASEAN and Commonwealth.<br />

With respect to bioethics, this Unit has been involved in<br />

<strong>the</strong> drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Human Reproductive Cloning Bill, an Act<br />

to prohibit <strong>the</strong> placing in a body <strong>of</strong> a human or a body <strong>of</strong><br />

an animal or an artifi cial apparatus <strong>of</strong> a human embryo<br />

which has been created o<strong>the</strong>rwise than by fertilization. In<br />

addition, <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit also attended meetings <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> National Committee on Human Cloning, <strong>the</strong> national<br />

body established by <strong>the</strong> Government to coordinate all<br />

issues relating to <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> cloning <strong>of</strong> human being.


ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005<br />

For <strong>the</strong> year 2005, <strong>the</strong> Human Rights and International Organizations<br />

Unit has undertaken a number <strong>of</strong> activities and programmes to ensure<br />

that Malaysia’s interest are put across at <strong>the</strong> international fora in<br />

addition to <strong>the</strong> normal scope <strong>of</strong> work under <strong>the</strong> Unit.<br />

Seminar/ Workshop<br />

Title Date Venue<br />

Workshop on Convention on <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diversity <strong>of</strong><br />

Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions<br />

26 May 2005<br />

Crown Princess City<br />

Hotel,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

An Introduction to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions<br />

Seminar on Fostering <strong>the</strong> Rule <strong>of</strong> Law in Cross-Border/<br />

Transnational Civil and Commercial Relations in <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c<br />

22 - 24 August 2005 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah<br />

Lectures<br />

25<br />

Programmes Date Venue<br />

Seminar on Human Rights from <strong>the</strong> Islamic Perspective 14 February 2005 ILKAP<br />

Diplomatic Training Course<br />

(International Participants Programme) 10 March 2005<br />

Institute <strong>of</strong> Diplomacy<br />

and Foreign<br />

Relations, Kuala<br />

Lumpur<br />

Multilateral Diplomacy 2005 11 August 2005 ILKAP<br />

International Law Seminar<br />

• An Overview <strong>of</strong> International Humanitarian Law<br />

• An Overview <strong>of</strong> Human Rights Law<br />

17 August 2005 IDFR, Kuala Lumpur


Meetings<br />

International<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

Meeting on UN Inter-Sessional Open Ended Working Group<br />

Mandated to Elaborate a Draft Legally Binding Normative<br />

Instrument for <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> All Persons from Enforced<br />

Disappearance<br />

31 January –<br />

11 February 2005<br />

Geneva, Switzerland<br />

South East Asian Advanced Programme on Human Rights 7 - 18 March 2005 Bangkok, Thailand<br />

61 st Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nation Commission on Human Rights<br />

28 March –<br />

22 April 2005<br />

Geneva, Switzerland<br />

Ad Hoc Committee Meeting on <strong>the</strong> Scope <strong>of</strong> Legal Protection<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Safety <strong>of</strong> United Nations and<br />

Associated Personnel<br />

11 - 15 April 2005 New York, USA<br />

26<br />

OIC Senior Legal Offi cials Meeting 30 April - 2 May 2005 Jeddah, Arab Saudi<br />

32 nd Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Conference <strong>of</strong> Foreign Ministers 28 - 30 June 2005 Sana’a, Yemen<br />

44 th Session <strong>of</strong> Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization<br />

(AALCO)<br />

6 th Ad Hoc Committee to consider Proposals For A<br />

Comprehensive and Integral International Convention to Promote<br />

and Protect <strong>the</strong> Rights and Dignity <strong>of</strong> Persons with Disabilities<br />

27 July - 1 August 2005 Nairobi, Kenya<br />

1 - 12 August 2005 New York, USA<br />

10 th ASEAN Senior Law Offi cials Meeting and 6 th ASEAN Law<br />

Ministers Meeting<br />

16 - 18 September<br />

2005<br />

Hanoi, Vietnam<br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sixth Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 60 th Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United<br />

Nations General Assembly<br />

3 October - 9 November<br />

2005<br />

New York, USA<br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Law Ministers and Senior Offi cials 17 - 20 October 2005 Ghana<br />

10 th Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Intergovernmental Group <strong>of</strong> Experts on <strong>the</strong><br />

Follow up to <strong>the</strong> Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam<br />

14 - 16 November 2005 Jeddah, Arab Saudi


Domestic<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

First Meeting to update <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Draft Report Convention on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child<br />

17 January 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Women,<br />

Family and Community<br />

Development<br />

(MWFCD)<br />

27<br />

Discussion on 3 rd Draft Report for CEDAW on Law Aspects 1 April 2005 MWFCD<br />

National Committee Meeting on Human Cloning 26 May 2005 Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health<br />

2 nd Agencies Meeting to Coordinate <strong>the</strong> ASEAN Activities on National<br />

Level<br />

1 July 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign<br />

Affairs<br />

Malaysian Annual Conference between Malaysia-Thailand (Prime<br />

Minister Malaysia and Prime Minister Thailand on 7-8 August 2005)<br />

22 July 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign<br />

Affairs<br />

30 th Agencies Meeting on Human Rights 9 August 2005<br />

2 nd Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Head <strong>of</strong> Committee for <strong>the</strong> Third Report on<br />

CEDAW<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign<br />

Affairs<br />

9 September 2005 MWFCD<br />

3 rd Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Working Group for Countries Intelligence 14 October 2005<br />

National Security<br />

Division, Prime<br />

Minister’s Department<br />

3 rd Agencies Meeting to coordinate <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> ASEAN<br />

Cooperation at <strong>the</strong> National Level<br />

Preparatory Meeting For OIC Extraordinary Summit on 6 - 8<br />

December 2005<br />

28 October 2005<br />

25 November 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign<br />

Affairs<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign<br />

Affairs


UNIT 4 - international criminal<br />

matters<br />

Signing Ceremony <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Treaty on Mutual Assistance in Criminal<br />

Matters and Treaty on Extradition between Malaysia and Australia held at<br />

Putrajaya on 15 November 2005.<br />

The Solicitor General <strong>of</strong> Malaysia and <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Affairs Division attending <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting<br />

held at Accra, Ghana from 17 – 20 October 2005.<br />

The International Criminal Matters Unit deals with all forms<br />

<strong>of</strong> international and transnational crime, international<br />

cooperation in criminal matters, disarmament and nonproliferation<br />

<strong>of</strong> Weapons <strong>of</strong> Mass Destruction, <strong>the</strong> Laws <strong>of</strong><br />

War and International Humanitarian Law.<br />

28<br />

The Unit deals with <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> various<br />

international criminal conventions such as <strong>the</strong> 13 United<br />

Nations Counter-Terrorism Conventions and Protocols, <strong>the</strong><br />

United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized<br />

Crime and its Related Protocols, <strong>the</strong> United Nations<br />

Convention against Corruption, <strong>the</strong> Rome Statute <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Criminal Court and <strong>the</strong> Geneva Conventions<br />

<strong>of</strong> 1949 and its two Additional Protocols. It also assists <strong>the</strong><br />

relevant Ministries and agencies on <strong>the</strong>ir implementation <strong>of</strong><br />

multifarious disarmament and non-proliferation treaties.<br />

Among <strong>the</strong> tasks undertaken by <strong>the</strong> Unit are advising<br />

<strong>the</strong> Ministries and agencies when <strong>the</strong>se international<br />

instruments come up for consideration for signature,<br />

ratifi cation or accession. It also prepares <strong>Chambers</strong>’<br />

comments to Memorandums seeking Cabinet approval<br />

on <strong>the</strong>se matters. In many cases, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers will also be<br />

involved in <strong>the</strong> drafting <strong>of</strong> any implementing legislation that<br />

may be required such as <strong>the</strong> Chemical Weapons Convention<br />

Act 2005 and <strong>the</strong> Aviation Offences (Amendment) Act 2005.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> new or proposed international treaties, <strong>the</strong><br />

Unit will also be involved in <strong>the</strong> negotiation process such as<br />

<strong>the</strong> concluded Rome Statute <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Criminal<br />

Court, <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention against Corruption<br />

and <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention for <strong>the</strong> Suppression<br />

<strong>of</strong> Acts <strong>of</strong> Nuclear Terrorism and <strong>the</strong> ongoing discussions<br />

on <strong>the</strong> draft Comprehensive Convention on International<br />

Terrorism.


Offi cers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unit attend international and regional<br />

meetings where <strong>the</strong> matters under its purview are discussed.<br />

When participating at such meetings, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers are also<br />

responsible to ensure that Malaysia’s views and positions<br />

on issues are advanced and placed on record. The <strong>of</strong>fi cers<br />

are also responsible to ensure that Malaysia maintains<br />

consistent positions on issues in <strong>the</strong> various fora. These<br />

views and positions are normally prepared in advance<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meeting and have been approved by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General. Upon return, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers are required to submit<br />

written reports to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General and <strong>the</strong> Head <strong>of</strong> The<br />

International Affairs Division to facilitate follow-up actions.<br />

International cooperation in criminal matters is a more<br />

specialized area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unit’s work and is primarily focused<br />

on extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters.<br />

The Unit leads negotiations on bilateral and multilateral<br />

extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters<br />

treaties. Malaysia has extradition treaties with Thailand,<br />

Indonesia, <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America and Australia. The<br />

extradition treaty with Australia was concluded in November<br />

2005. On mutual assistance in criminal matters, Malaysia<br />

is a party to <strong>the</strong> multilateral ASEAN-wide Treaty on Mutual<br />

Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which was initiated<br />

by Malaysia. Malaysia also concluded a Treaty on Mutual<br />

Assistance in Criminal Matter with Australia in November<br />

2005. Malaysia is also currently negotiating extradition and<br />

mutual assistance in criminal matters treaties with several<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r countries.<br />

29<br />

In addition, <strong>the</strong> Unit serves as <strong>the</strong> Secretariat for <strong>the</strong><br />

multilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal<br />

Matters. It successfully organized <strong>the</strong> two Meetings <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong>s General on a Mutual Assistance in Criminal<br />

Matters Treaty in Kota Kinabalu from 30 June 2003 - 2<br />

July 2003 and in Kuala Lumpur from 24 - 25 May 2004<br />

where <strong>the</strong> Treaty was negotiated as well as <strong>the</strong> Signing<br />

Ceremony for <strong>the</strong> concluded Treaty in Kuala Lumpur on<br />

29 November 2004. The Secretariat also organized <strong>the</strong><br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> Senior Offi cials on <strong>the</strong> Treaty on Mutual Legal<br />

Assistance in Criminal Matters in Kuala Lumpur from 11 to<br />

13 July 2005 and initiated <strong>the</strong> Model Request Form and<br />

Model Checklist which was adopted by <strong>the</strong> Senior Offi cials<br />

at that Meeting.


The Unit is also responsible for <strong>the</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s<br />

extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters<br />

requests to foreign states. In this regard, <strong>the</strong> Unit assists <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General, who is <strong>the</strong> designated Central Authority<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2002,<br />

to carry out his duties under <strong>the</strong> Act. The Unit also advises<br />

on legal issues arising from <strong>the</strong> requests and represents <strong>the</strong><br />

requesting countries during <strong>the</strong> execution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir requests<br />

in Malaysia. From time to time, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit<br />

also appear in courts, ei<strong>the</strong>r assisting <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from <strong>the</strong><br />

Prosecution Division or acting alone, to deal with various<br />

applications or matters under <strong>the</strong> Extradition Act 1992 and<br />

<strong>the</strong> Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2002.<br />

The requests for extradition and mutual assistance in<br />

criminal matters dealt with by <strong>the</strong> Unit in <strong>the</strong> period between<br />

2002 to 2005 are summarized in <strong>the</strong> Tables:<br />

30


(a)<br />

Extradition<br />

Category Year /Number Total<br />

2002 2003 2004 2005<br />

Requests by Malaysia - - - - 0<br />

Requests to Malaysia - 1 9 2 12<br />

Note:<br />

Requests to Malaysia<br />

Settled : 4<br />

Pending : 8<br />

(a)<br />

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters<br />

Category Year/ Number Total<br />

2002 2003 2004 2005<br />

Requests by Malaysia - 1 2 4 7<br />

Requests to Malaysia - - 12 14 26<br />

31<br />

Note: Requests to Malaysia Note: Requests by Malaysia<br />

Settled : 10 Settled : 3<br />

Pending : 16 Pending : 4<br />

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005<br />

For <strong>the</strong> year 2005, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this Unit participated<br />

as lecturers and/or participants in various international and<br />

national meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and<br />

courses, <strong>the</strong> summary <strong>of</strong> which can be found on <strong>the</strong> next<br />

page.


Seminars<br />

Title Date Venue<br />

ASEAN Europe Meeting Anti-Money Laundering Project and<br />

Mutual Legal Assistance Training<br />

15 - 17 February 2005<br />

Seminar on Combating Human Traffi cking in Asia 15 March 2005<br />

Seminar on Bio-Weapons<br />

31 May – 2 June<br />

2005<br />

The Legend Hotel,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

Malaysian American<br />

Commission Educational<br />

Exchange, Kuala Lumpur<br />

(MACEE)<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

Seminar on International Law<br />

26 – 28 September<br />

2005<br />

Judicial and Legal Service<br />

Training Institute (ILKAP)<br />

Courses And Workshops<br />

Title Date Venue<br />

32<br />

‘Theory <strong>of</strong> Counter Terrorism Recognition and Multilateral<br />

Collaboration for Combating Terrorism’, SEARCCT<br />

17 – 19 January 2005<br />

South East Asian Regional<br />

Centre for Counterterrorism<br />

(SEARCCT),<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

Informal Workshop on Regional Security Elements 27 January 2005 Kuala Lumpur<br />

Commonwealth Working Group on Asset Repatriation<br />

30 March - 1 April 2005<br />

&<br />

29 June – 1 July 2005<br />

Regional Course on Arms Smuggling 31 March 2005<br />

Advanced Course in International Intellectual Property Law: A<br />

Global and Comparative Law Perspective<br />

Police Course; Crime Prevention and Terrorism for <strong>the</strong><br />

Directors <strong>of</strong> Prosecution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pacifi c Ocean Countries<br />

9 – 13 May 2005<br />

22 June 2005<br />

Advocacy Skills 25 – 29 July 2005<br />

Commonwealth<br />

Secretariat, Marlborough<br />

House, London,<br />

United Kingdom<br />

Royal Malaysia Police<br />

College<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

Judicial and Legal Service<br />

Training Institute (ILKAP)<br />

Course on Terrorism Crisis Management 7 September 2005 Lumut, Perak<br />

Mediator Skills Course<br />

26 – 29 September<br />

2005<br />

Negotiation Skills Training 30 September 2005<br />

Advanced Negotiation Course<br />

19 – 23 December<br />

2005<br />

Judicial and Legal Service<br />

Training Institute (ILKAP)<br />

Judicial and Legal Service<br />

Training Institute (ILKAP)<br />

Judicial and Legal Service<br />

Training Institute (ILKAP)


Meetings/ Visits<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

Inter-Governmental Expert Group Meeting to Prepare a<br />

Draft Model Bilateral Agreement on Disposal <strong>of</strong> Confi scated<br />

Proceeds <strong>of</strong> Crime Covered by <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention<br />

against Transnational Organized Crime and <strong>the</strong> United<br />

Nations Convention against Illicit Traffi c in Narcotic Drugs and<br />

Psychotropic Substances <strong>of</strong> 1988<br />

26 - 28 January 2005 Vienna, Austria<br />

6th Session <strong>of</strong> Export Control Working Group 27 January 2005<br />

Meeting to Discuss <strong>the</strong> Status <strong>of</strong> Forces Agreement between<br />

Malaysia and France<br />

9 - 11 March 2005<br />

Visit by <strong>the</strong> Honourable <strong>Attorney</strong> General <strong>of</strong> Australia 27 April 2005<br />

Discussion on Mutual Legal Assistance with India 28 April 2005<br />

Negotiations between Malaysia and Australia on a Treaty on<br />

Extradition and a Treaty on Mutual Assistance in Criminal<br />

Matters<br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> Senior Offi cials on <strong>the</strong> Treaty on Mutual Legal<br />

Assistance in Criminal Matters<br />

13 - 17 June 2005<br />

11 - 13 July 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs<br />

(MOFA)<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Defense,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

The Regent,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

2 nd China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference 15 - 17 September 2005 Bangkok, Thailand<br />

Sixtieth Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sixth Committee Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United<br />

Nations General Assembly<br />

Visit by The Honourable Judge Phillipe Kirsch, President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Criminal Court<br />

30 September- 9<br />

November 2005<br />

3 October 2005<br />

New York,<br />

United States <strong>of</strong> America<br />

<strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong><br />

Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting 17 – 20 October 2005 Accra, Ghana<br />

Visit by The Honourable <strong>Attorney</strong> General <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong><br />

America<br />

Fourth Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Assembly <strong>of</strong> State Parties to <strong>the</strong> Rome<br />

Statute <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Criminal Court<br />

17 November 2005<br />

28 November –<br />

3 December 2005<br />

ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference 9 - 13 December 2005<br />

Mandarin Oriental Hotel,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

The Hague,<br />

The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands<br />

Shenzhen, People’s<br />

Republic <strong>of</strong> China<br />

33


unit 5 - special projects, environment<br />

and miscellaneous matters<br />

This Unit covers two important subject matters, which can<br />

be specifi ed as -<br />

• Special Projects; and<br />

• Environment and Miscellaneous Matters.<br />

Special Projects<br />

The Signing Ceremony for <strong>the</strong> Settlement Agreement on <strong>the</strong> Case Concerning<br />

Land Reclamation by Singapore In and Around The Straits <strong>of</strong> Johor.<br />

Special Projects deals with international legal issues related<br />

to matters pertaining to land and maritime boundary and<br />

territorial disputes between Malaysia and o<strong>the</strong>r states.<br />

These issues are pending or brought before international<br />

third party adjudication bodies, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong><br />

International Court <strong>of</strong> Justice (ICJ), Arbitration under Annex<br />

VII <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />

1982 (Annex VII Arbitral Tribunal), International Tribunal<br />

for Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea (ITLOS) and <strong>the</strong> Permanent Court <strong>of</strong><br />

Arbitration (PCA). It also handles matters submitted for<br />

resolution at <strong>the</strong> International Centre for Settlement <strong>of</strong><br />

Investment Disputes (ICSID).<br />

In <strong>the</strong> context <strong>of</strong> Special Projects, this Unit handles and is<br />

responsible for <strong>the</strong> following matters:<br />

35<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Providing legal advice on matters relating to <strong>the</strong><br />

maritime boundary and territorial disputes;<br />

Undertaking legal, historical and archival research<br />

domestically and internationally in all aspects <strong>of</strong><br />

maritime boundary and territorial disputes for <strong>the</strong><br />

purpose <strong>of</strong> preparing and streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong> case<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia;<br />

Representing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

(AGC) in <strong>the</strong> inter-agency meetings for <strong>the</strong> purpose<br />

<strong>of</strong> preparing Malaysia’s position in resolving <strong>the</strong><br />

maritime boundary and territorial disputes;


36<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Representing <strong>the</strong> AGC and <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia for meetings with foreign States for <strong>the</strong><br />

resolution <strong>of</strong> disputes diplomatically before fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

action is undertaken to resolve <strong>the</strong> dispute before<br />

an international third party adjudication;<br />

Making legal preparations for trial before an<br />

international third party adjudication;<br />

Representing <strong>the</strong> AGC and <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia at <strong>the</strong> hearing before international third<br />

party adjudication bodies such as <strong>the</strong> ICJ, ITLOS,<br />

Annex VII Arbitral Tribunal, PCA and ICSID in<br />

relation to issues which involve disputes between<br />

Malaysia and o<strong>the</strong>r foreign States. Offi cers<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Unit were fully involved in <strong>the</strong> recently<br />

concluded dispute on <strong>the</strong> Case Concerning Land<br />

Reclamation by Singapore in and around <strong>the</strong><br />

Straits <strong>of</strong> Johor between Malaysia and Singapore<br />

before ITLOS and Annex VII Tribunal as well as<br />

<strong>the</strong> Advisory Opinion on <strong>the</strong> Legal Consequences<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Construction <strong>of</strong> a Wall by Israel in <strong>the</strong><br />

Occupied Palestinian Territory before <strong>the</strong> ICJ;<br />

<br />

<br />

Collaborating with domestic and international<br />

experts in <strong>the</strong>ir respective fi elds to assist <strong>the</strong> AGC<br />

to render effective, complete and comprehensive<br />

legal advice in matters with respect to maritime<br />

boundary and territorial disputes; and<br />

Providing legal advice on o<strong>the</strong>r international legal<br />

disputes such as civil disputes between Malaysia<br />

and foreign States/individuals.<br />

Environment and Miscellaneous Matters<br />

With regard to environmental and miscellaneous matters,<br />

this Unit deals with international legal issues related to<br />

matters pertaining to <strong>the</strong> environment, outer space, private<br />

international law and any o<strong>the</strong>r matter not under <strong>the</strong> purview<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Units in <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division.<br />

This Unit handles and is responsible for <strong>the</strong> following<br />

matters:<br />

<br />

<br />

International laws and treaties on <strong>the</strong> environment,<br />

outer space, private international law involving<br />

family, civil and commercial matters; for example<br />

<strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private International<br />

Law (HCPIL), including <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong> evidence and<br />

<strong>the</strong> legalization <strong>of</strong> foreign public documents;<br />

Vetting <strong>of</strong> legal documents such as Memorandum<br />

<strong>of</strong> Understanding (MOUs), bilateral and multilateral<br />

agreements and/or instruments on cooperation<br />

in various fi elds between Malaysia and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

countries;


Study <strong>of</strong> international treaties concerning <strong>the</strong><br />

environment, outer space, private international law<br />

and o<strong>the</strong>r matters and making recommendations<br />

on Malaysia’s participation;<br />

Study opinions, feedbacks, comments, advice and<br />

suggestions on international issues concerning<br />

<strong>the</strong> abovementioned matters;<br />

Assisting in drafting relevant laws to implement<br />

Malaysia’s obligations under international<br />

treaties;<br />

Assisting in reviewing and amending domestic<br />

legislation to ensure compliance with Malaysia’s<br />

obligations at <strong>the</strong> international level;<br />

Participating in seminars, workshops, meetings,<br />

discussions or negotiations, at <strong>the</strong> international<br />

or regional level, or with o<strong>the</strong>r countries<br />

or international organizations, in particular<br />

negotiations on <strong>the</strong> proposal to develop a treaty<br />

or an international document; and<br />

Negotiating bilateral and multilateral agreements<br />

on matters concerning <strong>the</strong> environment, outer<br />

space, private international law and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

international legal matters.<br />

37<br />

Apart from <strong>the</strong> above, <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cers from this unit are also<br />

required to deliver lectures concerning international<br />

law including those on special projects, environment<br />

and outer space laws at ILKAP, and various Ministries,<br />

departments and agencies.<br />

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE YEAR 2005<br />

For <strong>the</strong> year 2005, this Unit has undertaken a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> activities and programmes in addition to <strong>the</strong> normal<br />

scope <strong>of</strong> work under <strong>the</strong> Unit. With regards to territorial<br />

and maritime disputes between Malaysia and o<strong>the</strong>r States,<br />

this Unit is also actively involved in <strong>the</strong> work with Unit 1<br />

(Maritime, Territorial Matters and Civil Aviation). Amongst<br />

<strong>the</strong> main activities and programmes that were undertaken<br />

are as follows:


1. Seminars, Courses and Workshops<br />

1.1 Offi cers <strong>of</strong> Unit V had undergone <strong>the</strong> following<br />

courses, seminars and workshops in 2005:<br />

(a)<br />

Advanced Course in International Intellectual<br />

Property Law: A Global and Comparative Law<br />

Perspective<br />

• The course was organized by <strong>the</strong> University<br />

<strong>of</strong> Nottingham and held on 9 - 13 May<br />

2005 at <strong>the</strong> AGC.<br />

• The course focused on <strong>the</strong> recent<br />

developments in International Intellectual<br />

Property and <strong>of</strong> which, numerous related<br />

conventions were studied and compared.<br />

(b)<br />

Seminar on Persistent Organic Pollutants<br />

38<br />

• The seminar was held on 24 - 25 May<br />

2005 at <strong>the</strong> IOI Resort, Putrajaya.<br />

• The seminar presented <strong>the</strong> Draft<br />

National Implementation Plans (NIP) for<br />

<strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong> Persistent Organic<br />

Pollutants (POP) in Malaysia. The seminar<br />

was also held to get <strong>the</strong> endorsement<br />

from <strong>the</strong> National Coordinating Committee<br />

and stakeholders for <strong>the</strong> Draft NIP for <strong>the</strong><br />

management <strong>of</strong> POP in Malaysia.<br />

(c)<br />

International Law Seminar, United Nations<br />

Offi ce in Geneva<br />

• The seminar was held on 11 - 29 July<br />

2005 in Geneva.


• The seminar focused on issues <strong>of</strong><br />

international law pertaining to <strong>the</strong> recent<br />

developments related to <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Law Commission.<br />

(d)<br />

Talk on <strong>the</strong> British Outer Space Act and Space<br />

Debris<br />

• The talk was given by Mr. Richard Tremayne<br />

Smith, Head <strong>of</strong> Space Transportation and<br />

Space Environment, British National Space<br />

Centre on 20 July 2005 and 22 July 2005<br />

at <strong>the</strong> National Space Agency, Putrajaya<br />

and <strong>the</strong> National Space Centre at Sungai<br />

Lang, Banting, Selangor respectively.<br />

• Salient provisions in <strong>the</strong> British Outer<br />

Space Act were highlighted during <strong>the</strong> talk<br />

with comparisons being made to <strong>the</strong> laws<br />

<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r states on space activities. The<br />

subject <strong>of</strong> Space Debris was covered from<br />

<strong>the</strong> aspect <strong>of</strong> understanding <strong>the</strong> problems<br />

related to space debris and existing<br />

guidelines to govern <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

39<br />

(e)<br />

Seminar on <strong>the</strong> Sustainable Utilisation <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Related Issues on Biosafety in An Islamic<br />

Perspective.<br />

• The seminar was jointly organized<br />

by <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Natural Resources<br />

and Environment and <strong>the</strong> Malaysian<br />

Biotechnology Information Centre at <strong>the</strong><br />

Environment Institute <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, campus<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National University <strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

Bangi on 28 July 2005.<br />

• The objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seminar were as<br />

follows:<br />

(i) To showcase <strong>the</strong> perspective <strong>of</strong><br />

Islam on <strong>the</strong> sustainable utilisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> biodiversity through biotechnology<br />

and related issues such as biosafety,<br />

patenting <strong>of</strong> life forms and Intellectual<br />

Property Rights among stakeholders;


(ii) To identify issues <strong>of</strong> concern among<br />

scientists and religious authorities in<br />

<strong>the</strong> sustainable utilization <strong>of</strong> biodiversity<br />

through modern biotechnology and its<br />

related biosafety issues; and<br />

(iii) To discuss <strong>the</strong> challenges and<br />

opportunities in <strong>the</strong> sustainable<br />

utilization <strong>of</strong> biodiversity and<br />

biosafety issues faced in an Islamic<br />

environment.<br />

(f)<br />

Seminar on Pollution Compensation Regime<br />

• The seminar was held on 29 July 2005 at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Maritime Institute <strong>of</strong> Malaysia.<br />

40<br />

• The seminar highlighted <strong>the</strong> latest<br />

development in pollution compensation<br />

regime and provided an overview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

International Convention on Liability and<br />

Compensation for Damage in Connection<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Carriage <strong>of</strong> Hazardous and<br />

Noxious Substances by Sea 1996.<br />

1.2. The following courses were attended by <strong>of</strong>fi cers<br />

<strong>of</strong> Unit V and Unit I jointly as <strong>the</strong> subject matters<br />

handled are interconnected:<br />

(a)<br />

Training Workshop on Boundary Negotiation and<br />

Dispute Resolution organized by <strong>the</strong> International<br />

Boundary Research Unit (IBRU), University Of Durham,<br />

United Kingdom<br />

• The above workshop that was held on<br />

27 – 30 June 2005 at <strong>the</strong> University<br />

<strong>of</strong> Durham was organized by IBRU, an<br />

exclusive world research centre that<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, a range <strong>of</strong><br />

consultancy services, information and<br />

expertise on all aspects <strong>of</strong> boundary<br />

delimitation, demarcation, management<br />

and dispute resolution. IBRU also runs<br />

regular training workshops on practical<br />

aspects <strong>of</strong> boundary making, including<br />

maritime boundary delimitation,<br />

negotiating international boundaries,


preparing for litigation and arbitration,<br />

geographical information for boundary<br />

management, and archive research for<br />

boundary dispute resolution.<br />

(b)<br />

Advanced Course in International Legal Frameworks<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Marine Pollution and <strong>the</strong><br />

Conservation <strong>of</strong> Biodiversity within Oceans Part I:<br />

Conserving Marine Biodiversity<br />

• This course was organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Nottingham and was held<br />

on 1 - 5 August 2005 at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> Malaysia.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course focused on<br />

UNCLOS and <strong>the</strong> modern techniques<br />

<strong>of</strong> ocean management. The course<br />

was intended to impart on participants<br />

knowledge on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />

pertaining to <strong>the</strong> key environmental<br />

principles, <strong>the</strong> modern tools <strong>of</strong> ocean<br />

management, <strong>the</strong> regional regimes,<br />

<strong>the</strong> alternative regional institutional<br />

frameworks, <strong>the</strong> East Asian Seas Region<br />

and biodiversity conservation.<br />

41<br />

(c)<br />

Advanced Course in International Legal Frameworks for<br />

<strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Marine Pollution and <strong>the</strong> Conservation<br />

<strong>of</strong> Biodiversity within Oceans Part II: Preventing Marine<br />

Pollution<br />

• The course was organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

University <strong>of</strong> Nottingham and was held<br />

on 12 - 15 September 2005 at <strong>the</strong><br />

AGC.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course addressed <strong>the</strong><br />

steps and procedures to be undertaken<br />

in preventing marine pollution under <strong>the</strong><br />

UNCLOS in which <strong>the</strong> topics included landbased<br />

sources <strong>of</strong> marine pollution, dumping<br />

at sea, introduction to <strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong> shipping<br />

and <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fl ag state, port state<br />

control and civil liability for environmental<br />

damage at sea.


(d)<br />

Seminar on Maritime Law<br />

• This seminar was held on 20 - 22 September<br />

2005 in ILKAP.<br />

• Amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> course provided a broad<br />

outlook on <strong>the</strong> various aspects <strong>of</strong> Maritime<br />

Law, in particular a <strong>general</strong> overview on<br />

UNCLOS 1982.<br />

(e)<br />

Briefi ng by <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Centre for Remote<br />

Sensing (MACRES)<br />

42<br />

(f)<br />

(g)<br />

• This briefi ng was held on 14 November 2005<br />

at MACRES, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.<br />

The briefi ng covered <strong>the</strong> purpose, capabilities<br />

and technical aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong><br />

remote sensing in Malaysia.<br />

Course by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom Hydrographic Offi ce<br />

(UKHO) on International Boundary Delimitation<br />

• The above course was organized by <strong>the</strong><br />

UKHO and was held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong> on 5 - 9 December 2005.<br />

• The course sought to address several<br />

maritime issues within <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong><br />

UNCLOS.<br />

Advance Course in International Negotiations<br />

• The course was held on 19 - 23 December<br />

2005 in ILKAP in which <strong>the</strong>oretical and<br />

practical aspects <strong>of</strong> international negotiations<br />

were addressed.<br />

2. Lectures<br />

2.1. Offi cers from Unit V, with <strong>the</strong> cooperation <strong>of</strong> Unit I,<br />

had also delivered lectures at IDFR and ILKAP which<br />

were attended by participants from various agencies<br />

which mainly consisted <strong>of</strong> diplomatic <strong>of</strong>fi cers, <strong>of</strong>fi cers<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Judicial and Legal Service, <strong>the</strong> Malaysian<br />

Maritime Enforcement Agency and <strong>the</strong> Police Force.


2.2. Lectures were given on <strong>the</strong> following subject<br />

matter:<br />

(a)<br />

Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />

• The lecture was delivered at IDFR on 6<br />

September 2005 and at ILKAP on 27<br />

September 2005, which was mainly on an<br />

introduction to <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea.<br />

• The lecture was meant to give a basic<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea,<br />

which included <strong>the</strong> historical background<br />

<strong>of</strong> maritime law, <strong>the</strong> maritime regimes,<br />

maritime enforcement in Malaysia and <strong>the</strong><br />

legal instruments pertaining to <strong>the</strong> law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

sea, in particular UNCLOS.<br />

(b)<br />

Malaysia’s Experience at <strong>the</strong> International Court <strong>of</strong><br />

Justice<br />

• The above lecture was delivered at IDFR on 7<br />

September 2005.<br />

• The lecture covered, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />

Malaysia’s experience in <strong>the</strong> ICJ in <strong>the</strong><br />

Case Concerning <strong>the</strong> Sovereignty over<br />

Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan (Indonesia/<br />

Malaysia) and an advisory opinion on <strong>the</strong><br />

Legal Consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Construction <strong>of</strong><br />

a Wall in <strong>the</strong> Occupied Palestinian Territory.<br />

2.3. Offi cers from Unit V also presented a lecture on<br />

international dispute settlement mechanism,<br />

which was held in ILKAP on 28 September 2005.<br />

The following are <strong>the</strong> subject matters presented<br />

in <strong>the</strong> lecture:<br />

International Dispute Settlement Mechanism<br />

• International Court <strong>of</strong> Justice;<br />

• Permanent Court <strong>of</strong> Arbitration;<br />

• International Criminal Court;<br />

• International Tribunal on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Sea; and<br />

• Dispute Settlement Understanding.<br />

The lecture had a primary focus on <strong>the</strong> introduction<br />

to International Dispute Mechanism and<br />

Malaysia’s experience in <strong>the</strong> Case Concerning <strong>the</strong><br />

Sovereignty over Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Case Concerning Land Reclamation by<br />

Singapore in and around <strong>the</strong> Straits <strong>of</strong> Johor at<br />

ITLOS.<br />

3. Meetings and Conferences<br />

3.1 This Unit had organised a seminar on An Introduction<br />

To The Hague Conventions: Fostering The Rule<br />

Of Law In Cross-Border/ Transnational Civil And<br />

Commercial Relations In The Asia-Pacifi c on 22-24<br />

August 2005 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.<br />

43


3.2 This Unit had identifi ed and studied <strong>the</strong> various<br />

Conventions under <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions for<br />

purposes <strong>of</strong> accession. The Conventions that were<br />

discussed during <strong>the</strong> Seminar are as follows:<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

The Convention on Abolishing <strong>the</strong> Requirement<br />

<strong>of</strong> Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents;<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> Taking <strong>of</strong> Evidence<br />

Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters;<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> Service Abroad <strong>of</strong><br />

Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil<br />

or Commercial Matters;<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> Civil Aspects <strong>of</strong><br />

International Child Abduction<br />

The Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable<br />

Law, Recognition, Enforcement and<br />

44<br />

Co-operation in Respect <strong>of</strong> Parental<br />

Responsibility and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection<br />

<strong>of</strong> Children;<br />

(f)<br />

(g)<br />

(h)<br />

The Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court<br />

Agreements;<br />

The Convention <strong>of</strong> Law Applicable to Certain<br />

Rights in Respect <strong>of</strong> Securities Held with an<br />

Intermediary<br />

The Draft Convention on International<br />

Recovery <strong>of</strong> Child Support and O<strong>the</strong>r Forms<br />

<strong>of</strong> Family Maintenance.<br />

3.3 Offi cers from Unit V attended numerous meetings,<br />

both at <strong>the</strong> international and domestic levels.<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meetings are as follows:


International<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

1 st Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ad Hoc Working Group on Liability and<br />

Redress under <strong>the</strong> Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety<br />

2 nd Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conference <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parties Serving as <strong>the</strong><br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parties to <strong>the</strong> Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety<br />

Open-Ended Ad Hoc Working Group Meeting on Non-<br />

Compliance: Rotterdam Convention on <strong>the</strong> Prior Informed<br />

Consent Procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and<br />

Pesticides in International Trade<br />

2 nd Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conference <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parties to <strong>the</strong> Rotterdam<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Prior Informed Consent Procedure for<br />

certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International<br />

Trade<br />

25 - 27 May 2005 Montreal, Canada<br />

30 May - 3 June 2005 Montreal, Canada<br />

26 - 27 September 2005 Rome, Italy<br />

28 - 30 September 2005 Rome, Italy<br />

Domestic<br />

Meetings Date Venue<br />

45<br />

1 st Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Technical Committee on <strong>the</strong> Trading <strong>of</strong> Wild<br />

Flora and Fauna Species<br />

Meeting on <strong>the</strong> Draft Pharmacy Bill<br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Committee on <strong>the</strong> Trading <strong>of</strong> Wild<br />

Flora and Fauna Species<br />

25 April 2005<br />

16 - 17 May 2005<br />

3 - 5 July 2005<br />

17 June 2005<br />

Ministry <strong>of</strong> Natural<br />

Resources and<br />

Environment (NRE), Wisma<br />

Tanah,<br />

Kuala Lumpur<br />

Century Mahkota Hotel,<br />

Melaka<br />

Awana Genting Highlands<br />

Golf & Country Resort<br />

NRE, Wisma Tanah, Kuala<br />

Lumpur<br />

The Unit’s <strong>of</strong>fi cers also attended several domestic meetings pertaining to <strong>the</strong> drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Biosafety<br />

Bill and <strong>the</strong> national law for <strong>the</strong> Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species <strong>of</strong> Wild Flora and Fauna<br />

(CITIES) held throughout <strong>the</strong> year at NRE as well as preparatory meetings for <strong>the</strong> abovementioned international<br />

meetings.


46<br />

reports on special event 2005


REPORT OF<br />

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HAGUE CONVENTIONS:<br />

SEMINAR ON FOSTERING THE RULE OF LAW IN<br />

CROSS-BORDER/TRANSNATIONAL<br />

CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS<br />

IN THE ASIA PACIFIC<br />

47<br />

22 – 24 AUGUST 2005<br />

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH<br />

MALAYSIA<br />

Organized by:<br />

In Collaboration With:<br />

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S<br />

CHAMBERS OF MALAYSIA<br />

THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN,<br />

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


<strong>the</strong> hague conference on private<br />

international law<br />

The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCPIL) is an<br />

intergovernmental organisation with <strong>the</strong> purpose “to work for <strong>the</strong><br />

progressive unifi cation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rules <strong>of</strong> private international law”.<br />

The First Session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL was convened in 1893 by <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands<br />

Government on <strong>the</strong> initiative <strong>of</strong> T.M.C Asser (Nobel Peace Prize 1911).<br />

Prior to <strong>the</strong> Second World War, Sixth Sessions were held (1893, 1894,<br />

1900, 1904, 1925 and 1928). The Seventh Session in 1951 marked <strong>the</strong><br />

beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new era with <strong>the</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> a Statute which made<br />

<strong>the</strong> Conference a permanent intergovernmental organization. The Statute<br />

entered into force on 15 July 1955. Since 1956, regular Plenary Sessions<br />

were held every four years, <strong>the</strong> Twentieth <strong>of</strong> which met in 2005. These<br />

Plenary Sessions negotiate and adopt Conventions and decide upon future<br />

work. The Conventions are prepared by Special Commissions or working<br />

groups held several times a year, <strong>general</strong>ly at <strong>the</strong> Peace Palace in The<br />

Hague, increasingly in various member countries. Special Commissions<br />

are also organised to review <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions and adopt<br />

recommendations with <strong>the</strong> object <strong>of</strong> improving <strong>the</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Conventions and promoting consistent practises and interpretation.<br />

Secretariat <strong>of</strong> The Hague Conference.<br />

48<br />

The Organisation is funded principally by its Member States. Its budget<br />

is approved every year by <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> Diplomatic Representatives <strong>of</strong><br />

Member States. The Organisation also seeks and receives some funding<br />

for special projects from o<strong>the</strong>r sources.<br />

Activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conferences are co-ordinated by a multinational Secretariat,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Permanent Bureau, located in <strong>the</strong> Hague. The Conference’s working<br />

languages are English and French. The Secretariat prepares <strong>the</strong> Plenary<br />

Sessions and Special Commissions, and carries out <strong>the</strong> basic research<br />

required for any subject taken up by <strong>the</strong> Conference. It also engages in<br />

various activities to support <strong>the</strong> effective implementation and operation <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Conventions.<br />

In addition to Diplomatic representations in The Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands, <strong>the</strong> Secretariat<br />

maintains direct contact with Member States through designated National<br />

Organs. It also develops permanent contacts with experts and delegates<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Member States, with <strong>the</strong> national Central Authorities designated<br />

under certain Conventions, as well as with international governmental and<br />

non-governmental organisations, and with pr<strong>of</strong>essional and academic<br />

communities. Increasingly, <strong>the</strong> Secretariat also responds to requests for<br />

information from users <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions.<br />

THE HAGUE CONVENTIONS<br />

Between 1893 and 1904, <strong>the</strong> Conference adopted 7 international<br />

Conventions, which have all been subsequently replaced by more modern<br />

instruments.


Between 1951 and 2005, <strong>the</strong> Conference adopted 37<br />

international Conventions, <strong>the</strong> practical operation <strong>of</strong> many<br />

<strong>of</strong> which is regularly reviewed by Special Commissions.<br />

Even when <strong>the</strong>y are not ratifi ed, <strong>the</strong> Conventions have an<br />

infl uence upon legal systems, in both Member and non-<br />

Member States. They also form a source <strong>of</strong> inspiration for<br />

efforts to unify private international law at <strong>the</strong> regional<br />

level, for example within <strong>the</strong> Organisation <strong>of</strong> American<br />

States or <strong>the</strong> European Union.<br />

The most widely ratifi ed Conventions deal with -<br />

• The abolition <strong>of</strong> legalisation;<br />

• Service <strong>of</strong> process;<br />

• Taking <strong>of</strong> evidence abroad;<br />

• Access to justice;<br />

• International child abduction;<br />

• Intercountry adoption;<br />

• Confl icts <strong>of</strong> laws relating too <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong><br />

testamentary dispositions;<br />

• Maintenance <strong>of</strong> obligations; and<br />

• Recognition <strong>of</strong> divorces.<br />

The most recent Conventions are <strong>the</strong> Convention on<br />

Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement<br />

and Cooperation in respect <strong>of</strong> Parental Responsibility<br />

and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Children (1996),<br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> International Protection <strong>of</strong> Adults<br />

(2000), <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law Applicable to Certain<br />

Rights in respect <strong>of</strong> Securities held with an Intermediary<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements<br />

(2005).<br />

Negotiations on a new global instrument on <strong>the</strong><br />

international recovery <strong>of</strong> child support and o<strong>the</strong>r forms <strong>of</strong><br />

family maintenance are currently in progress. Questions <strong>of</strong><br />

private international law raised by <strong>the</strong> information society,<br />

including electronic commerce are also on <strong>the</strong> agenda,<br />

toge<strong>the</strong>r with, without priority, <strong>the</strong> following topics:<br />

• Confl ict <strong>of</strong> jurisdictions;<br />

• Applicable law and international judicial and<br />

administrative cooperation in respect <strong>of</strong> civil<br />

liability for environmental damage;<br />

• Jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> decisions on matters <strong>of</strong> succession upon<br />

death and questions <strong>of</strong> private international law<br />

relating to unmarried couples; and<br />

• The law applicable to unfair competition as well<br />

as assessment and analysis <strong>of</strong> transnational<br />

legal issues relating to indirectly held securities<br />

and security interest, taking into account<br />

in particular <strong>the</strong> work undertaken by o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

international organizations.<br />

The ultimate goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL is to work for a world in<br />

which, despite <strong>the</strong> differences between legal systems,<br />

persons-individuals as well as companies can enjoy a<br />

high degree <strong>of</strong> legal security.<br />

Malaysia joined <strong>the</strong> rapidly expanding global “Hague<br />

Family” on 2 October 2002 and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> Generals<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia has been appointed as <strong>the</strong> National<br />

Organ for Malaysia to handle and coordinate all matters<br />

pertaining to <strong>the</strong> HCPIL.<br />

49<br />

* Source taken from <strong>the</strong> website <strong>of</strong> The HCPIL


WELCOMING SPEECH<br />

BY<br />

THE HONOURABLE<br />

TAN SRI ABDUL GANI PATAIL<br />

ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF MALAYSIA<br />

The Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad,<br />

Minister in <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s Department <strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

The Honourable Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister <strong>of</strong><br />

Women, Family and Community Development <strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

The Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, Deputy Chief<br />

Minister and Minister <strong>of</strong> Tourism, Culture and Environment <strong>of</strong><br />

Sabah,<br />

50<br />

The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan,<br />

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister <strong>of</strong> Rural Development <strong>of</strong><br />

Sabah,<br />

The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Husin, Deputy<br />

Chief Minister and Minister <strong>of</strong> Community Development and<br />

Consumer Affairs <strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

Dr. Christophe Bernasconi, First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Permanent<br />

Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private International Law,<br />

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Respected Dignitaries<br />

and Participants,<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

Assalamualaikum,<br />

On behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, it gives<br />

me great pleasure to bid you a warm welcome to Malaysia and to An<br />

Introduction to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions Seminar, on Fostering <strong>the</strong> Rule<br />

<strong>of</strong> Law in Cross Border/Transnational Civil and Commercial Relations in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c. The <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia is indeed<br />

honoured to organise this Seminar and I wish to thank Your Excellencies,<br />

Distinguished Delegates and Participants for your positive response to our<br />

invitation to participate in this Seminar.


Your presence here today is a clear testimony <strong>of</strong> your countries’ strong<br />

commitments and continued interest in fostering <strong>the</strong> rule <strong>of</strong> law and<br />

addressing issues <strong>of</strong> cross-border co-ordination <strong>of</strong> private law, in <strong>general</strong>,<br />

and in <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Permanent Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on<br />

Private International Law, in particular, being <strong>the</strong> forum for unifi cation <strong>of</strong><br />

rules <strong>of</strong> private international law since its creation in 1893. Your active<br />

participation and important contribution in <strong>the</strong> next three days will ensure<br />

<strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> this Seminar and will fur<strong>the</strong>r deepen our understanding<br />

<strong>of</strong> selected Conventions under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on<br />

Private International Law.<br />

The idea <strong>of</strong> having this Seminar was fi rst mooted by Mr. Hans van Loon,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Secretary General <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private International<br />

Law and fur<strong>the</strong>r brought to realization through <strong>the</strong> efforts <strong>of</strong> Dr. Christophe<br />

Bernasconi, <strong>the</strong> First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference. Malaysia is<br />

at a critical juncture <strong>of</strong> her membership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conference as regards<br />

identifying various Conventions for purposes <strong>of</strong> accession. It was felt that<br />

a Seminar such as this would serve as an excellent forum for fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

discussion on <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions for purposes <strong>of</strong> accession by both<br />

Member States and Non-member States to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference.<br />

Malaysia joined <strong>the</strong> rapidly expanding global “Hague Family” on 2 October<br />

2002 and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia has been<br />

appointed <strong>the</strong> National Organ for Malaysia to handle and coordinate all<br />

matters pertaining to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference.<br />

51<br />

With 37 Conventions under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on<br />

Private International Law, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia has<br />

<strong>the</strong> mammoth task <strong>of</strong> analysing and conducting in-depth studies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />

Conventions with a view <strong>of</strong> recommending to <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

accession to some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se Conventions. A careful and detailed analysis<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions at this crucial stage before accession is indispensable<br />

as <strong>the</strong>re has to be sound evaluation <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> legal, technical and practical<br />

actions needed in order to ensure <strong>the</strong> smooth implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Conventions in future. The current endeavours are being supported by <strong>the</strong><br />

relevant Ministries and agencies which are clearly involved in providing<br />

<strong>the</strong> necessary policy considerations and decisions.<br />

This Seminar would provide a good platform for discussions and<br />

deliberations among countries in <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c region on <strong>the</strong><br />

development <strong>of</strong> private international law, and more specifi cally on <strong>the</strong><br />

substantive provisions <strong>of</strong> selected Conventions under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Hague Conference on Private International Law. I fi rmly believe that <strong>the</strong><br />

exchange <strong>of</strong> ideas, opinions and experiences that will take place in this


52<br />

great hall, as we focus on <strong>the</strong> many troubling crossborder<br />

issues, will augur well for <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> private<br />

international law in this region.<br />

I have ga<strong>the</strong>red from <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> States<br />

being Parties to <strong>the</strong> various Conventions that most, if<br />

not all, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se Conventions have proven effi cient in<br />

fostering international co-operation in cross-border and<br />

transnational civil and commercial matters. Hence, it is<br />

for this reason that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s <strong>Chambers</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> Malaysia has given priority to three Conventions for<br />

purposes <strong>of</strong> accession given <strong>the</strong> benefi ts and effi ciency<br />

that will be derived from becoming a Party to <strong>the</strong>se<br />

Conventions. The three Conventions are <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

on Abolishing <strong>the</strong> Requirement <strong>of</strong> Legalisation for<br />

Foreign Public Documents, <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Taking<br />

<strong>of</strong> Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Service Abroad <strong>of</strong> Judicial<br />

and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial<br />

Matters.<br />

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Respected<br />

Dignitaries and Participants,<br />

Children and young people are society’s most precious<br />

national resource; <strong>the</strong>y must feel that <strong>the</strong>y have a<br />

contribution to make to building <strong>the</strong> world in which<br />

<strong>the</strong>y live. The vigilant pursuit <strong>of</strong> justice for children and<br />

young people and <strong>the</strong>ir families must never be relaxed.<br />

The protection <strong>of</strong> children in danger has always been<br />

at <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> concerns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people within <strong>the</strong><br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private<br />

International Law. Indeed <strong>the</strong>re is a long-standing<br />

tradition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> family<br />

law in particular. I am sure this same concern is in <strong>the</strong><br />

heart <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> us present here today.<br />

The important and successful historical line runs<br />

from <strong>the</strong> 1902 Convention Relating to <strong>the</strong> Settlement<br />

<strong>of</strong> Guardianship <strong>of</strong> Minors via <strong>the</strong> 1961 Convention<br />

Concerning <strong>the</strong> Powers <strong>of</strong> Authorities and <strong>the</strong> Law<br />

Applicable in Respect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Minors to<br />

<strong>the</strong> 1996 Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law,<br />

Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation In Respect<br />

<strong>of</strong> Parental Responsibility and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection<br />

<strong>of</strong> Children.<br />

The Hague Conference on Private International Law has<br />

continued its work on <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> children with<br />

success, an example <strong>of</strong> which is <strong>the</strong> Convention <strong>of</strong> 25<br />

October 1980 on <strong>the</strong> Civil Aspects <strong>of</strong> International Child<br />

Abduction. Therefore a Seminar which proposes to<br />

introduce participants to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions would<br />

not be complete without presentations and discussions<br />

on <strong>the</strong> signifi cant work that has been accomplished in<br />

this area. The Conventions that will be discussed during<br />

<strong>the</strong> Seminar in this respect are <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Civil<br />

Aspects <strong>of</strong> International Child Abduction, <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement<br />

and Co-operation In Respect <strong>of</strong> Parental Responsibility<br />

and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Children and <strong>the</strong><br />

Convention on International Recovery <strong>of</strong> Child Support<br />

and O<strong>the</strong>r Forms <strong>of</strong> Family Maintenance.<br />

In addition, we are most fortunate to have, at this Seminar,<br />

presentations and panel discussions on more recent<br />

Conventions such as <strong>the</strong> Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court<br />

Agreements and <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law Applicable<br />

to Certain Rights in Respect <strong>of</strong> Securities held with an<br />

Intermediary. The completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong><br />

Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect <strong>of</strong> Securities<br />

held with an Intermediary took only a little more than<br />

two and a half years, beginning from a proposal made<br />

during <strong>the</strong> Special Commission on General Affairs and<br />

Policy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference which met in May 2000<br />

in The Hague. This is a remarkable feat considering <strong>the</strong><br />

short period taken to develop an instrument that not only<br />

addresses diffi cult technical issues, but which also has<br />

to suit <strong>the</strong> needs and interests <strong>of</strong> business practice while<br />

at <strong>the</strong> same time taking into account <strong>the</strong> peculiarities <strong>of</strong><br />

many different legal systems.<br />

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Respected<br />

Dignitaries and Participants,<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r important objective <strong>of</strong> this Seminar is to have<br />

a deeper understanding and appreciation <strong>of</strong> Syariah<br />

law. Most Contracting States to <strong>the</strong> Conventions under


<strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private<br />

International Law do not have a Syariah court system.<br />

Malaysia, being a State having such system along side<br />

<strong>the</strong> civil court system is not spared from experiencing<br />

some concerns or reservations in terms <strong>of</strong> accession to<br />

certain Conventions.<br />

For some Islamic States or States that have a<br />

predominantly Muslim population, it may well be that <strong>the</strong><br />

legal infrastructure is not in place and that national policy<br />

is not in favour <strong>of</strong> accepting international obligations<br />

which would be contrary to Syariah law. An example <strong>of</strong> a<br />

thorny issue which will hopefully be addressed during this<br />

Seminar is <strong>the</strong> situation where a Syariah Court would be<br />

obliged under <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong> Taking <strong>of</strong> Evidence<br />

Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters to take evidence<br />

for use in a non-Syariah Court in a case which involves<br />

personal laws and where at least one party is a Muslim.<br />

This is equally applicable to <strong>the</strong> Native Courts <strong>of</strong> Sabah<br />

and Sarawak.<br />

Judging from <strong>the</strong> programme for this Seminar, I have<br />

no doubt that with <strong>the</strong> opportunity to exchange views,<br />

insights and ideas in a frank and forthright manner, <strong>the</strong><br />

outcome <strong>of</strong> our deliberations will provide positive input,<br />

not only in terms <strong>of</strong> Malaysia’s proposed accession to <strong>the</strong><br />

Conventions, but also towards fostering <strong>the</strong> rule <strong>of</strong> law in<br />

transnational civil and commercial relations in <strong>the</strong> Asia-<br />

Pacifi c as well as developing a better understanding <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> concerns from <strong>the</strong> Syariah law perspective.<br />

Royal Malaysian Police, <strong>the</strong> Royal Malaysian Customs,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Immigration Department <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, <strong>the</strong> Ministry<br />

<strong>of</strong> Health, <strong>the</strong> Ceremonial and International Conference<br />

Secretariat Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s Department,<br />

Malaysia Airports Sdn. Bhd. and <strong>the</strong> Management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Nexus Resort Karambunai for <strong>the</strong>ir unwavering support in<br />

<strong>the</strong> organisation <strong>of</strong> this Seminar.<br />

In conclusion, I wish you a productive Seminar and I<br />

certainly look forward to being part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> discussions<br />

over <strong>the</strong> next three days.<br />

Thank-you.<br />

53<br />

I would like to take this opportunity to once again<br />

thank Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and<br />

Participants for your presence at this Seminar. In addition<br />

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to <strong>the</strong><br />

Minister in <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s Department <strong>of</strong> Malaysia<br />

for <strong>of</strong>fi ciating this morning’s opening ceremony, and<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Minister <strong>of</strong> Women, Family and Community<br />

Development <strong>of</strong> Malaysia for delivering a keynote address<br />

this morning. My appreciation also goes to <strong>the</strong> Ministry<br />

<strong>of</strong> Women, Family and Community Development <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia, <strong>the</strong> State Government <strong>of</strong> Sabah, in particular<br />

<strong>the</strong> Minister and <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cials from <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Tourism,<br />

Culture and Environment, <strong>the</strong> Sabah Tourism Board, <strong>the</strong>


OPENING SPEECH<br />

BY<br />

THE HONOURABLE<br />

DATO’ SERI MOHAMAD RADZI BIN SHEIKH AHMAD<br />

MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER DEPARTMENT<br />

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister <strong>of</strong> Women,<br />

Family and Community Development <strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

The Honourable Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia,<br />

Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, Deputy Chief Minister and<br />

Minister <strong>of</strong> Tourism, Culture and Environment <strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Deputy<br />

Chief Minister and Minister <strong>of</strong> Rural Development <strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

54<br />

Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Husin, Deputy Chief<br />

Minister and Minister <strong>of</strong> Community Development and Consumer<br />

Affairs <strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

Yang Berhormat Datuk Johan Mahyuddin, Speaker <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong><br />

Sabah,<br />

Dr. Christophe Bernasconi, First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Permanent Bureau<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private International Law,<br />

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Respected Dignitaries<br />

and Participants,<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Good<br />

Morning,<br />

On behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government and people <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, I bid you a warm<br />

welcome to all, to Malaysia, to Sabah and to this Seminar. It is an honour for<br />

me to be in <strong>the</strong> company <strong>of</strong> such distinguished and eminent judges, judicial<br />

and legal <strong>of</strong>fi cers, lawyers as well as academicians. I wish to thank everyone<br />

for taking <strong>the</strong> time to attend this Seminar and for your willingness to share<br />

your expertise and experiences to make this a very successful event.


Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

We meet here today to discuss some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramifi cations<br />

globalisation has had on jurisdiction and international<br />

law. <strong>the</strong> emergence <strong>of</strong> a so-called “borderless” world,<br />

brought on by advancements in information and<br />

communication technology as well as transportation, has<br />

resulted in <strong>the</strong> liberalisation and integration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />

economy. This has necessitated a variety <strong>of</strong> changes<br />

in legal arrangements made possible by multilateral<br />

conventions relating to cross-border movement <strong>of</strong><br />

goods, services, investment, and in some cases, people.<br />

Apart from various regional trading arrangements, <strong>the</strong>re<br />

has been a standardising <strong>of</strong> laws such as those relating<br />

to international shipping contracts, international sale <strong>of</strong><br />

goods, and international air travel and a lot <strong>of</strong> benefi ts<br />

have accrued to parties concerned.<br />

With <strong>the</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong> international trade, commerce<br />

and communications, <strong>the</strong> volume and intensity <strong>of</strong><br />

international disputes have also increased in equal<br />

proportion. Increasingly now, we fi nd that <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />

means <strong>of</strong> resolving problems are no longer adequate to<br />

deal with <strong>the</strong>se disputes.<br />

There is also <strong>the</strong> problem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> high level <strong>of</strong> legal diversity<br />

resulting from <strong>the</strong> different legal systems <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />

coming to exist side by side which in many instances<br />

has led to a high increase in transaction costs. The lack<br />

<strong>of</strong> uniform rules, such as in <strong>the</strong> commercial sector, have<br />

made <strong>the</strong> outcome <strong>of</strong> litigation unpredictable and <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

dictated by <strong>the</strong> court and locality where <strong>the</strong> hearing<br />

takes place. The lack <strong>of</strong> enforcement rules in respect<br />

<strong>of</strong> judgments by foreign courts has affected investment<br />

confi dence. Parties to transactions sometimes have to<br />

rely on procedures <strong>of</strong> self-enforcement contained in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

contracts. Indeed <strong>the</strong>re is an urgent need for jurisdiction<br />

and clear legal guidelines applicable to all international<br />

transactions so that costs can be minimized and timeconsuming<br />

negotiations avoided.<br />

There is also <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> build-up <strong>of</strong> psychological<br />

barriers to cross-border trade caused by excessive legal<br />

diversity. Already, diversity <strong>of</strong> languages and unfamiliar<br />

customs present challenges to <strong>the</strong> business sector.<br />

Risks are fur<strong>the</strong>r compounded due to <strong>the</strong> severe lack <strong>of</strong><br />

harmony in <strong>the</strong> choice <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction and law governing<br />

cross-border transactions, resulting in even more<br />

uncertainties and <strong>the</strong> increased risks.<br />

In environments where reliable and effective legal<br />

systems are not in place to safeguard <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong><br />

transacting parties, this have resulted in mounting<br />

costs for <strong>the</strong> monitoring <strong>of</strong> unresolved confl icts, thus<br />

heightening <strong>the</strong> risks for <strong>the</strong> parties involved. All <strong>the</strong>se<br />

uncertainties and inconvenience may discourage parties,<br />

in particular small and medium-sized businesses, from<br />

entering into cross-border business transactions.<br />

Let us now turn to issues in family law, where <strong>the</strong><br />

confl ict <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction and confl ict <strong>of</strong> law have given rise<br />

to serious consequences. We have seen children who,<br />

because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction and uniformity in law,<br />

have not been provided for and whose custody status<br />

are uncertain.<br />

We saw <strong>the</strong> need for family law to protect matrimonial<br />

rights, facilitate divorces and annulments involving<br />

foreign spouses, and resolve child abduction cases. In<br />

fact <strong>the</strong>re has been an increase in litigation involving<br />

family law.<br />

55


56<br />

Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> interaction <strong>of</strong> legal systems and<br />

cross-border blend <strong>of</strong> pluralism can serve to promote<br />

mutual understanding and <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> a richer legal<br />

literature. We must endeavour to forge unity between<br />

<strong>the</strong> diverse legal traditions <strong>of</strong> different States and to<br />

continue to seek creative solutions.<br />

Ra<strong>the</strong>r than transplant or adapt one system to ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

we should shy away from categorization and pigeonhole<br />

options as <strong>the</strong>se can hamper <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong><br />

context and human-sensitive solutions. The solution<br />

lies in striking a balance between pluralism and<br />

harmonisation. To attain this balance requires a strong<br />

spirit <strong>of</strong> judicial and administrative cooperation and a<br />

level <strong>of</strong> understanding and respect among all States<br />

towards <strong>the</strong> legal systems <strong>of</strong> individual States.<br />

It is against this background, ladies and gentlemen, that<br />

we applaud <strong>the</strong> efforts, initiatives and good work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Permanent Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private<br />

International Law and acknowledge <strong>the</strong> breadth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

reach to cover a worldwide audience. To grace this<br />

Seminar are two distinguished representatives from <strong>the</strong><br />

Hague Conference on Private International Law and we<br />

are honoured by <strong>the</strong>ir presence. The Hague Conference<br />

on Private International Law has <strong>the</strong> mandate to work<br />

towards a progressive unifi cation <strong>of</strong> private international<br />

law and has been relentless in <strong>the</strong>ir work on <strong>the</strong><br />

codifi cation <strong>of</strong> private international law rules for over a<br />

century. The Hague Conference on Private International<br />

Law was founded in 1893 and has come <strong>of</strong> age, to<br />

become <strong>the</strong> major international organization.<br />

Presently, <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference has adopted 37<br />

Conventions on different areas <strong>of</strong> private international law,<br />

aided by Special Commissions. The Hague Conference<br />

spends increasing time and effort to <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />

and support <strong>of</strong> its Conventions. This includes support<br />

and aftercare such as <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> Good Practice<br />

Guides and <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> databases to enhance<br />

<strong>the</strong> functioning and implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions.<br />

The work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference today touches<br />

more than 110 countries around <strong>the</strong> world, as an<br />

increasing number <strong>of</strong> non-Member States are also<br />

becoming parties to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions.. Even when<br />

<strong>the</strong>se Conventions are not ratifi ed, <strong>the</strong>y have created<br />

tremendous infl uence on legal systems in both Member<br />

and non-Member States. The Hague Conference is a<br />

source <strong>of</strong> inspiration to all <strong>of</strong> us for <strong>the</strong>ir work in unifying<br />

private international law such as within <strong>the</strong> Organisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> American States and <strong>the</strong> European Union.<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

The Asia-Pacifi c region has charted greater economic<br />

growth and a high level <strong>of</strong> cross-border mobility. Currently,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is an urgent need to promote international judicial<br />

and administrative co-operation and harmonisation <strong>of</strong><br />

private international law in this region. This calls for<br />

better formal and informal contacts amongst judges,<br />

judicial and legal <strong>of</strong>fi cers and lawyers <strong>of</strong> different States.<br />

A forum is needed to discuss jurisdictional issues and<br />

<strong>the</strong> interpretation and application <strong>of</strong> laws in civil and<br />

commercial matters. We call upon States to place a high<br />

priority on <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> a common understanding<br />

<strong>of</strong> private international law for this region and to ensure<br />

that it keeps abreast <strong>of</strong> changes.<br />

Individual States in <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c region have not gone<br />

far beyond <strong>the</strong> intra-Commonwealth arrangements for<br />

<strong>the</strong> reciprocal enforcement <strong>of</strong> maintenance orders and<br />

<strong>the</strong> reciprocal enforcement <strong>of</strong> judgment debts. Ladies<br />

and gentlemen, it is no longer suffi cient for <strong>the</strong> legal<br />

systems <strong>of</strong> this region to be contented with unwritten<br />

private international law rules which would produce<br />

inconsistent results. It is also necessary for States to<br />

have, and be able to exercise at times, jurisdiction to<br />

enforce foreign judgments.<br />

What is needed is closer cooperation and harmonisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> rules <strong>of</strong> private international law in <strong>the</strong> legal systems<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c States to ensure greater consistency<br />

and transparency in cross-border transactions. States<br />

need to be more proactive and engage in meaningful<br />

inter-state interactions to enhance regional and<br />

international understanding.


Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

We hope that this Seminar will be able to contribute towards<br />

promoting regional cooperation through <strong>the</strong> discussions<br />

and presentations <strong>of</strong> in-depth research studies on <strong>the</strong><br />

issues <strong>of</strong> private international law in this region. It is also<br />

our hope that this Seminar will lead to <strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning<br />

<strong>of</strong> international judicial and administrative cooperation<br />

and eventually to <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> a strong and<br />

coherent system <strong>of</strong> regional cooperation in judicial, legal<br />

and administrative functions for <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c region.<br />

We stand to be guided by <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague<br />

Conference so that <strong>the</strong> system would complement <strong>the</strong><br />

existing international system <strong>of</strong> cooperation.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> discussions and deliberations <strong>of</strong> our distinguished<br />

assembly <strong>of</strong> legal experts and practitioners, we hope to<br />

gain insights and a synergy in our approach to solving<br />

private international law issues. We see <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> concrete,<br />

neutral and pragmatic principles as <strong>the</strong> effective approach<br />

towards a resolution involving disparate legal and cultural<br />

traditions that will lead to greater certainty, predictability<br />

and fairness.<br />

The question now is, do we have <strong>the</strong> appropriate systems<br />

in place to address issues <strong>of</strong> change which will happen<br />

continuously and rapidly in <strong>the</strong> manner that characterises<br />

this electronic age? As such, I urge our law academicians<br />

to make <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> private international law rules a priority<br />

and <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir research and writings. It was Francis<br />

Bacon who said: “It is a reverend thing to see an ancient<br />

building or castle not in decay”. I hope <strong>the</strong> same holds true<br />

for private international law.<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

I would like to thank you once again for your positive<br />

response and your presence at this Seminar. I have full<br />

confi dence that <strong>the</strong> Seminar will be a successful one and<br />

that your informal interactions during tea breaks and at meal<br />

times will augment <strong>the</strong> formal discussions and contribute<br />

fur<strong>the</strong>r towards fostering a closer relationship among all<br />

involved in <strong>the</strong> policy, practice and administration <strong>of</strong> law in<br />

this region.<br />

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my<br />

appreciation and congratulations to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong><br />

General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, which, with <strong>the</strong><br />

assistance <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r government ministries and<br />

agencies, private companies and organisations, and<br />

corporate bodies have come toge<strong>the</strong>r to organise<br />

this timely Seminar. I would also like to thank <strong>the</strong><br />

Hague Conference on Private International Law for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir support and endorsement <strong>of</strong> this Seminar.<br />

On that note, it is now my pleasure and privilege to<br />

declare <strong>the</strong> Seminar open and to wish you success<br />

in your deliberations.<br />

Thank you.<br />

57


KEYNOTE ADDRESS<br />

BY<br />

THE HONOURABLE<br />

DATO’ SERI SHAHRIZAT ABDUL JALIL<br />

MINISTER OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND<br />

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIA<br />

The Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad,<br />

Minister in <strong>the</strong> Prime Minister’s Department,<br />

The Honourable Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General<br />

<strong>of</strong> Malaysia,<br />

The Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, Deputy Chief Minister<br />

<strong>of</strong> Sabah and Minister <strong>of</strong> Tourism, Culture and Environment <strong>of</strong><br />

Sabah,<br />

58<br />

The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan,<br />

Deputy Chief Minister <strong>of</strong> Sabah and Minister <strong>of</strong> Rural Development<br />

<strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

The Honourable Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Husin, Deputy<br />

Chief Minister <strong>of</strong> Sabah and Minister <strong>of</strong> Community Development<br />

and Consumer Affairs <strong>of</strong> Sabah,<br />

Dr. Christophe Bernasconi, First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Permanent<br />

Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private International Law,<br />

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Respected Dignitaries<br />

and Participants,<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and A Very Good<br />

Morning,<br />

On behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government and people <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, I would like to extend<br />

a very warm Selamat Datang and welcome to all guests and participants to<br />

An Introduction to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conventions, Seminar on Fostering <strong>the</strong> Rule<br />

<strong>of</strong> Law in Cross Border/Transnational Civil and Commercial Relations in <strong>the</strong><br />

Asia-Pacifi c. I am honoured to be invited to deliver <strong>the</strong> keynote address<br />

at this important Seminar where issues on cross-border coordination<br />

<strong>of</strong> private international law will be discussed. I would like to take this<br />

opportunity to thank <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> as <strong>the</strong> organiser <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Seminar for kindly inviting me to be here this morning.


today, <strong>the</strong>y are irrefutably enjoying better economic<br />

and social security than those <strong>of</strong> previous generations.<br />

Economic development and increased access to<br />

education in recent years has contributed tremendously<br />

to <strong>the</strong> enhancement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> status and protection<br />

<strong>of</strong> women and children in this region. However <strong>the</strong><br />

family structure <strong>of</strong> today still rests on a fragile balance<br />

endangered by <strong>the</strong> stress and strain <strong>of</strong> modern living.<br />

Under <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Women, Family and Community<br />

Development, our mandates include <strong>the</strong> preservation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family and social structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society as well<br />

as <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> women, children and <strong>the</strong> socially<br />

and economically disadvantaged persons. I must say<br />

that protecting <strong>the</strong>se classes <strong>of</strong> citizens in <strong>the</strong> new<br />

millennium is not without its challenges. Protecting<br />

children for instance, would now involve debate on<br />

topics that range from representation <strong>of</strong> children in all<br />

legal proceedings, hearing <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child and <strong>the</strong><br />

family, enforcement <strong>of</strong> contact orders, to international<br />

access arrangements including <strong>the</strong> mechanism under<br />

<strong>the</strong> relevant Hague Conventions. O<strong>the</strong>r pertinent<br />

considerations also include topics on <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />

children from violence, human rights, juvenile justice,<br />

children as victims <strong>of</strong> war, trading in children and<br />

children living with AIDS.<br />

This responsibility can only be carried out effectively<br />

with <strong>the</strong> assistance <strong>of</strong> a legal system and legislative<br />

framework, which is sensitive to <strong>the</strong> social needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

people.<br />

Notwithstanding <strong>the</strong> diversity <strong>of</strong> our background, I am<br />

sure that we are in absolute agreement that family is<br />

indeed <strong>the</strong> building block <strong>of</strong> society and that our greatest<br />

fulfi llment lies <strong>the</strong>re. Every family situation is unique and<br />

different but in many ways every family is similar. As<br />

regards women and children in <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c region<br />

As we know, Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-religious<br />

country with around 25 million people with Islam<br />

as <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cial religion and <strong>the</strong> Malay race making up<br />

<strong>the</strong> majority, and with every o<strong>the</strong>r religion and race<br />

practicing <strong>the</strong>ir faith and culture in peace and with<br />

dignity. Within this melting pot, Malaysia places great<br />

emphasis on <strong>the</strong> preservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family and its<br />

values. Malaysia has also made a consistent and fi rm<br />

stand on <strong>the</strong> traditional defi nition <strong>of</strong> a family. A family<br />

is formed out <strong>of</strong> a marriage registered between a man<br />

and a woman and comprises children and <strong>the</strong> extended<br />

family members. Laws governing both Muslim and non-<br />

Muslim marriages and <strong>the</strong> family institution have long<br />

been in place in this country.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> Muslims, <strong>the</strong> Islamic Family Law or <strong>the</strong> Syariah<br />

governs all aspects <strong>of</strong> marriage and family. The Syariah<br />

as practised in Malaysia’s family law is based on <strong>the</strong><br />

concept <strong>of</strong> fairness and responsibility and that <strong>the</strong> man is<br />

<strong>the</strong> provider and protector <strong>of</strong> his family. It also recognises<br />

<strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> shared responsibilities between <strong>the</strong> man<br />

and his wife, as <strong>the</strong> wife is also expected to protect <strong>the</strong><br />

dignity <strong>of</strong> her family, and caring for <strong>the</strong> well being <strong>of</strong> her<br />

family.<br />

The Honourable Prime Minister <strong>of</strong> Malaysia has proposed<br />

a holistic development approach for Malaysia through<br />

<strong>the</strong> promotion <strong>of</strong> Islam Hadhari. Islam Hadhari or<br />

civilisational and comprehensive Islam emphasises <strong>the</strong><br />

importance <strong>of</strong> progress - with an Islamic perspective - in<br />

<strong>the</strong> economic, social and political fi elds. Islam Hadhari<br />

stresses on <strong>the</strong> need for balanced development, which<br />

covers both physical and spiritual development. It is an<br />

approach to foster Islamic civilisation built upon <strong>the</strong> noble<br />

values and ideals <strong>of</strong> Islam, and aims to achieve ten main<br />

principles which Muslim nations and communities must<br />

demonstrate. Incidentally, <strong>the</strong> seventh principle refers<br />

59


60<br />

specifi cally to <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> minorities<br />

and women.<br />

Women, ladies and gentlemen, deserve specifi c mention<br />

because despite <strong>the</strong> fact that women in many parts <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> world have become more emancipated and certainly<br />

making choices in <strong>the</strong>ir lives, women in many Muslim<br />

countries continue to be marginalised and discriminated<br />

against. In Malaysia, measures have been instituted<br />

towards <strong>the</strong> advancement <strong>of</strong> women and <strong>the</strong> promotion <strong>of</strong><br />

gender justice. In <strong>the</strong> legal domain, various amendments<br />

have been made to <strong>the</strong> respective laws to ensure that<br />

women are not discriminated against, for example <strong>the</strong><br />

inclusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> non-discrimination into our<br />

Federal Constitution which states that no discrimination<br />

should be made on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> gender.<br />

The family institution in Malaysia, like <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

world, is undergoing rapid change. As <strong>the</strong> countries <strong>of</strong><br />

Asia become increasingly industrialised, affl uent, and<br />

integrated into global and communication networks,<br />

<strong>the</strong>re are signs that changes in <strong>the</strong> Asian family pattern<br />

is happening. From <strong>the</strong> family law perspective, confl ict<br />

<strong>of</strong> jurisdiction and confl ict <strong>of</strong> law may give rise to even<br />

more serious consequences such as children who are<br />

not provided for, or <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir custody which is<br />

uncertain due to want <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction or lack <strong>of</strong> uniformity<br />

<strong>of</strong> rules on confl ict <strong>of</strong> laws to obtain <strong>the</strong> necessary order<br />

or to enforce <strong>the</strong> said order.<br />

It is without doubt that legal developments in <strong>the</strong> fi eld <strong>of</strong><br />

family law have been much infl uenced by external factors.<br />

The need to reform <strong>the</strong> rules <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction over matrimonial<br />

causes and on <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> foreign divorces and<br />

annulments was undoubtedly infl uenced by <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> ease <strong>of</strong> foreign travel on <strong>the</strong> ability to form new, and<br />

for some, multiple personal relationships. The explosion<br />

<strong>of</strong> decisions on child abduction is readily attributable<br />

to <strong>the</strong> same ease, and <strong>the</strong> diminishing real cost, <strong>of</strong> air<br />

travel. It is in this one area <strong>of</strong> private international law that<br />

changes in <strong>the</strong> rules concerning family law has brought<br />

an increase in litigation ra<strong>the</strong>r than having <strong>the</strong> opposite<br />

effect <strong>of</strong> reducing litigation.<br />

In light <strong>of</strong> this, ladies and gentlemen, it is important that<br />

<strong>the</strong> legal system <strong>of</strong> today be developed to provide <strong>the</strong><br />

appropriate legal solutions to ensure that in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong><br />

deterioration in <strong>the</strong> family relationship, <strong>the</strong> interests <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> children <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marriage would not in any manner<br />

be adversely affected or prejudiced. Indeed, it is our<br />

obligation now to ensure that children are given <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

rights, protected from any danger, and have all <strong>the</strong><br />

opportunity to grow in a conducive environment.<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

Flowing from <strong>the</strong>se developments due recognition and<br />

acknowledgement should be given to <strong>the</strong> hard work and<br />

valuable contribution made by <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference<br />

on Private International Law in formulating and<br />

promoting <strong>the</strong> conventions on international family law,<br />

particularly <strong>the</strong> conventions concerning <strong>the</strong> protection<br />

<strong>of</strong> children. Their work thus far, would certainly be most<br />

advantageous and benefi cial to <strong>the</strong> region <strong>of</strong> Asia-Pacifi c<br />

in its efforts to streamline and unify <strong>the</strong> various rules <strong>of</strong><br />

private international law on <strong>the</strong>se matters. It is a diffi cult<br />

and complex process and requires all our cooperation<br />

and goodwill in making it a success.<br />

A Convention that has been praised by academics,<br />

lawyers and judges as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most successful<br />

conventions prepared within <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference<br />

on Private International Law is <strong>the</strong> Convention on <strong>the</strong><br />

Civil Aspects <strong>of</strong> International Child Abduction 1980. The<br />

principal objective <strong>of</strong> this Convention, as you well know,<br />

is to secure <strong>the</strong> prompt return <strong>of</strong> children wrongfully<br />

removed to or retained in any Contracting State under<br />

<strong>the</strong> most speedy procedures possible. The Convention<br />

refl ects <strong>the</strong> principle that any dispute on <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong><br />

custody or residence <strong>of</strong> a child should take place before<br />

<strong>the</strong> competent authorities in <strong>the</strong> State where <strong>the</strong> child<br />

had his or her habitual residence prior to removal.<br />

International parental abduction can be extremely<br />

traumatic for both <strong>the</strong> abducted child and <strong>the</strong> parent<br />

left-behind. Child victims <strong>of</strong>ten experience symptoms <strong>of</strong><br />

serious emotional distress and may be forced to live a life<br />

less complete. Risks <strong>of</strong> harm and trauma to <strong>the</strong> child will<br />

vary depending on <strong>the</strong> method, motives and character<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> abductor. The existence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention has<br />

greatly increased <strong>the</strong> chances <strong>of</strong> success <strong>of</strong> a child<br />

being returned to its country <strong>of</strong> habitual residence.


Never<strong>the</strong>less, for Muslims, <strong>the</strong>re are concerns regarding<br />

<strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> custody, and <strong>of</strong> access, being consistent with<br />

Syariah law. Under <strong>the</strong> Convention, custody attributed to<br />

a person, an institution or any o<strong>the</strong>r body under <strong>the</strong> law<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> habitual resident <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child is likely not<br />

to be determined in accordance with <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong><br />

Syariah. The Convention does not provide a defi nition<br />

<strong>of</strong> “habitual residence” and it is <strong>the</strong>refore subject to <strong>the</strong><br />

domestic law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State where <strong>the</strong> child is physically<br />

resident in.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r laudable effort is <strong>the</strong> Working Draft <strong>of</strong> A<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> International Recovery <strong>of</strong> Child<br />

Support and O<strong>the</strong>r Forms <strong>of</strong> Family Maintenance as<br />

it attempts to provide for international administrative<br />

cooperation between countries for <strong>the</strong> recovery <strong>of</strong><br />

child support and o<strong>the</strong>r forms <strong>of</strong> family maintenance.<br />

However, again for <strong>the</strong> Muslims, it is important for this<br />

Convention to recognise <strong>the</strong> principles relating to <strong>the</strong><br />

basis <strong>of</strong> maintenance imposed by Islamic law because<br />

<strong>the</strong> orders for maintenance would also be enforceable<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Muslims subjects under this Convention.<br />

The implementation <strong>of</strong> this Convention has to be <strong>the</strong><br />

subject <strong>of</strong> careful consideration by <strong>the</strong> Muslim States<br />

and <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong>re may be possible reservations on<br />

matters that are contrary to <strong>the</strong> Syariah law and to public<br />

interest. The issue relating to <strong>the</strong> primary responsibility<br />

for a child’s maintenance is very interrelated with <strong>the</strong><br />

need for <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> parentage. Under Islamic<br />

law, <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> maintenance arises from <strong>the</strong> sanction<br />

<strong>of</strong> a relationship through a valid marriage solemnised<br />

in accordance with Syariah. Thus only wife, or for that<br />

matter, wives and children from that valid marriage are<br />

entitled to claim for maintenance. Affi nity or lineage <strong>of</strong><br />

a child is very important to determine o<strong>the</strong>rs who may<br />

be held responsible for a child’s maintenance, which in<br />

turn is also very dependent on <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> a marriage<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child’s parents. Therefore, marital status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

parents is very important to provide <strong>the</strong> link to claim for<br />

maintenance under Islamic law. To determine parentage<br />

as <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> a right to maintenance under Islamic law,<br />

it must be proved that <strong>the</strong> said child is born during <strong>the</strong><br />

continuance <strong>of</strong> a valid marriage.<br />

Ladies and Gentlemen,<br />

You have three days to hash all <strong>the</strong>se issues and more.<br />

This Seminar provides a golden opportunity for legal<br />

experts from countries in <strong>the</strong> Asia-Pacifi c region to meet<br />

with o<strong>the</strong>rs to discuss and deliberate on jurisdictional<br />

issues and <strong>the</strong> interpretation and application <strong>of</strong> laws<br />

in matrimonial matters, especially concerning children<br />

and maintenance obligations, while taking into account<br />

<strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah. Therefore, I would<br />

like to record our gratitude to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia and <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on<br />

Private International Law for including three conventions<br />

on topics covering children and family in <strong>the</strong> programme<br />

for this Seminar. The Ministry <strong>of</strong> Women, Family and<br />

Community Development will defi nitely benefi t from this<br />

Seminar to help us in <strong>the</strong> challenges ahead.<br />

Finally, I would like to congratulate <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-<br />

General’s <strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia for <strong>the</strong> excellent work<br />

in undertaking a detailed study <strong>of</strong> selected Conventions<br />

and for organising this Seminar towards possible<br />

accession by Malaysia, and perhaps by o<strong>the</strong>r States<br />

present here today which have yet to become Parties<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Conventions. I wish to thank all participants who<br />

are here to provide <strong>the</strong>ir inputs and views during this<br />

Seminar. I am very confi dent that <strong>the</strong> outcome <strong>of</strong> this<br />

Seminar will help promote closer regional cooperation<br />

as we arrive at a better understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issues<br />

and concerns <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> States present at this Seminar, and<br />

indeed, in <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions. I wish<br />

you a productive and successful deliberation.<br />

Thank you.<br />

61


REPORT OF THE SEMINAR ON AN INTRODUCTION<br />

TO THE HAGUE CONVENTION<br />

FOSTERING THE RULE OF LAW IN CROSS-BORDER/<br />

TRANSNATIONAL CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL<br />

RELATIONS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC<br />

Monday, 22 August 2005<br />

1. The Seminar began with a presentation on an<br />

introduction to <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference on Private<br />

International Law (HCPIL) by Dr. Christophe<br />

Bernasconi, <strong>the</strong> First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL. This<br />

was followed by presentations on <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

The <strong>Attorney</strong> General and Solicitor General welcoming <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Minister <strong>of</strong><br />

Law, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamad Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and <strong>the</strong> Minister <strong>of</strong><br />

Women, Family and Community Development, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Shahrizat<br />

Abdul Jalil.<br />

(i) Convention Abolishing <strong>the</strong> Requirement <strong>of</strong><br />

Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (<strong>the</strong><br />

Apostille Convention)<br />

The Convention Abolishing <strong>the</strong> Requirement <strong>of</strong><br />

Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents was<br />

concluded on 5 October 1961 and entered into<br />

force on 24 January 1965. Legalisation refers<br />

to <strong>the</strong> formality and procedure by which <strong>the</strong><br />

diplomatic or consular agents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country where<br />

<strong>the</strong> document is to be produced for use to certify<br />

<strong>the</strong> au<strong>the</strong>nticity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> signature, <strong>the</strong> capacity in<br />

which <strong>the</strong> person signing <strong>the</strong> document has acted<br />

and, where appropriate, <strong>the</strong> identity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seal or<br />

stamp which it bears in order for <strong>the</strong> documents<br />

to be accepted for use by <strong>the</strong> country where <strong>the</strong><br />

document is produced. The procedures required<br />

by different states for purposes <strong>of</strong> legalisation <strong>of</strong><br />

a document are different from state to state. This<br />

results in inconvenience when a document from<br />

one state is required for use in ano<strong>the</strong>r state, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> process is time-consuming.<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> legalisation process makes <strong>the</strong><br />

legalized public document valid for use only in <strong>the</strong><br />

country for which <strong>the</strong> legalisation is sought and not<br />

in any o<strong>the</strong>r country.<br />

Therefore, <strong>the</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> this Convention is to<br />

abolish <strong>the</strong> legalization process at a considerable<br />

extent, by standardizing <strong>the</strong> practice among Member<br />

States, in order to speed up <strong>the</strong> international judicial<br />

process. This Convention is also known as Apostille<br />

Convention, whereby <strong>the</strong> word ‘Apostille’ refers to a<br />

certifi cate issued by <strong>the</strong> HCPIL.<br />

63<br />

The Honourable Minister <strong>of</strong> Law, <strong>the</strong> Honourable Minister <strong>of</strong> Women, Family<br />

and Community Development and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> First<br />

Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL on stage for <strong>the</strong> Opening Ceremony <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar.<br />

(ii) Convention on <strong>the</strong> Service Abroad <strong>of</strong> Judicial and<br />

Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial<br />

Matters (<strong>the</strong> Service Convention); and<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> Service Abroad <strong>of</strong> Judicial<br />

and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial<br />

Matters was concluded on 15 November 1965<br />

and entered into force on 10 February 1969. The


64<br />

Dr. Christophe Bernasconi, First Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL taking<br />

questions from <strong>the</strong> fl oor.<br />

purpose <strong>of</strong> this Convention is to expedite <strong>the</strong> service<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> foreign process i.e. <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> judicial<br />

and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial<br />

matters by designating a Central Authority in each<br />

Contracting State for co-ordination.<br />

(iii) Convention on <strong>the</strong> Taking <strong>of</strong> Evidence Abroad in Civil<br />

or Commercial Matters (<strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention).<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> Taking <strong>of</strong> Evidence Abroad<br />

in Civil or Commercial Matters was concluded<br />

on 18 March 1970 and entered into force on 7<br />

October 1972. In essence, this Convention seeks to<br />

facilitate <strong>the</strong> transmission and execution <strong>of</strong> Letters<br />

<strong>of</strong> Request by designating a Central Authority in<br />

each Contracting State for co-ordination. This<br />

Convention also provides for a Chapter on <strong>the</strong><br />

powers <strong>of</strong> a diplomatic <strong>of</strong>fi cer or a consular agent<br />

<strong>of</strong> a Contracting State or a Commissioner appointed<br />

for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong> evidence, to take<br />

evidence without compulsion in aid <strong>of</strong> proceedings<br />

in civil or commercial matters.<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

Whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re are States that have breached<br />

<strong>the</strong> Conventions and what are <strong>the</strong> actions which<br />

can be taken by <strong>the</strong> HCPIL in this event. In <strong>the</strong><br />

reply, it was noted that <strong>general</strong>ly <strong>the</strong>re is good<br />

compliance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions by <strong>the</strong> Contracting<br />

States. Contracting States do not, as such, breach<br />

<strong>the</strong> Conventions but <strong>the</strong>re are disparities as to<br />

<strong>the</strong> interpretation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions. In order to<br />

reach uniformity <strong>of</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions,<br />

exchange <strong>of</strong> information is an important process.<br />

The HCPIL also conducts dialogues with Contracting<br />

States to identify <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir problems<br />

and explore ways <strong>of</strong> overcoming implementation<br />

related problems i.e. by giving <strong>the</strong>m advice and<br />

guidance.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> private documents submitted for<br />

<strong>the</strong> issuance <strong>of</strong> an Apostille, <strong>general</strong>ly, Apostilles<br />

are not issued for private documents. However, if<br />

such documents are submitted to a Notary Public,<br />

who <strong>the</strong>n notarizes <strong>the</strong> private documents, <strong>the</strong><br />

notarization amounts to a notary act falling under<br />

2. Several issues and matters were raised during <strong>the</strong><br />

Question and Answer (Q & A) session and <strong>the</strong>se are<br />

as follows:


<strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention. Hence, an Apostille can<br />

be issued to certify <strong>the</strong> signature, stamp and seal<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Notary Public.<br />

(iii) Questions were posed as to <strong>the</strong> possible liability<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> competent authority in respect <strong>of</strong> Apostilles<br />

issued, and <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> verifying <strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> public document, especially old documents<br />

(where <strong>the</strong> originator or signatory is no longer<br />

alive), for purposes <strong>of</strong> issuing an Apostille. On<br />

<strong>the</strong> former, liability <strong>of</strong> a competent authority is left<br />

to national law and it was emphasized that <strong>the</strong><br />

Apostille Convention does not, in effect, certify <strong>the</strong><br />

correctness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> content <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> document. As<br />

to <strong>the</strong> latter, <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention is designed<br />

to certify only <strong>the</strong> signature, seal and stamp <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> persons acting in public capacity and if<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is no means for <strong>the</strong> competent authority<br />

to verify <strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> document, an Apostille<br />

should not be issued. If a list <strong>of</strong> signature <strong>of</strong><br />

notaries and registrars could be transferred<br />

to <strong>the</strong> competent authority, <strong>the</strong>n a document<br />

submitted for apostillization could be verifi ed<br />

against such a list. One Contracting State has set<br />

in place an electronic compilation <strong>of</strong> signatures<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cials from public bodies and documents for<br />

apostillization could be verifi ed by simply running<br />

through <strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong> electronic signatures.<br />

(iv) On <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> documents under <strong>the</strong> Apostille<br />

Convention, <strong>the</strong> Contracting States defi ne <strong>the</strong><br />

scope <strong>of</strong> documents which could be apostillised<br />

and <strong>the</strong>refore falling within <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Apostille Convention according to <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

domestic laws. This leads to differing views <strong>of</strong><br />

what constitutes a “public document” under <strong>the</strong><br />

Apostille Convention.<br />

(v)<br />

Concerning <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention, it was<br />

reiterated by Dr. Bernasconi that <strong>the</strong> objective<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention is to certify <strong>the</strong> origin<br />

<strong>of</strong> a public document (i.e. <strong>the</strong> au<strong>the</strong>nticity <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> signature, <strong>the</strong> capacity in which <strong>the</strong> person<br />

signing <strong>the</strong> document has acted and <strong>the</strong> identity<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seal/stamp which <strong>the</strong> document bears); it<br />

does not relate to <strong>the</strong> content <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> document<br />

itself.<br />

(vi) The current text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention does<br />

not hinder <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> e-technology such as<br />

<strong>the</strong> setting up <strong>of</strong> an e-Register and <strong>the</strong> issuance <strong>of</strong><br />

e-Apostilles. However, <strong>the</strong>re are several scenarios<br />

where States have to be vigilant and cautious in<br />

<strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> e-technology (refer to <strong>the</strong> power<br />

point presentation by Dr. Bernasconi).<br />

(vii) Recommendations were made to <strong>the</strong> effect that if a<br />

Contracting State intends to issue e-Apostilles, <strong>the</strong><br />

necessary measures to ensure a secure electronic<br />

environment should be in place and that <strong>the</strong><br />

verifi cation process <strong>of</strong> public documents should<br />

be conducted by an independent Certifi cation<br />

Authority.<br />

3. This session was followed by <strong>the</strong> sharing <strong>of</strong><br />

experience session during which <strong>the</strong> panelists from<br />

Brunei, Singapore, <strong>the</strong> People’s Republic <strong>of</strong> China<br />

(PR <strong>of</strong> China), Hong Kong Special Administrative<br />

Region <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PR <strong>of</strong> China (Hong Kong SAR),<br />

Turkey and Australia raised <strong>the</strong> following issues,<br />

concerns and views:<br />

Brunei<br />

4. Brunei is a party to <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention which<br />

was inherited from <strong>the</strong> British rule. In <strong>the</strong> course<br />

<strong>of</strong> implementing its obligation under <strong>the</strong> said<br />

Convention, <strong>the</strong> panelist from Brunei has noted <strong>the</strong><br />

following:<br />

65


Singapore<br />

5. Singapore acceded to <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention<br />

on 27 October 1978 with some reservations and<br />

declarations notifi ed in accordance with Article<br />

42(e) (refer to <strong>the</strong> power point presentation by <strong>the</strong><br />

Singaporean panelist).<br />

The delegation from Brunei, from left : <strong>the</strong> Honourable Dato’ Seri Paduka<br />

Haji Kifrawi Dato’ Paduka Haji Kifl i, <strong>Attorney</strong> – General <strong>of</strong> Brunei, and Mr. Pg.<br />

Kasmirhan Pg. Haji Tahir, <strong>the</strong> Principal Counsel and Head <strong>of</strong> International<br />

Law Division.<br />

(i)<br />

Singapore also raised, inter alia, <strong>the</strong> following<br />

diffi culties it has encountered in executing Letters<br />

<strong>of</strong> Request (LOR) under <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention:<br />

(a)<br />

The LOR was not translated into <strong>the</strong> English<br />

language.<br />

66<br />

(i)<br />

It is easier for smaller nations like Brunei to<br />

designate one competent authority as opposed<br />

to States with multi-level Government systems<br />

which would have to designate several competent<br />

authorities.<br />

(ii) In terms <strong>of</strong> e-technology, a legislative framework<br />

must be established to recognize e-Records and<br />

e-Signatures. It was noted that prior to formulating<br />

such enabling legislation, <strong>the</strong> need to establish <strong>the</strong><br />

necessary infrastructure may pose a challenge to<br />

developing countries with limited resources.<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

The LOR did not state <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

proceedings in <strong>the</strong> foreign court; particulars<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parties to <strong>the</strong> foreign proceedings<br />

were not given; evidence to be obtained<br />

from <strong>the</strong> witness was not specifi ed; and <strong>the</strong><br />

list <strong>of</strong> questions for <strong>the</strong> examination was<br />

not provided.<br />

Particulars <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whereabouts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

witness in Singapore were not given.<br />

Failure to locate <strong>the</strong> witness in<br />

Singapore.<br />

(iii) Brunei is currently drafting an enabling legislation<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention with a view <strong>of</strong> clarifying<br />

some aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention such as providing<br />

a defi nition <strong>of</strong> “public documents” and possible<br />

imposition <strong>of</strong> penal sanctions for forgeries. In<br />

addition, efforts are under way to establish a<br />

legislative framework to recognize e-Signatures<br />

and e-Records towards future issuance <strong>of</strong> e-<br />

Apostilles and e-Register.<br />

(iv) Brunei proposes to persuade o<strong>the</strong>r ASEAN<br />

countries to accede to <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention at<br />

<strong>the</strong> forthcoming 10 th . ASEAN Senior Law Offi cials<br />

Meeting (ASLOM) to be held in Hanoi from 15 - 21<br />

September 2005.<br />

(e)<br />

The type <strong>of</strong> assistance required falls outside<br />

<strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention, for<br />

example, a request that an investigation<br />

The delegation from Singapore headed by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> – General,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Honourable Mr. Chan Sek Keong.


(ii)<br />

(f)<br />

be carried out into <strong>the</strong> housing or living<br />

conditions <strong>of</strong> a child who is <strong>the</strong> subject<br />

<strong>of</strong> custody proceedings, or for service <strong>of</strong><br />

documents.<br />

The documents requested were not<br />

suffi ciently described or were described<br />

in such a vague or <strong>general</strong> manner as<br />

to appear to be an attempt for pre-trial<br />

discovery.<br />

In respect <strong>of</strong> documents accompanying <strong>the</strong> LOR<br />

which have not been translated, or where <strong>the</strong>re is<br />

insuffi cient information/particulars <strong>of</strong> documents,<br />

Singapore has invoked Article 13 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Evidence<br />

Convention (reasons for non-execution is conveyed<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Requesting Authority).<br />

The PR <strong>of</strong> China<br />

6. The PR <strong>of</strong> China ratifi ed <strong>the</strong> Service Convention in<br />

1991 and <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention in 1997 with<br />

designations, declarations and notifi cations made<br />

for both Conventions. The panelist from <strong>the</strong> PR <strong>of</strong><br />

China made <strong>the</strong> following comments:<br />

(i)<br />

The main problems in <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Service Convention in China are as<br />

follows:<br />

(a) The period <strong>of</strong> executing a request is<br />

lengthy.<br />

(b) Some States do not submit <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

requests in accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />

provisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Service Convention<br />

(i.e. no accompanying translation/<br />

insuffi cient documents).<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

The main problems in <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention in China are as<br />

follows:<br />

Hong Kong SAR<br />

(a) The period <strong>of</strong> executing a request is<br />

lengthy.<br />

(b) In cases where a Requesting State<br />

requires an affi davit for <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong><br />

evidence from a witness, <strong>the</strong> PR <strong>of</strong><br />

China is unable to comply with <strong>the</strong><br />

request as <strong>the</strong>re are no legal provisions<br />

on this matter.<br />

The PR <strong>of</strong> China explained that presently,<br />

requests submitted by way <strong>of</strong> private<br />

courier service are not accepted as<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir civil procedure law only recognises<br />

requests submitted through <strong>of</strong>fi cial/diplomatic<br />

channels.<br />

7. The Service Convention was fi rst extended to<br />

Hong Kong by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom in 1970 and it<br />

continued to apply to Hong Kong SAR after 1 July<br />

1997. The Evidence Convention was fi rst extended<br />

to Hong Kong by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom in 1978 and<br />

it also continued to apply to Hong Kong SAR after<br />

1 July 1997. The panelist from Hong Kong SAR<br />

fur<strong>the</strong>r explained as follows:<br />

67<br />

(c)<br />

The certifi cate <strong>of</strong> service issued by <strong>the</strong><br />

PR <strong>of</strong> China has no accompanying<br />

translation in English or French which<br />

makes it diffi cult for <strong>the</strong> Requesting<br />

Courts to know whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> documents<br />

have been served.<br />

The delegation from Hong Kong headed by <strong>the</strong> Law Offi cer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department<br />

<strong>of</strong> Justice, Mr. Ian Wingfi eld.


(i)<br />

The Chief Secretary <strong>of</strong> Administration is <strong>the</strong><br />

competent authority under Article 18 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Service<br />

Convention while <strong>the</strong> Registrar <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> High Court is<br />

<strong>the</strong> competent authority under Article s 6 and 9 <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> same Convention. The rules governing service<br />

abroad and service <strong>of</strong> process from a place outside<br />

Hong Kong are set out in Orders 11 and 69 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Rules <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> High Court (Cap 4A <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Laws <strong>of</strong><br />

Hong Kong) respectively.<br />

33 (Letters <strong>of</strong> Request in <strong>the</strong> French language<br />

will not be accepted).<br />

68<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

Hong Kong SAR has made several reservations as<br />

regards <strong>the</strong> Service Convention. Under paragraph<br />

2 <strong>of</strong> Article 8, <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> service referred to<br />

in paragraph 1 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Article may be used within<br />

<strong>the</strong> Hong Kong SAR only when <strong>the</strong> document<br />

is to be served upon a national <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State in<br />

which <strong>the</strong> document originates. With reference to<br />

paragraphs (b) and (c) <strong>of</strong> Article 10, documents for<br />

service through <strong>of</strong>fi cial channels will be accepted<br />

in Hong Kong SAR only by <strong>the</strong> CA or o<strong>the</strong>r authority<br />

designated, and only from judicial, consular or<br />

diplomatic <strong>of</strong>fi cers <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Contracting States.<br />

As for <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention, <strong>the</strong> Administrative<br />

Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Hong Kong SAR<br />

is <strong>the</strong> competent authority under Article 17<br />

while <strong>the</strong> Registrar <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> High Court is <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

competent authority under Article 24 to receive<br />

Letters <strong>of</strong> Request for execution in Hong Kong<br />

SAR. The rules dealing with Letters <strong>of</strong> Request<br />

from o<strong>the</strong>r jurisdictions are set out in Part VIII<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Evidence Ordinance (Cap 8 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Laws<br />

<strong>of</strong> Hong Kong). The rules governing issuance <strong>of</strong><br />

Letters <strong>of</strong> Request from Hong Kong are provided<br />

for in Order 39, rules 2 and 3 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rules <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

High Court.<br />

The declarations applicable to Hong Kong SAR<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention are with reference<br />

to Article 16 (diplomatic <strong>of</strong>fi cer or consular agent<br />

<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Contracting State will not be permitted<br />

to take evidence <strong>of</strong> nationals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PR <strong>of</strong> China<br />

or <strong>of</strong> a third State in Hong Kong SAR), Article<br />

23 (Hong Kong SAR will not execute Letters <strong>of</strong><br />

Request issued for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> obtaining pretrial<br />

discovery <strong>of</strong> documents), and Articles 4 and<br />

Turkey<br />

Judge from Turkey, Ms. Ilknur Altuntas.<br />

8. Turkey is a Contracting State to all three<br />

Conventions discussed during this session.<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

The Apostille Convention came into force for Turkey<br />

on 29 September 1985 without any reservations.<br />

Turkey has not encountered any diffi culty in<br />

implementing this Convention, as it becomes part<br />

<strong>of</strong> Turkish law after <strong>the</strong> approval process under<br />

Article 90 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Turkish Constitution.<br />

As regards <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention, it came<br />

into force for Turkey on 12 October 2004 with<br />

reservations and declarations on Article 4 (LOR to<br />

be in Turkish or to be accompanied by a Turkish<br />

translation), Articles 16 and 17 (<strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />

Justice has been designated as <strong>the</strong> competent<br />

authority to grant permission under <strong>the</strong>se Articles)<br />

and Article 23 (on refusal to execute LOR issued<br />

for <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> obtaining pre-trial discovery <strong>of</strong><br />

documents as known in common law countries).<br />

The Central Authority (CA) for <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> this<br />

Convention for Turkey is <strong>the</strong> General Directorate<br />

<strong>of</strong> International Law and Foreign Relations <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Justice and implementation is<br />

executed through <strong>the</strong> local Public Prosecution<br />

Offi ces.


(iii)<br />

Australia<br />

The Service Convention came into force for Turkey<br />

on 28 April 1972. The CA and <strong>the</strong> implementing<br />

agency for this Convention are <strong>the</strong> same as<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention. Turkey has made<br />

objections under Article 21(2)(a) to <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> methods <strong>of</strong> transmission provided for under<br />

Articles 8 (service through diplomatic or consular<br />

agents) and 10 (direct service on <strong>the</strong> nationals <strong>of</strong><br />

Member States without going through <strong>the</strong> Central<br />

Authority) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Service Convention.<br />

9. The Australian panelist informed participants <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Seminar that Australia recognizes <strong>the</strong> efforts<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL towards <strong>the</strong> unifi cation <strong>of</strong> key<br />

areas <strong>of</strong> private international law. The work <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> HCPIL is <strong>of</strong> increasing importance given <strong>the</strong><br />

impact <strong>of</strong> globalization and <strong>the</strong> proliferation <strong>of</strong> e-<br />

Technology in international transactions. Actions<br />

by private citizens, companies and associations to<br />

enforce <strong>the</strong>ir legal rights in a foreign jurisdiction<br />

or against a foreign national may be taken in a<br />

more effi cient and less costly manner thanks to<br />

<strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL, particularly through <strong>the</strong><br />

Judicial Assistance Conventions.<br />

10. As regards <strong>the</strong> three Conventions presented -<br />

(i)<br />

Australia acceded to <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention on<br />

11 July 1994 and this Convention entered into<br />

force for Australia on 16 March 1995. Although<br />

Australian law does not require legalisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> foreign documents, this Convention saves<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

Q & A<br />

Australian residents time and money where <strong>the</strong>y<br />

need, for <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> a foreign law, to have a<br />

document legalised. Australia’s designated CA is<br />

<strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs and Trade.<br />

Australia is not a party to <strong>the</strong> Service Convention<br />

and relies on bilateral treaties entered with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

countries and international comity to effect<br />

service.<br />

Australia acceded to <strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention<br />

on 23 October 1992 and it entered into force<br />

on 22 December 1992. The Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Commonwealth <strong>Attorney</strong> General’s Department<br />

has been designated as <strong>the</strong> CA and <strong>the</strong> Registrars<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State and Territory Supreme Courts as<br />

Additional Authorities. The Australian panelist<br />

noted that this Convention does not operate in a<br />

legal vacuum. For example <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong><br />

whe<strong>the</strong>r evidence taken by way <strong>of</strong> subpoenas or<br />

video/audio is admissible in foreign countries.<br />

11. The issues discussed during <strong>the</strong> Q & A on <strong>the</strong><br />

sharing <strong>of</strong> experience session are as follows:<br />

(i)<br />

In relation to <strong>the</strong> Service Convention, <strong>the</strong> issue<br />

<strong>of</strong> some Contracting States interpreting <strong>the</strong><br />

term “judicial <strong>of</strong>fi cer”/”o<strong>the</strong>r competent <strong>of</strong>fi cer”<br />

as permitting <strong>the</strong> contracting out <strong>of</strong> services to<br />

private companies (for example, <strong>the</strong> appointment<br />

<strong>of</strong> a private company by <strong>the</strong> competent authority<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America to execute <strong>the</strong><br />

service <strong>of</strong> documents with a fee) was raised.<br />

According to Dr. Bernasconi, this issue has been<br />

considered before, and <strong>the</strong> practice <strong>of</strong> outsourcing<br />

<strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> foreign process is acceptable in so<br />

far as <strong>the</strong> charges imposed cover actual costs and<br />

not for <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> commercial earnings. In<br />

fact, <strong>the</strong> outsourcing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> documents<br />

with a fee in <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America has<br />

resulted in improvement in <strong>the</strong> speed <strong>of</strong> servicing<br />

documents.<br />

69<br />

Dr. Ali Reza Deihim, Deputy Secretary – General <strong>of</strong> AALCO and delegates<br />

from Australia listening to <strong>the</strong> presentations.<br />

(ii)<br />

The issue <strong>of</strong> costs and recovery <strong>of</strong> costs under<br />

<strong>the</strong> Evidence Convention.


Summing Up<br />

12. The Moderator concluded that <strong>the</strong> Conventions discussed on <strong>the</strong><br />

fi rst day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar, especially <strong>the</strong> Apostille Convention, are<br />

quite effective as <strong>the</strong>y simplify <strong>the</strong> procedures, and are cost and<br />

time effective.<br />

13. The Moderator also questioned whe<strong>the</strong>r it was <strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> drafters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Service Convention to allow privatisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

execution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service process and if so, whe<strong>the</strong>r certain fees<br />

only should be recoverable.<br />

70<br />

Tuesday, 23 August 2005 (Morning Session)<br />

14. The second day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar continued with presentations by Ms.<br />

Caroline Harnois, <strong>the</strong> Legal Offi cer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL on <strong>the</strong> following<br />

Conventions:<br />

(i)<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Civil Aspects <strong>of</strong> International Child Abduction<br />

(<strong>the</strong> Child Abduction Convention); and<br />

The Hague Convention on <strong>the</strong> Civil Aspects <strong>of</strong> International Child Abduction<br />

was adopted on 24 October 1980 and entered into force on 1 December<br />

1983. The objectives <strong>of</strong> this Convention are to secure <strong>the</strong> prompt return<br />

<strong>of</strong> children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State;<br />

and to ensure that rights <strong>of</strong> custody and <strong>of</strong> access under <strong>the</strong> law <strong>of</strong><br />

one Contracting State are effectively respected in <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Contracting<br />

States.<br />

Presentation by Ms. Caroline Harnois,<br />

Legal Offi cer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL on <strong>the</strong> second<br />

day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar.<br />

This Convention seeks to provide for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> children through<br />

judicial and administrative cooperation among Contracting States in<br />

order to locate and return children who have been wrongfully taken from<br />

custody to <strong>the</strong> State where <strong>the</strong>y were taken from. This Convention does<br />

not deal with issues <strong>of</strong> custody; any dispute on <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> custody<br />

or residence <strong>of</strong> a child should be decided by <strong>the</strong> competent authorities <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> State where <strong>the</strong> child is habitually resident prior to <strong>the</strong> removal.


This Convention applies to any child who was habitually resident in a Contracting State<br />

immediately before any breach <strong>of</strong> custody or access rights, and it ceases to apply when <strong>the</strong><br />

child attains <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 16 years.<br />

(ii)<br />

Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in<br />

Respect <strong>of</strong> Parental Responsibility and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Children (<strong>the</strong> Parental<br />

Responsibility Convention).<br />

The Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in<br />

respect <strong>of</strong> Parental Responsibility and Measures for <strong>the</strong> Protection <strong>of</strong> Children was concluded<br />

on 19 October 1996 and entered into force on 1 January 2002. This Convention provides for a<br />

mechanism to improve measures and international co-operation for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> children<br />

which includes both protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir person and <strong>the</strong>ir property in international situations.<br />

This Convention purports to achieve this by providing for a uniform approach among all<br />

Contracting States to determine <strong>the</strong> State whose authorities have jurisdiction to take measures<br />

directed to <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> person or property <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child; determine which law is to be<br />

applied by such authorities in exercising <strong>the</strong>ir jurisdiction; and determine <strong>the</strong> law applicable to<br />

parental responsibility.<br />

In addition, this Convention provides for <strong>the</strong> recognition and enforcement <strong>of</strong> such measures <strong>of</strong><br />

protection in all Contracting States, and by encouraging cooperation between <strong>the</strong> authorities <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Contracting States as may be necessary.<br />

71<br />

15. The issues and concerns raised and discussed during <strong>the</strong> Q & A are as follows:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

The effective functioning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child Abduction Convention requires, inter alia, <strong>the</strong> need for<br />

speed at all stages <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> return process i.e. during <strong>the</strong> processing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> application by <strong>the</strong><br />

CA, <strong>the</strong> fi rst instance hearing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> application, any appeal procedures and at <strong>the</strong> stage <strong>of</strong><br />

enforcement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> return order. In this respect <strong>the</strong> participant from Sri Lanka regarded Article<br />

11 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child Abduction Convention as being a good and necessary provision as <strong>the</strong> judicial<br />

or administrative authorities <strong>of</strong> Contracting States have to reach a decision within 6 weeks from<br />

<strong>the</strong> date <strong>of</strong> commencement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> proceedings, failing which <strong>the</strong> applicant or <strong>the</strong> CA <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Requested State shall have <strong>the</strong> right to request a statement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons for <strong>the</strong> delay.<br />

Whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> an international network <strong>of</strong> judges concerned with international child<br />

protection matters is to be encouraged. It was impressed upon <strong>the</strong> participants that cooperation<br />

amongst judicial authorities <strong>of</strong> Contracting States does not involve <strong>the</strong> actual decisionmaking<br />

process nor should it in any way infl uence <strong>the</strong> order that is to be given. As such, <strong>the</strong><br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> a network <strong>of</strong> contact or “liaison” judges in Contracting States (i.e. judges who<br />

act as liaison persons in facilitating direct judicial communications) is perhaps a practice that<br />

should be propagated especially since it has proved useful and effective in providing interim<br />

protection to children.


(iii)<br />

The Child Abduction Convention has not so far been adopted<br />

by any States whose laws are based on Syariah law. As such<br />

<strong>the</strong> HCPIL has been, and is continuing to work with a number<br />

<strong>of</strong> States from within <strong>the</strong> Islamic world to fi nd solutions to<br />

<strong>the</strong> cross-frontier problems <strong>of</strong> access and custody which<br />

are increasing in number. One notable effort is <strong>the</strong> Judicial<br />

Seminar organized by <strong>the</strong> HCPIL in Malta in March 2004<br />

whereby important conclusions with regard to <strong>the</strong> basic<br />

steps that need to be taken to improve cooperation between<br />

<strong>the</strong> States that attended <strong>the</strong> Judicial Seminar were achieved<br />

(refer to <strong>the</strong> power point presentation by Ms. Harnois).<br />

72<br />

(iv)<br />

The <strong>general</strong> norms that should apply to <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />

children in cross-border situations are widely known and<br />

accepted internationally (for example, in <strong>the</strong> United Nations<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child) and <strong>the</strong>se include <strong>the</strong><br />

principle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child’s best interests. Never<strong>the</strong>less efforts to<br />

build bridges between legal systems having diverse cultural<br />

or religious backgrounds, which may lead to differing<br />

concepts as to what amounts to a child’s best interest, have<br />

to be continued.<br />

(v)<br />

An option that may be open to States with Syariah-based<br />

laws which are considering accession to <strong>the</strong> Child Abduction<br />

Convention is by entering into bilateral agreements as<br />

exemplifi ed in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> Australia (Australia has entered<br />

into a bilateral agreement with Egypt, a non-Convention<br />

country, to provide assistance to parents whose children<br />

have been abducted to, or from, Egypt, and is in <strong>the</strong> process<br />

<strong>of</strong> fi nalizing ano<strong>the</strong>r such agreement with Lebanon). The<br />

advantage <strong>of</strong> bilateral agreements <strong>of</strong> this nature is that it<br />

sets in place a procedure that is known to both parties and<br />

thus can be easily invoked.<br />

16. This session was followed by <strong>the</strong> sharing <strong>of</strong> experience<br />

session where <strong>the</strong> panelists from <strong>the</strong> Hong Kong SAR,<br />

Australia, Turkey and Malaysia raised <strong>the</strong> following issues,<br />

concerns and views:<br />

Hong Kong SAR<br />

17. The Child Abduction Convention was extended to Hong<br />

Kong SAR by <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom on 10 June 1997.<br />

This Convention came into force for Hong Kong SAR on<br />

1 September 1997. The Child Abduction and Custody<br />

Ordinance (Cap. 512) was enacted to give effect to this


Australia<br />

Convention. The CA <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hong Kong SAR is<br />

<strong>the</strong> Secretary for Justice. The advantage <strong>of</strong> this<br />

designation is <strong>the</strong> ability to take action speedily<br />

and <strong>the</strong> fulfi llment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> obligation refl ected in<br />

Article 10 <strong>of</strong> this Convention (i.e. for <strong>the</strong> CA to<br />

take all appropriate measures necessary to obtain<br />

<strong>the</strong> voluntary return <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child)<br />

18. The Child Abduction Convention came into effect<br />

for Australia on 1 January 1987 and is currently<br />

in force between Australia and some 70 o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

countries. The fact that Australia has had a very<br />

positive experience operating this Convention in a<br />

Federation would be <strong>of</strong> interest to States having a<br />

federal system.<br />

19. This Convention is implemented in Australia<br />

by <strong>the</strong> Family Law Act 1975 and <strong>the</strong> Family<br />

Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations.<br />

The Commonwealth CA for Australia under this<br />

Convention is located in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s<br />

Department. In addition <strong>the</strong>re is a CA in each<br />

State and Territory. Applications for <strong>the</strong> return<br />

<strong>of</strong> children brought to Australia are sent to <strong>the</strong><br />

relevant State CA for action. All legal proceedings<br />

under this Convention are conducted by <strong>the</strong> State<br />

CAs on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Commonwealth CA. The State<br />

CA will fi le an application with <strong>the</strong> Family Court<br />

<strong>of</strong> Australia for <strong>the</strong> return <strong>of</strong> a child abducted to<br />

Australia.<br />

Turkey<br />

20. The Child Abduction Convention came into force<br />

on 1 August 2000 with respect to Turkey. The<br />

General Directorate <strong>of</strong> International Law and<br />

Foreign Relations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Justice<br />

have been appointed as <strong>the</strong> CA and this task is<br />

executed through <strong>the</strong> local Public Prosecution<br />

Offi ces. The Public Prosecution Offi ces act as<br />

both a requesting authority and a receiving <strong>of</strong>fi ce<br />

in <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> this Convention.<br />

21. Turkey has made a reservation as to paragraph<br />

3 <strong>of</strong> Article 26 to <strong>the</strong> effect that it shall not be<br />

Malaysia<br />

bound to assume any costs and expenses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

proceedings, or where applicable, those arising<br />

from <strong>the</strong> participation <strong>of</strong> legal counsel or advisers,<br />

and those returning <strong>the</strong> child.<br />

22. Malaysia is not a signatory to <strong>the</strong> Conventions<br />

discussed. Domestic laws on parental<br />

responsibilities and protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child are<br />

provided for in <strong>the</strong> Guardianship <strong>of</strong> Infants Act<br />

1961 (Act 351), <strong>the</strong> Law Reform (Marriage and<br />

Divorce) Act 1976 (Act 164) and <strong>the</strong> Child Act<br />

2001 (Act 611).<br />

23. In considering whe<strong>the</strong>r Malaysia should accede<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Child Abduction Convention, <strong>the</strong> provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> Article 17 has to be noted. This Article provides<br />

that <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>re is an existing Syariah Court<br />

order which may be contrary to <strong>the</strong> request for<br />

<strong>the</strong> return <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child is not suffi cient ground for<br />

refusing to return <strong>the</strong> child but may only be taken<br />

into account when considering whe<strong>the</strong>r or not to<br />

order for <strong>the</strong> return <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> child. The case <strong>of</strong> In <strong>the</strong><br />

Marriage <strong>of</strong> Y and K Raja Bahrin (1986) 11 Fam<br />

LR 233 was mentioned to illustrate <strong>the</strong> complex<br />

legal issues involved in light <strong>of</strong> this Article.<br />

Discussion.<br />

From Left : Mdm Azailiza Mohd. Ahad (Head <strong>of</strong> International Affairs Division) and The<br />

Hon. Dato’ Haji Mohd Zawawi Salleh (Head <strong>of</strong> Advisory Division).<br />

73


Summing Up<br />

24. The Conventions discussed during <strong>the</strong> morning session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

second day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar refl ect <strong>the</strong> important work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL<br />

in developing multilateral instruments for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> children.<br />

Although <strong>the</strong>se Conventions have, to some extent, brought clarity<br />

and certainty to <strong>the</strong> regulation <strong>of</strong> international child abduction and<br />

protection matters, <strong>the</strong> concerns from <strong>the</strong> Syariah perspective<br />

needs to be fur<strong>the</strong>r addressed.<br />

Tuesday, 23 August 2005 (Afternoon Session)<br />

25. The afternoon session <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> second day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar began<br />

with presentations by Dr. Christophe Bernasconi on <strong>the</strong> following<br />

Conventions:<br />

(i)<br />

Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements (<strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court<br />

Convention); and<br />

74<br />

The Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements concludes more<br />

than a decade <strong>of</strong> negotiations that began in 1992 with a request<br />

from <strong>the</strong> United States <strong>of</strong> America for <strong>the</strong> negotiation <strong>of</strong> a convention<br />

on jurisdiction and <strong>the</strong> recognition and enforcement <strong>of</strong> foreign<br />

court judgments. The original effort resulted in a Preliminary Draft<br />

Convention prepared in October 1999, which was fur<strong>the</strong>r revised<br />

during a Diplomatic Conference in June 2001.<br />

More negotiation and redrafting took place, which resulted in <strong>the</strong><br />

conclusion <strong>of</strong> this Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements on<br />

30 June 2005.<br />

This Convention governs international business-to-business<br />

agreements that designate a single court, or <strong>the</strong> courts <strong>of</strong> a single<br />

country, for resolution <strong>of</strong> disputes. This Convention is designed<br />

to promote international trade and investment through enhanced<br />

judicial cooperation.<br />

(ii)<br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law Applicable to Certain Rights in Respect <strong>of</strong><br />

Securities Held with an Intermediary (<strong>the</strong> Securities Convention).<br />

The need for confl ict <strong>of</strong> laws rules that refl ect <strong>the</strong> reality <strong>of</strong> how<br />

securities are held, transferred and pledged today (i.e. by electronic<br />

book-entry through securities accounts) has become critical as a<br />

result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> growth, speed and volume <strong>of</strong> cross-border securities<br />

transactions, which have been made possible by technological<br />

advancements. Thus <strong>the</strong> Hague Conference was invited to develop<br />

a Convention on <strong>the</strong> law applicable to interests in, and dispositions


<strong>of</strong>, securities held with an intermediary, on a fast track basis. The<br />

fi nal text <strong>of</strong> this Convention was released in February 2003 and it<br />

has yet to enter into force.<br />

The object <strong>of</strong> this Convention is to set out <strong>the</strong> rules for <strong>the</strong><br />

determination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> law to be applied in a confl ict situation in<br />

relation to a disposition <strong>of</strong> an interest under <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> this<br />

Convention.<br />

This Convention provides legal certainty and predictability as<br />

to <strong>the</strong> law applicable to securities that are now commonly held<br />

through clearing and settlement system or o<strong>the</strong>r intermediaries. It<br />

identifi es <strong>the</strong> appropriate law to govern <strong>the</strong> proprietary aspects <strong>of</strong> a<br />

disposition <strong>of</strong> indirectly held securities.<br />

26. Issues and matters related to <strong>the</strong> two Conventions that were<br />

discussed during <strong>the</strong> Q & A are as follows:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

The issue <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r Article 19 (on declarations limiting jurisdiction)<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Convention dilutes <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

as this Article, toge<strong>the</strong>r with Article 5 (on jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chosen<br />

court), appear to allow forum shopping whereby parties may choose<br />

<strong>the</strong> courts <strong>of</strong> a Sate with which nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y, nor <strong>the</strong> facts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

case, have any connection (as opposed to, for example, Malaysian<br />

law which requires a nexus between dispute and <strong>the</strong> court). Dr.<br />

Bernasconi explained that this issue is addressed in <strong>the</strong> Explanatory<br />

Report which is yet to be made available to <strong>the</strong> public at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong><br />

this Seminar but basically <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Convention applies<br />

to an international situation. The question <strong>the</strong>n is at which point <strong>of</strong><br />

time must this international character be fulfi lled. Some States may<br />

look at <strong>the</strong> time when <strong>the</strong> contract was entered into, while o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

may consider <strong>the</strong> question at <strong>the</strong> time when <strong>the</strong> case is to be heard.<br />

Article 19 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Convention is <strong>the</strong> only provision<br />

that permits a State to make a declaration that its courts will not<br />

apply Article 5 to cases that are wholly foreign.<br />

The primary purpose <strong>of</strong> paragraph (c) <strong>of</strong> Article 6 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong><br />

Court Convention (on <strong>the</strong> obligations <strong>of</strong> a court not chosen) appears<br />

to be for certainty and effectiveness. However <strong>the</strong> reference to “public<br />

policy” in paragraph (c) creates some uncertainty or vagueness. Dr.<br />

Bernasconi agreed with this observation and explained that public<br />

policy was a crucial element that States wanted to be included<br />

in <strong>the</strong> text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention. The HCPIL is waiting for feedbacks<br />

on this paragraph as well as Article 26 (on relationship with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

international instruments).<br />

75


76<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

(v)<br />

(vi)<br />

The issue <strong>of</strong> striking <strong>the</strong> balance between<br />

freedom <strong>of</strong> contract and certainty, and whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

perhaps bigger and stronger nations may be<br />

taking advantage <strong>of</strong> smaller States by imposing<br />

that <strong>the</strong> courts in <strong>the</strong> former countries be <strong>the</strong><br />

chosen courts.<br />

It was pointed out that <strong>the</strong> real challenge lies in <strong>the</strong><br />

interpretation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> provisions in any particular<br />

Convention ra<strong>the</strong>r than in <strong>the</strong> express terms <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention. In this respect, <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Explanatory Reports was raised. Dr. Bernasconi<br />

replied that it is <strong>the</strong> norm for all Conventions to<br />

be accompanied by Explanatory Reports and <strong>the</strong><br />

status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se Reports vary from jurisdiction<br />

to jurisdiction. Never<strong>the</strong>less many common law<br />

States do in fact take <strong>the</strong> Explanatory Reports into<br />

account in <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Conventions<br />

under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL.<br />

As regards <strong>the</strong> Securities Convention, a question<br />

was posed as to how this Convention promotes<br />

certainty when different legal systems have<br />

different ways <strong>of</strong> dealing with <strong>the</strong> various<br />

scenarios/issues, for example, in a securities<br />

transaction which involves elements <strong>of</strong> fraud<br />

and bona fi de purchasers for value. It was<br />

emphasized that <strong>the</strong> Securities Convention is a<br />

purely “confl ict <strong>of</strong> laws convention”; it acts as<br />

a ”traffi c sign” indicating <strong>the</strong> law which is to be<br />

applied in determining <strong>the</strong> issue at hand. Hence,<br />

in <strong>the</strong> example cited, if <strong>the</strong> law that is to be<br />

applied protects bona fi de purchasers for value,<br />

<strong>the</strong>n such protection will be accorded to such<br />

purchasers.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r matter that was raised on <strong>the</strong> Securities<br />

Convention is on <strong>the</strong> insolvency <strong>of</strong> intermediaries<br />

in particular <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> Article 8. Dr.<br />

Bernasconi explained that <strong>the</strong> policy <strong>of</strong> HCPIL<br />

is not to negotiate a treaty on insolvency and<br />

paragraph 1 <strong>of</strong> Article 8 merely provides for <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>general</strong> principle that an interest perfected under<br />

<strong>the</strong> rule <strong>of</strong> Place <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Relevant Intermediary<br />

Approach (PRIMA) should be respected under<br />

<strong>the</strong> provisions <strong>of</strong> specifi c insolvency laws. This<br />

<strong>general</strong> principle is <strong>the</strong>n restricted by paragraph<br />

2 and <strong>the</strong> public policy provision in Article 10.<br />

Paragraph 2 <strong>of</strong> Article 8 ensures that insolvency<br />

laws <strong>of</strong> domestic jurisdictions are not affected<br />

by <strong>the</strong> Convention. The judge hearing <strong>the</strong> matter<br />

on <strong>the</strong> insolvency will have to determine whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is a security interest based on <strong>the</strong> terms<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Securities Convention and whe<strong>the</strong>r it is<br />

a perfected interest according to <strong>the</strong> domestic<br />

insolvency laws. On <strong>the</strong> allegedly “narrow”<br />

defi nition <strong>of</strong> “insolvency”, <strong>the</strong> conventions under<br />

<strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> UNCITRAL were referred to and<br />

defi nitions <strong>the</strong>rein were subsequently adopted.<br />

27. This session was followed by a panel discussion<br />

where panelists from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong>-General’s<br />

<strong>Chambers</strong> <strong>of</strong> Malaysia (AGCM), <strong>the</strong> Central Bank<br />

<strong>of</strong> Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia explained and<br />

discussed <strong>the</strong> above Conventions from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

perspective.<br />

Malaysia - The Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Convention<br />

28. The panelist from <strong>the</strong> Civil Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGCM in<br />

her presentation noted <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

The Convention on Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements<br />

establishes rules for enforcing private party<br />

agreements on matters relating to forum for<br />

resolution <strong>of</strong> disputes and provides rules for<br />

recognizing and enforcing <strong>the</strong> decisions issued<br />

by <strong>the</strong> chosen forum. Parties entering into<br />

international trade contracts would have a more<br />

balanced choice between selecting arbitration or<br />

litigation as <strong>the</strong> method for settling disputes. The<br />

Convention only applies to international cases<br />

concerning commerce or civil matters where<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is an exclusive choice <strong>of</strong> court clause in <strong>the</strong><br />

agreement between <strong>the</strong> contracting parties.<br />

The concept <strong>of</strong> establishing a global regime is not<br />

new. Courts around <strong>the</strong> world including Malaysia,<br />

regardless <strong>of</strong> systems, have for a long time now<br />

been recognizing and implementing <strong>the</strong> parties’<br />

choice <strong>of</strong> court clauses. Hence <strong>the</strong> preamble<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention which clearly acknowledges


(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

“enhanced judicial co-operation” in order to<br />

promote international trade and investment. In<br />

Malaysia, Orders 39 and 66 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rules <strong>of</strong> High<br />

Court 1980 provide for <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong> evidence,<br />

whilst though limited, <strong>the</strong> Reciprocal Enforcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> Judgment Act 1958 also recognizes and allows<br />

for enforcement <strong>of</strong> judgment debts <strong>of</strong> signatory<br />

countries in Malaysia.<br />

There are 3 key obligations that <strong>the</strong> courts in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Contracting States need to observe in order<br />

to achieve <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention and<br />

<strong>the</strong>se are as follows:<br />

(a) The chosen court must be obliged to hear<br />

<strong>the</strong> disputes (Article 5);<br />

(b) All o<strong>the</strong>r courts must be obliged to decline<br />

jurisdiction (Article 7); and<br />

(c) The judgment given by <strong>the</strong> court must be<br />

recognized and enforced by courts <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

Contracting States (Article 9).<br />

Malaysia practices constitutional democracy<br />

fashioned after <strong>the</strong> Westminster model. The<br />

written Federal Constitution <strong>of</strong> Malaysia is<br />

<strong>the</strong> supreme law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land and Part IX <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Constitution contain provisions concerning <strong>the</strong><br />

judiciary i.e. judicial power, and <strong>the</strong> constitution<br />

<strong>of</strong> judges, <strong>the</strong> Federal Court, <strong>the</strong> Court <strong>of</strong> Appeal,<br />

<strong>the</strong> High Court <strong>of</strong> Malaya and <strong>the</strong> High Court <strong>of</strong><br />

Sabah and Sarawak. Specifi cally, Article 121 <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Constitution provides that <strong>the</strong> High Court’s<br />

judicial power is that “as may be conferred by or<br />

under written law”.<br />

(vi)<br />

(vii)<br />

In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> Globus Shipping & Trading Co. v<br />

Taiping Textiles Berhad [1976] 2 MLJ 154, <strong>the</strong><br />

Federal Court in its decision recognized <strong>the</strong><br />

existence <strong>of</strong> an exclusive foreign jurisdiction<br />

clauses in contracts. However, <strong>the</strong> Federal Court<br />

decided that <strong>the</strong> court has <strong>the</strong> discretion whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

or not to adjudicate upon <strong>the</strong> claim in <strong>the</strong> action<br />

even where <strong>the</strong> parties have agreed to refer <strong>the</strong><br />

dispute to a foreign court. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>the</strong><br />

courts has <strong>the</strong> fi nal say even where <strong>the</strong>re is an<br />

exclusive choice <strong>of</strong> court clause.<br />

Although Article 5, 7 and 9 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court<br />

Convention provide for jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> courts<br />

chosen, obligations <strong>of</strong> courts not chosen and<br />

<strong>the</strong> position for refusal <strong>of</strong> recognition and <strong>the</strong><br />

enforcement <strong>of</strong> judgments, an examination <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se provisions show that <strong>the</strong> Convention still<br />

acknowledges and respect <strong>the</strong> judicial power <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> courts. Courts favoured or not favoured, as<br />

<strong>the</strong> case may be, retain <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction and <strong>the</strong><br />

power to determine whe<strong>the</strong>r or not to proceed<br />

with <strong>the</strong> case fi led.<br />

(viii) For instance, in Article 5(1), <strong>the</strong> court chosen<br />

implicitly can refuse jurisdiction where <strong>the</strong><br />

agreement is null and void under its laws. In this<br />

regard, and <strong>of</strong> particular relevance to Malaysia, is<br />

Article 5(3) which clearly states that <strong>the</strong> chosen<br />

court’s rules on jurisdiction on subject matter or<br />

value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> claim, as well as rules on internal<br />

allocation <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction among courts in <strong>the</strong><br />

Contracting States, are not affected. This can be<br />

interpreted to mean that -<br />

(a)<br />

rules in Malaysia concerning <strong>the</strong><br />

fi nancial jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> courts remain<br />

unaffected; and<br />

77<br />

(v)<br />

The Malaysian courts, in dealing with cases<br />

concerning choice <strong>of</strong> court clauses in contracts,<br />

would refer to Section 23 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Courts <strong>of</strong><br />

Judicature Act 1964 (Act 91) where it is stated<br />

that <strong>the</strong> High Court has jurisdiction to try civil<br />

proceedings which satisfi es any one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> criteria<br />

set down in <strong>the</strong> section.<br />

(ix)<br />

(b)<br />

read in <strong>the</strong> context <strong>of</strong> section 23 <strong>of</strong> Act<br />

91, <strong>the</strong> chosen court may still refuse<br />

jurisdiction and <strong>the</strong> court not chosen<br />

may still insist on retaining jurisdiction.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> Convention to be operational in Malaysia,<br />

several laws need to be amended, new laws need<br />

to be enacted and constitutional issues (i.e. <strong>the</strong>


position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> courts and <strong>the</strong>ir powers) need to be addressed. More<br />

importantly, <strong>the</strong> position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> courts and <strong>the</strong>ir powers has to be<br />

clearly spelt out in order to avoid unnecessary wastage <strong>of</strong> time and<br />

expenses on protracted jurisdictional issues.<br />

Malaysia - The Securities Convention<br />

29. The second panelist from <strong>the</strong> Central Bank <strong>of</strong> Malaysia provided<br />

<strong>the</strong> Malaysian dimension from <strong>the</strong> fi nancial perspective on <strong>the</strong><br />

applicability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Securities Convention whereby <strong>the</strong> following<br />

were noted:<br />

(i)<br />

The Securities Convention applies to cross-border transactions<br />

involving securities, which must be held by intermediaries.<br />

Intermediaries, in <strong>the</strong> Malaysian fi nancial system, would include -<br />

(a)<br />

Real Time Electronic Transfer <strong>of</strong> Funds and Securities<br />

(RENTAS)<br />

78<br />

RENTAS is a real time gross settlement system for <strong>the</strong> transfer<br />

and settlement <strong>of</strong> high value ringgit denominated interbank<br />

funds and scriptless securities issued by <strong>the</strong> Central Bank <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia, <strong>the</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> Malaysia and some corporations<br />

(mainly limited to unlisted bonds). RENTAS system enables<br />

payment instructions between <strong>the</strong> participants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> system to<br />

be processed and settled individually and continuously. Members<br />

<strong>of</strong> RENTAS maintain two accounts, namely one account for<br />

members <strong>of</strong> RENTAS, and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r for customers or investors.<br />

(b)<br />

Securitisation<br />

This is <strong>the</strong> situation where <strong>the</strong> originating company transfers <strong>the</strong><br />

right to payment from income producing assets such as loans<br />

and lease rentals. This is carried out through security producing<br />

vehicles that issue securities to various investors. Proceeds from<br />

<strong>the</strong> investments are used to pay <strong>the</strong> originator.


(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

(c)<br />

Loan Participation<br />

This is where <strong>the</strong> original lender diversifi es<br />

credit risks by selling part <strong>of</strong> its loan to one or<br />

more participants. The original lender holds<br />

<strong>the</strong> loan with no assignment or novation. The<br />

original lender is <strong>the</strong> intermediary.<br />

The Convention would be <strong>of</strong> benefi t to Malaysia<br />

in <strong>the</strong> following ways:<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

Lower cost <strong>of</strong> funds to Malaysian<br />

borrowers as Articles 4 and 5 provide<br />

clear rules to reduce legal uncertainties<br />

and thus reduce legal risks.<br />

Ability to obtain cheaper funds and<br />

thus provides a more effi cient fi nancial<br />

market.<br />

Access to foreign funding would be<br />

improved, as foreign fund managers<br />

will be assured that Malaysian courts<br />

will recognize <strong>the</strong> PRIMA rules. Huge<br />

sums <strong>of</strong> money may be borrowed with<br />

<strong>the</strong> relaxation <strong>of</strong> foreign exchange<br />

administration rules.<br />

Although <strong>the</strong> Convention is a step in <strong>the</strong> right<br />

direction, Malaysia has to address <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong><br />

substantive laws. Malaysian laws are unlikely to<br />

be nominated in accounts agreement until <strong>the</strong><br />

substantive laws are harmonised. Contracting<br />

parties would choose to apply <strong>the</strong> laws <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

United States <strong>of</strong> America or United Kingdom as<br />

<strong>the</strong>y are familiar with <strong>the</strong> laws <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se countries.<br />

Presently, work on <strong>the</strong> unifi cation <strong>of</strong> substantive<br />

laws is being carried out under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong><br />

UNCITRAL and UNIDROIT.<br />

Therefore, if Malaysia decides to accede to <strong>the</strong><br />

Convention, <strong>the</strong> relevant laws would need to be<br />

enacted as at present, <strong>the</strong>re is no statute to cater<br />

for securities held by intermediaries, or for <strong>the</strong><br />

enforcement <strong>of</strong> such securities.<br />

30. The panelist from Bursa Malaysia, a holding<br />

company for <strong>the</strong> Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange<br />

chose to focus on <strong>the</strong> holding pattern in respect <strong>of</strong><br />

securities transactions. The following comments<br />

were made during her presentation:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

Q & A<br />

With effect from 1 November 1998, <strong>the</strong> amended<br />

Securities Commission Act makes it mandatory<br />

for all securities to be deposited with <strong>the</strong> Central<br />

Depository System (CDS) operated by Bursa<br />

Malaysia. The securities holding structure may<br />

be -<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

direct through accounts held in an<br />

individual’s name; or<br />

indirect through <strong>the</strong> appointment <strong>of</strong><br />

authorized nominees and deposited in that<br />

appointed nominee’s account.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention to Malaysia,<br />

at present, <strong>the</strong> law which applies to <strong>the</strong> CDS is<br />

<strong>the</strong> Malaysian law. Under <strong>the</strong> Convention, <strong>the</strong><br />

main issue that arises is whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> CDS is <strong>the</strong><br />

relevant intermediary as defi ned by Article 2 <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention. The applicable law would be<br />

Malaysian law if <strong>the</strong> answer is positive, o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />

<strong>the</strong> applicable law would be that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction<br />

dealt with. Dr. Bernasconi was <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> view that<br />

this issue requires certain points for clarifi cation<br />

but basically, <strong>the</strong> CDS is a relevant intermediary<br />

for purposes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

31. The issues that were raised during <strong>the</strong> question<br />

and answer session with <strong>the</strong> panelists are as<br />

follows:<br />

(i)<br />

On <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> both <strong>the</strong><br />

Conventions on <strong>the</strong> private sector, <strong>the</strong> panelist<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Central Bank reiterated that <strong>the</strong><br />

Securities Convention would bring a lot <strong>of</strong> benefi t<br />

to Malaysia. Foreign corporations would be<br />

encouraged to set up <strong>the</strong>ir companies in Malaysia.<br />

But if Malaysia does not accede to <strong>the</strong> Securities<br />

79


(iv)<br />

Concerning <strong>the</strong> issue where <strong>the</strong>re is a range <strong>of</strong><br />

intermediaries and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> intermediaries<br />

are non-Contracting States to <strong>the</strong> Securities<br />

Convention, it was replied that <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

applies independently at each level in <strong>the</strong> chain <strong>of</strong><br />

intermediaries. Thus separate laws govern each<br />

separate level.<br />

80<br />

Welcome Dinner on 21 August<br />

2005 in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Delegates<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Seminar hosted by <strong>the</strong><br />

Minister <strong>of</strong> Women, Family and<br />

Community Development.<br />

(ii)<br />

Convention, investments in Malaysia would<br />

be affected. Moreover, since our laws are not<br />

familiar to foreigners, it is unlikely that Malaysian<br />

laws would be nominated in accounts agreement<br />

until <strong>the</strong> substantive laws are harmonized.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> relevance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hague<br />

Conference Conventions on this matter as <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is work being carried out on <strong>the</strong> unifi cation <strong>of</strong><br />

substantive laws under UNIDROIT and UNCITRAL,<br />

Dr. Bernasconi confi rmed that not all issues would<br />

be resolved by UNIDROIT and UNCITRAL. Moreover,<br />

UNIDROIT specifi cally excludes securities held<br />

with an intermediary. There are no clear-cut rules<br />

as to how to achieve uniformity <strong>of</strong> laws in this<br />

respect and in fact Belgium, Luxemburg and <strong>the</strong><br />

United States <strong>of</strong> America have exemplary laws<br />

governing this area.<br />

Summing up<br />

32. The Moderator summarized that <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong><br />

Court and <strong>the</strong> Securities Conventions provide<br />

legal certainty and uniformity, and reduce legal<br />

risks to parties in international transactions and<br />

securities transactions. Without <strong>the</strong> Conventions,<br />

<strong>the</strong> applicable law must be decided upon before a<br />

dispute is determined. In order to comply with <strong>the</strong><br />

obligations under <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Convention,<br />

Malaysia would have to study its domestic laws<br />

to facilitate <strong>the</strong> necessary amendments and new<br />

laws may have to be enacted. With regards to <strong>the</strong><br />

Securities Convention, <strong>the</strong> benefi ts would include<br />

lower cost <strong>of</strong> funds to Malaysian borrowers, more<br />

effi cient fi nancial markets and easier access to<br />

foreign funds. However, substantive laws have to<br />

be harmonised, and <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> CDS<br />

is a relevant intermediary under <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

would have to be addressed as this would impact<br />

on <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction.<br />

(iii)<br />

Concerning <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> applicability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Convention on <strong>the</strong> Choice <strong>of</strong> Court Agreements<br />

when <strong>the</strong>re is specifi c legislation requiring all<br />

Islamic transactions to have a choice <strong>of</strong> court<br />

clause, Dr. Bernasconi clarifi ed that <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />

would not be applicable in such a case and it<br />

would be up to <strong>the</strong> particular State to govern this<br />

matter. The Convention does not impose when a<br />

Contracting State has laws or regulations in place<br />

in respect <strong>of</strong> securities.<br />

Dinner with Cultural Show on<br />

22 August 2005 hosted by <strong>the</strong><br />

Deputy Chief Minister <strong>of</strong> Sabah<br />

and Minister <strong>of</strong> Tourism, Culture<br />

and Environment.


Wednesday, 24 August 2005<br />

33. The third and fi nal day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seminar was taken<br />

up with <strong>the</strong> following presentations:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

The drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention on International<br />

Recovery <strong>of</strong> Child Support and O<strong>the</strong>r Forms <strong>of</strong><br />

Family Maintenance (<strong>the</strong> Draft Convention) by Ms.<br />

Caroline Harnois;<br />

A joint presentation on <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention from<br />

<strong>the</strong> Malaysian Syariah Law perspective by Dr.<br />

Zaleha Kamaruddin, Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Centre for Post-<br />

Graduate Studies, International Islamic University<br />

Malaysia and Mr. Haji Naim Mokhtar, Offi cer <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Malaysia (on<br />

sabbatical for Ph.D at <strong>the</strong> National University <strong>of</strong><br />

Malaysia); and<br />

The Draft Convention from <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Civil<br />

Law perspective by Ms. Foo Yet Ngo, Advocate<br />

and Solicitor, Malaysia Bar Council.<br />

The Convention on <strong>the</strong> International Recovery<br />

<strong>of</strong> Child Support and O<strong>the</strong>r Forms <strong>of</strong> Family<br />

Maintenance is an instrument which is still in <strong>the</strong><br />

drafting stage and is targeted to be concluded by<br />

<strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2006.<br />

81<br />

The decision to prepare a new instrument dealing<br />

with <strong>the</strong> recovery <strong>of</strong> child support and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

forms <strong>of</strong> family maintenance was taken after a<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> problems were identifi ed by a special<br />

commission during <strong>the</strong> review <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> practical<br />

operation <strong>of</strong> four existing Hague Conventions ( i.e.<br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention <strong>of</strong> 24 October 1956 on <strong>the</strong> Law<br />

Applicable to Maintenance Obligations towards<br />

Children; <strong>the</strong> Convention <strong>of</strong> 15 April 1958<br />

concerning <strong>the</strong> Recognition and Enforcement <strong>of</strong><br />

Decisions relating to Maintenance Obligations<br />

towards Children; <strong>the</strong> Convention <strong>of</strong> 2 October<br />

1973 on <strong>the</strong> Recognition and Enforcement <strong>of</strong><br />

Decisions relating to Maintenance Obligations;<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Convention <strong>of</strong> 2 October 1973 on <strong>the</strong><br />

Law Applicable to Maintenance Obligations).<br />

Joint presentation by Dr. Zaleha Kamaruddin and Mr. Haji Naim Mokhtar on<br />

<strong>the</strong> Draft Convention from <strong>the</strong> Syariah Law perspective.<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, some Contracting States to <strong>the</strong><br />

abovementioned Hague Conventions are also<br />

parties to <strong>the</strong> New York Convention <strong>of</strong> 1956<br />

on <strong>the</strong> Recovery Abroad <strong>of</strong> Maintenance. This<br />

resulted in different levels <strong>of</strong> obligations and<br />

differences in interpretation and practices for <strong>the</strong><br />

implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> said Conventions.<br />

This Convention is intended to address <strong>the</strong><br />

issues <strong>of</strong> administrative cooperation for <strong>the</strong><br />

recovery <strong>of</strong> maintenance in order to locate <strong>the</strong><br />

maintenance debtor and to transmit <strong>the</strong> funds


to <strong>the</strong> maintenance creditor; confl ict <strong>of</strong> law; and<br />

enforcement <strong>of</strong> foreign judgments in respect <strong>of</strong><br />

maintenance decisions in Contracting States. It<br />

pays special attention to <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> maintenance<br />

<strong>of</strong> children as it is accepted that children require<br />

a higher level <strong>of</strong> security in terms <strong>of</strong> obtaining<br />

maintenance so that <strong>the</strong>y will be able to live in<br />

an environment conducive for children. Hence<br />

<strong>the</strong> preamble <strong>of</strong> this Convention also refers to<br />

<strong>the</strong> Convention also applies to women and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

dependents, such as adults who are not able to<br />

take care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />

family. Hence <strong>the</strong> biological fa<strong>the</strong>r is not obliged<br />

to maintain an illegitimate child. However, based<br />

on fi qh, <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r can apply for a Syariah Court<br />

order that <strong>the</strong> biological fa<strong>the</strong>r pays for <strong>the</strong><br />

upbringing (as opposed to maintenance) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

child, or alternatively, fi le an application at <strong>the</strong> civil<br />

courts for contribution from <strong>the</strong> biological fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

(<strong>the</strong> relevant statute in Malaysia is <strong>the</strong> Married<br />

Women and Children Maintenance Act 1950).<br />

Indeed it was impressed upon <strong>the</strong> participants that<br />

in Islam, <strong>the</strong> biological fa<strong>the</strong>r cannot hide behind<br />

<strong>the</strong> religion to avoid paying for his “misdeeds”.<br />

82<br />

34. The Q & A that followed <strong>the</strong> presentations raised<br />

several interesting and pertinent issues on <strong>the</strong><br />

Draft Convention and related Syariah Law issues<br />

such as <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

In considering <strong>the</strong> acceptability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft<br />

Convention from <strong>the</strong> Syariah perspective, <strong>the</strong><br />

legal maxim Al-aslu fi l-ashyaa’ al-Ibadah (<strong>the</strong><br />

norm is to regard to things is that <strong>of</strong> permissibility<br />

or all things are permissible unless specifi cally<br />

declared forbidden) and <strong>the</strong> doctrine <strong>of</strong> maslahah<br />

(which literally means <strong>the</strong> seeking <strong>of</strong> benefi t and<br />

<strong>the</strong> repelling <strong>of</strong> harm) could perhaps be applied.<br />

It was suggested that taking into account <strong>the</strong><br />

scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention, in particular<br />

as provided under paragraph 1 <strong>of</strong> Article 2<br />

(maintenance obligation in respect <strong>of</strong> a child<br />

regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marital status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parents is<br />

proposed to be included within <strong>the</strong> scope), <strong>the</strong><br />

Draft Convention is in fact attempting to provide<br />

for all situations including <strong>the</strong> care <strong>of</strong> illegitimate<br />

children which is a real social problem that a<br />

State has to address. The reply to this involves an<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> distinction between Syariah<br />

(<strong>the</strong> rules and principles enunciated in <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Qur’an, Sunnah or <strong>the</strong> sayings and actions <strong>of</strong><br />

Prophet Muhammad, and ijma’ or consensus<br />

as <strong>the</strong> primary sources) and fi qh (<strong>the</strong> exercise<br />

<strong>of</strong> human intellect based on <strong>the</strong> text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Qur’an and Sunnah). One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> purposes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Maqasid al-Shari’ah or Islamic law that pertains<br />

to this world is <strong>the</strong> preservation <strong>of</strong> progeny/<strong>the</strong><br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

From <strong>the</strong> Syariah perspective, <strong>the</strong> wordings in<br />

paragraph 1 <strong>of</strong> Article 2 is acceptable except for<br />

<strong>the</strong> phrase in paren<strong>the</strong>sis which is too wide and<br />

may cover maintenance obligations in respect<br />

<strong>of</strong> illegitimate children, adopted children <strong>of</strong><br />

heterosexual parents who are not married to each<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r or homosexual parents, children born out <strong>of</strong><br />

rape or by way <strong>of</strong> donor parents/surrogate mo<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

etc. O<strong>the</strong>r Articles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention that<br />

have been identifi ed as being contrary to Syariah<br />

are <strong>the</strong> paren<strong>the</strong>sis in paragraph 1 <strong>of</strong> Article 1<br />

(establishment <strong>of</strong> parentage), Article 3 (defi nition<br />

<strong>of</strong> a “child”) and Article 15 (bases for recognition<br />

and enforcement). It is hoped that <strong>the</strong> identifi cation<br />

<strong>of</strong> areas which contradicts <strong>the</strong> Syariah and its<br />

practices in Malaysia will pave <strong>the</strong> way for fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

research and studies to be carried out before <strong>the</strong><br />

Draft Convention is fi nalised and put into force<br />

for better implementation <strong>of</strong> maintenance order<br />

through international cooperation.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> objects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention as<br />

stated in Article 1 is to provide for <strong>the</strong> recognition<br />

and enforcement <strong>of</strong> maintenance decisions.<br />

The direct and o<strong>the</strong>r functions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CA as set<br />

out in Articles 5 and 6 include <strong>the</strong> facilitation<br />

<strong>of</strong> enforcement <strong>of</strong> maintenance decisions.<br />

Recognition or enforcement <strong>of</strong> a decision may be<br />

refused only under one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grounds mentioned<br />

in Article 17. Therefore an issue arises as to<br />

whe<strong>the</strong>r Islamic States or States practicing dual<br />

legal systems which include Syariah law may<br />

refuse to recognize or enforce a decision on


<strong>the</strong> ground that <strong>the</strong> decision is incompatible<br />

or repugnant to Syariah law. It was noted that<br />

paragraph (a) <strong>of</strong> Article 17 provides for refusal<br />

on <strong>the</strong> ground <strong>of</strong> manifest incompatibility with <strong>the</strong><br />

public policy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State addressed as opposed<br />

to <strong>the</strong> laws <strong>of</strong> such State.<br />

35. The Q & A was followed by a panel discussion<br />

whereby panelists from <strong>the</strong> Asian-African Legal<br />

Consultative Organisation (AALCO), Malaysia<br />

and <strong>the</strong> HCPIL discussed <strong>the</strong> following issues,<br />

concerns and views:<br />

The Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation<br />

36. The panelist, Ambassador Dr. Ali Reza<br />

Deihim, Deputy Secretary-General <strong>of</strong> AALCO,<br />

acknowledged that <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention contains<br />

noble goals which are compatible with <strong>the</strong><br />

primary sources <strong>of</strong> Islamic law, namely <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Qur’an and Sunnah. The panellist proceeded to<br />

quote several verses from <strong>the</strong> Holy Qur’an which<br />

explain <strong>the</strong> relationship between husband, wife,<br />

children and parents. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, according<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Islamic doctrine, human being is God’s<br />

vicegerent. This is considered to be <strong>the</strong> existing<br />

relation between God and human beings. Islam’s<br />

perspective towards man is a fundamental<br />

principle <strong>of</strong> Islam itself. From it all his duties<br />

and rights derive. God has chosen man as<br />

His vicegerent on earth so that humans may<br />

become responsible agents and slaves <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Most Gracious. Therefore <strong>the</strong>re is an obligation<br />

on man to care for children, even <strong>the</strong> illegitimate<br />

ones, because as God’s shepherd on earth, man<br />

is entrusted with certain responsibilities.<br />

37. The panelist continued to explain that <strong>the</strong><br />

Sunnis are divided into four great schools <strong>of</strong><br />

jurisprudence which grew up in <strong>the</strong> 2 nd and 3 rd<br />

centuries <strong>of</strong> Islam. All four schools are mutually<br />

recognized and respected, and <strong>the</strong>y are not to be<br />

distinguished as different “sects” <strong>of</strong> Sunni Islam<br />

but merely as distinct schools or “ways”. A close<br />

examination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi qh <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> four schools will<br />

reveal that <strong>the</strong>re is no difference <strong>of</strong> opinion as<br />

far as <strong>the</strong> basic principles <strong>of</strong> Islam are concerned<br />

but <strong>the</strong> differences mainly center round <strong>the</strong><br />

tiny branches <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ology ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong><br />

fundamental principles <strong>of</strong> belief. Each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />

schools had interpreted and elaborated on many<br />

points regarding <strong>the</strong> religion and its practices<br />

but such interpretation and elaboration should<br />

not be regarded as sacred and uncontroversial.<br />

38. The Imam Malik had approved <strong>the</strong> plea <strong>of</strong> public<br />

interest as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah<br />

and he named this new source as al-masalih<br />

83


84<br />

al-mursalah. The meaning <strong>of</strong> interpretation by<br />

means <strong>of</strong> this method is to relate a particular rule<br />

to <strong>the</strong> appropriate meaning which is consonant<br />

with <strong>the</strong> <strong>general</strong> practices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah. In<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r words, to consider <strong>the</strong> reasonable meaning<br />

which conforms to <strong>the</strong> public interest and to <strong>the</strong><br />

intent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah and <strong>the</strong>n to formulate a rule<br />

that such meaning requires. A large number <strong>of</strong><br />

modern Muslim scholars <strong>of</strong> Islamic law view<br />

Maslaha as a principle <strong>of</strong> interpretation <strong>of</strong> law,<br />

and as such a principle <strong>of</strong> change, dynamism<br />

and adaptability which can assist <strong>the</strong> ummah in<br />

grappling with <strong>the</strong> changing conditions.<br />

39. The panelist ended his presentation with a<br />

reminder that <strong>the</strong> sources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah fall into<br />

two main categories i.e. <strong>the</strong> primary sources<br />

which comprise <strong>the</strong> Holy Qur’an and Sunnah,<br />

and <strong>the</strong> secondary or dependent sources<br />

which are not sources stricto sensu but are<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r means for discovering <strong>the</strong> law i.e. ijma<br />

(consensus) and ijtihad (reasoning). While <strong>the</strong><br />

primary sources provide <strong>the</strong> authoritative texts<br />

to answer all questions, <strong>the</strong> secondary sources,<br />

through processes <strong>of</strong> interpretation and reason,<br />

provide for <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah to<br />

meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> changing times.<br />

Malaysia<br />

40. The panelists from Malaysia, Dr. Zaleha<br />

Kamaruddin noted that child support as practiced<br />

in some countries, such as in Australia, is a foreign<br />

concept in Malaysia. Enforcement <strong>of</strong> international<br />

cooperation in relation to various forms <strong>of</strong> child<br />

maintenance (for example, providing <strong>the</strong> needs<br />

<strong>of</strong> children before <strong>the</strong>y are born and at times<br />

when <strong>the</strong>y are considered as adults) can only be<br />

implemented if Malaysia is ready and willing to<br />

reform <strong>the</strong> system for maintenance. In addition,<br />

an in depth study would have to be undertaken<br />

before Malaysia decides to introduce a Child<br />

Support Scheme especially considering <strong>the</strong><br />

high operating costs that is normally involved.<br />

The panelist also raised <strong>the</strong> earlier objections<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Syariah perspective mentioned during<br />

her presentation as regards <strong>the</strong> paren<strong>the</strong>sis in<br />

paragraphs 1 <strong>of</strong> Articles 1 and 2.<br />

41. The second panelist from Malaysia, Mr. Haji<br />

Naim Mokhtar, raised <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> defi nition<br />

<strong>of</strong> a “child”. Article 3 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention<br />

provides that a “child” includes as a minimum<br />

every person below <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 18 whereas<br />

according to Syariah, <strong>the</strong> term is used to refer<br />

to someone who has not yet reach <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong><br />

puberty or baligh (defi ned as a child before<br />

having experienced wet dream which is normally<br />

after discernment age). Syariah does not impose<br />

any age limitation as a requirement for <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />

maintenance. Maintenance for children ceases<br />

once <strong>the</strong>y are capable <strong>of</strong> maintaining <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />

with <strong>the</strong>ir own income acquired by <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />

Hence in Islam, <strong>the</strong> determination <strong>of</strong> a “child”<br />

is based on <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> necessity/ needs <strong>of</strong><br />

a child ra<strong>the</strong>r than on a rigid demarcation at a<br />

certain age. In fact <strong>the</strong> Federal Court Judge in<br />

Karunairajah Rasiah v Puni Thambigai Puniah<br />

[2004] 2 CLJ 365 has proposed that section<br />

95 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce)<br />

Act 1976 be reformed to incorporate <strong>the</strong> Islamic<br />

principles <strong>of</strong> extension order for <strong>the</strong> maintenance<br />

<strong>of</strong> children because <strong>the</strong> civil law does not extend<br />

maintenance order for a child beyond 18 years<br />

old.<br />

42. The panelist fur<strong>the</strong>r pointed out that Article<br />

15 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention basically involves a<br />

question <strong>of</strong> jurisdiction, which in turn involves a<br />

question <strong>of</strong> fi qh. Under <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention, <strong>the</strong><br />

recognition and enforcement <strong>of</strong> maintenance<br />

decision is based on, inter alia, <strong>the</strong> habitual<br />

residence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> creditor, respondent or <strong>the</strong><br />

child for whom <strong>the</strong> maintenance was ordered.<br />

Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Syariah courts<br />

relating to Islamic family laws in Malaysia is<br />

stipulated under section 45 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Islamic Family<br />

Law Act where 3 requirements are set out i.e.<br />

where <strong>the</strong> marriage had been registered or<br />

deemed to be registered under <strong>the</strong> Act, where<br />

<strong>the</strong> marriage was contracted in accordance with<br />

Hukum Syara’ and where <strong>the</strong> residence <strong>of</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r


<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parties to <strong>the</strong> marriage at <strong>the</strong> time when<br />

<strong>the</strong> application is presented is in <strong>the</strong> relevant<br />

State.<br />

43. The third panelist from Malaysia, Dr. Haji Hassan<br />

Abdul Rahman framed <strong>the</strong> main concern in <strong>the</strong><br />

following manner: That should Malaysia decide<br />

to apply <strong>the</strong> provisions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention<br />

without <strong>the</strong> legal and institutional infrastructure<br />

being put in place to meet <strong>the</strong> demands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

obligations under <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention, Malaysia<br />

would be placed in an inept position. Malaysia<br />

has barely two years to undertake <strong>the</strong> tasks to<br />

improve <strong>the</strong> current state <strong>of</strong> affairs as <strong>the</strong> target<br />

date has been set as 2007. The panelist is <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

opinion that <strong>the</strong> present structure <strong>of</strong> organization<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Malaysian Government has to be studied<br />

and a body that would be designated as <strong>the</strong> CA<br />

has to be identifi ed. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, in his view, it is<br />

convenient and practical to designate <strong>the</strong> AGCM<br />

as <strong>the</strong> CA due to <strong>the</strong> following reasons:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

As a department under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Prime<br />

Minister’s Department, <strong>the</strong> AGCM has direct<br />

linkages to various government departments<br />

and agencies whereby <strong>the</strong>re is at least one legal<br />

<strong>of</strong>fi cer attached in almost all <strong>the</strong> ministries and<br />

departments.<br />

The AGCM is able to provide legal advice<br />

concerning <strong>the</strong> formulation <strong>of</strong> policies as regards<br />

family law whenever circumstances require due<br />

to <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> its <strong>of</strong>fi cers in <strong>the</strong> Ministry<br />

<strong>of</strong> Women, Family and Community Development.<br />

In future a task force or a steering committee<br />

may be formed under <strong>the</strong> Law Reform and Law<br />

Revision Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGCM to reform existing<br />

laws relating to family, and child and spousal<br />

support.<br />

The AGCM has <strong>the</strong> expertise and <strong>the</strong> requisite<br />

personnel to receive and transmit applications<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Draft Convention as currently <strong>the</strong><br />

AGCM is receiving and transmitting applications<br />

for Letters <strong>of</strong> Request for <strong>the</strong> taking <strong>of</strong> evidence<br />

and service <strong>of</strong> documents.<br />

(iv)<br />

The AGCM is able to provide information to<br />

<strong>the</strong> Permanent Bureau <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> HCPIL as to <strong>the</strong><br />

laws and procedures concerning maintenance<br />

obligations in relation to both civil and Syariah<br />

family matters. The Syariah Section under <strong>the</strong><br />

Advisory Division <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AGCM can provide<br />

linkages to <strong>the</strong> relevant Islamic administrative<br />

bodies.<br />

44. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> panelist emphasised that in<br />

discharging its functions as <strong>the</strong> CA, <strong>the</strong> AGCM<br />

cannot work in isolation and that <strong>the</strong> co-operation<br />

<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r departments and agencies, for example,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Legal Aid Bureau and <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Women,<br />

Family and Community Development, would be<br />

needed. Ano<strong>the</strong>r important step that has to be<br />

undertaken is a study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current legislative<br />

framework for purposes <strong>of</strong> identifying areas <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> law that need reform and deciding whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

new legislation is required (perhaps on child and<br />

spousal support scheme and <strong>the</strong> enforcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> maintenance orders) in order to support <strong>the</strong><br />

objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention.<br />

HCPIL<br />

45. The panelist from HCPIL, Ms. Caroline Harnois<br />

informed that <strong>the</strong> title <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention is<br />

still subject to change although <strong>the</strong> underlying<br />

intention is to keep <strong>the</strong> title as broad as<br />

possible. The panelist <strong>the</strong>n attempted to address<br />

some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> concerns raised from <strong>the</strong> Syariah<br />

perspective.<br />

46. As regards Article 2, <strong>the</strong> panelist explained<br />

that it is a provision on <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft<br />

Convention and not one providing for uniformity<br />

<strong>of</strong> law. Similarly Article 3 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention<br />

provides that for purposes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention, <strong>the</strong><br />

defi nition <strong>of</strong> “child” includes as a minimum every<br />

person below <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 18. Therefore States<br />

are not obliged to adopt substantive laws as<br />

regards <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention. For<br />

example, Malaysia need not have laws providing<br />

for <strong>the</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> illegitimate children, but<br />

Malaysia will have to recognize <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> a<br />

85


86<br />

foreign child that is born outside wedlock to obtain<br />

maintenance. Ultimately this is a question <strong>of</strong> public<br />

policy as to whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> giving <strong>of</strong> such recognition<br />

is so repugnant to, or incompatible with, local<br />

traditions.<br />

47. The panelist also stated that <strong>the</strong> words in<br />

paren<strong>the</strong>sis in Article 2 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> draft Convention<br />

are subject to fur<strong>the</strong>r deliberation by <strong>the</strong> Drafting<br />

Committee. However, even without those words,<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r States would still require that Malaysia, if<br />

it decides to become a Contracting State to <strong>the</strong><br />

Convention, recognizes <strong>the</strong> maintenance orders<br />

made in respect <strong>of</strong> a child/children irrespective <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir circumstances i.e. illegitimate, adopted by<br />

heterosexual parents who are not married to each<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r or homosexual parents, born out <strong>of</strong> rape or by<br />

way <strong>of</strong> donor parents/surrogate mo<strong>the</strong>rs etc.<br />

48. As regards Article 15, <strong>the</strong> option is open for Malaysia<br />

to choose to apply paragraphs 1(a) and (b) only so<br />

that a maintenance decision made in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong><br />

origin shall be recognized and enforced in Malaysia<br />

if <strong>the</strong> respondent was habitually resident in <strong>the</strong> State<br />

<strong>of</strong> origin at <strong>the</strong> time proceedings were<br />

instituted, or <strong>the</strong> respondent has submitted<br />

to <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction ei<strong>the</strong>r expressly or<br />

by defending on <strong>the</strong> merits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> case<br />

without objecting to <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction at <strong>the</strong><br />

fi rst available opportunity. Malaysia <strong>the</strong>n<br />

may, in accordance with paragraph 2 <strong>of</strong><br />

Article 15, make a reservation in respect <strong>of</strong><br />

subparagraphs (c), (e), (f) or (g). The panelist<br />

also pointed out paragraph 3 <strong>of</strong> Article 15<br />

which applies <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> reciprocity so<br />

that only decisions which are enforceable<br />

in <strong>the</strong> State <strong>of</strong> origin, for example, Malaysia<br />

is recognized, and enforcement in <strong>the</strong><br />

State addressed would be restricted to <strong>the</strong><br />

maintenance decision being enforceable in<br />

<strong>the</strong> State addressed. Reference was also<br />

made to Article 41 whereby <strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> any<br />

Contracting State to invoke a reservation<br />

not to apply <strong>the</strong> Convention to any specifi ed<br />

family relationships or relationships based<br />

on affi nity does not extend to maintenance<br />

obligations in respect <strong>of</strong> children.


Q & A<br />

49. The fi nal Q & A on <strong>the</strong> panel discussion saw<br />

participants from Malaysia reacting to some <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> suggestions put forth by <strong>the</strong> panelists for<br />

example <strong>the</strong> Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Legal Aid Bureau<br />

expressed <strong>the</strong> view that <strong>the</strong> proposal for AGCM<br />

to be designated as <strong>the</strong> CA has to be given<br />

careful consideration as it involves a mammoth<br />

task. It would also necessarily mean that fullest<br />

co-operation from <strong>the</strong> Legal Aid Bureau would<br />

be expected whereas <strong>the</strong> Bureau is presently<br />

facing several shortcomings in handling <strong>the</strong> daily<br />

workload.<br />

50. Ano<strong>the</strong>r Malaysian participant raised an issue<br />

which touched upon <strong>the</strong> government system in<br />

Malaysia which demarcates between matters<br />

under <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federal government<br />

and those under <strong>the</strong> jurisdiction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State<br />

government. The question posed was how to<br />

ensure <strong>the</strong> smooth running <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> implementation<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> obligations under <strong>the</strong> draft Convention if <strong>the</strong><br />

CA is a federal organization whereas enforcement<br />

<strong>of</strong> maintenance orders issued by <strong>the</strong> Syariah<br />

Courts is a matter within <strong>the</strong> purview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State<br />

government. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> panelist replied to <strong>the</strong><br />

effect that with mutual and good co-operation<br />

between all parties concerned, such problems<br />

would not be insurmountable.<br />

87


REPORT OF<br />

88<br />

SPECIAL PROJECT BETWEEN MALAYSIA – SINGAPORE<br />

CASE CONCERNING LAND RECLAMATION BY SINGAPORE<br />

IN AND AROUND THE STRAITS OF JOHOR


SPECIAL PROJECT BETWEEN MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE<br />

CASE CONCERNING LAND RECLAMATION BY SINGAPORE<br />

IN AND AROUND THE STRAITS OF JOHOR<br />

BACKGROUND<br />

• This case is, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> special<br />

projects that Unit V has been involved in. This<br />

particular special project has been concluded<br />

successfully.<br />

• The dispute concerns land reclamation activities<br />

carried out by Singapore, which impinge upon<br />

Malaysia's rights in and around <strong>the</strong> Straits <strong>of</strong><br />

Johor that separate Singapore from Malaysia.<br />

• The attempts by <strong>the</strong> parties to resolve <strong>the</strong> dispute<br />

vide exchange <strong>of</strong> views were unsuccessful.<br />

CHRONOLOGY<br />

• 2001-2003: Exchange <strong>of</strong> views by <strong>the</strong> parties on <strong>the</strong><br />

dispute concerning Singapore’s land reclamation<br />

activities.<br />

• July 2003: Malaysia submitted a written Notifi cation<br />

and Statement <strong>of</strong> Claim to Singapore instituting<br />

arbitral proceedings as provided for in Annex VII to<br />

<strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention on <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) concerning <strong>the</strong> said dispute.<br />

• September 2003: Malaysia submitted a Request<br />

for <strong>the</strong> prescription <strong>of</strong> provisional measures by <strong>the</strong><br />

International Tribunal for <strong>the</strong> Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea (ITLOS)<br />

Article 290(5) <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS.<br />

• 25-27 September 2003: Oral hearings and<br />

submissions by <strong>the</strong> parties.<br />

• 8 October 2003: ITLOS made its Provisional<br />

Measures Orders.<br />

REQUEST FOR PROVISIONAL MEASURES<br />

• In its written notifi cation <strong>of</strong> 4 July 2003, Malaysia<br />

also requested that, pending <strong>the</strong> constitution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Arbitral Tribunal under Annex VII <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS (Annex<br />

VII Tribunal), Singapore agree to certain provisional<br />

measures specifi ed <strong>the</strong>rein.<br />

• Malaysia fur<strong>the</strong>r requested that if Singapore were<br />

unable to agree to <strong>the</strong> provisional measures<br />

sought, Singapore should agree that <strong>the</strong> question<br />

<strong>of</strong> provisional measures be forthwith submitted to<br />

<strong>the</strong> ITLOS.<br />

• Pursuant to no agreement by Singapore on<br />

Malaysia’s request for provisional measures after<br />

two weeks since <strong>the</strong> date on which Malaysia made<br />

<strong>the</strong> said request, Malaysia submitted its request for<br />

provisional measures to ITLOS in accordance with<br />

Article 290(5) <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS.<br />

ARTICLE 290(5) OF UNCLOS<br />

• Article 290(5) <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS, among o<strong>the</strong>r things,<br />

provides that-<br />

“…pending <strong>the</strong> constitution an arbitral tribunal<br />

to which a dispute is being submitted and if,<br />

within two weeks from <strong>the</strong> date <strong>of</strong> a request for<br />

provisional measures, <strong>the</strong> parties do not agree to<br />

submit <strong>the</strong> request to ano<strong>the</strong>r court or tribunal,<br />

ITLOS may prescribe provisional measures if it<br />

considers that prima facie <strong>the</strong> arbitral tribunal to<br />

be constituted would have jurisdiction and that<br />

<strong>the</strong> urgency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation so requires…”<br />

MALAYSIA’S REQUEST FOR PROVISIONAL<br />

MEASURES<br />

• Pending <strong>the</strong> constitution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Annex VII Tribunal,<br />

Malaysia requested that ITLOS prescribes <strong>the</strong><br />

following provisional measures:<br />

(a)<br />

That Singapore shall, pending <strong>the</strong> decision<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arbitral Tribunal, suspend all current<br />

land reclamation activities in <strong>the</strong> vicinity <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> maritime boundary between <strong>the</strong> two<br />

States or <strong>of</strong> areas claimed as territorial<br />

waters by Malaysia (and specifi cally around<br />

Pulau Tekong and Tuas);<br />

89


90<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

To <strong>the</strong> extent it has not already done so,<br />

provide Malaysia with full information as to<br />

<strong>the</strong> current and projected works, including<br />

in particular <strong>the</strong>ir proposed extent, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

method <strong>of</strong> construction, <strong>the</strong> origin and kind<br />

<strong>of</strong> materials used, and designs for coastal<br />

protection and remediation (if any);<br />

Afford Malaysia a full opportunity to<br />

comment upon <strong>the</strong> works and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

potential impacts having regard, inter alia,<br />

to <strong>the</strong> information provided; and<br />

Agree to negotiate with Malaysia concerning<br />

any remaining unresolved issues.<br />

MALAYSIA’S ARGUMENT FOR THE REQUEST<br />

• Malaysia claimed that Singapore's action in<br />

engaging in land reclamation around Pulau Tekong<br />

and Tuas is causing serious and irreversible<br />

damage to <strong>the</strong> marine environment and serious<br />

prejudice to <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> Malaysia.<br />

• Malaysia maintained that <strong>the</strong> land reclamation<br />

activities are producing major changes to both <strong>the</strong><br />

fl ow regime and sedimentation and are effecting<br />

coastal erosion. In this regard, Malaysia sought<br />

to preserve its rights relating to <strong>the</strong> maintenance<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> marine and coastal environment and <strong>the</strong><br />

preservation <strong>of</strong> its rights <strong>of</strong> maritime access to its<br />

coastline, as guaranteed by UNCLOS.<br />

• Malaysia argued that <strong>the</strong> conditions for <strong>the</strong><br />

prescription <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> provisional measures that is “to<br />

preserve <strong>the</strong> respective rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parties to <strong>the</strong><br />

dispute or to prevent serious harm to <strong>the</strong> marine<br />

environment” are met.<br />

• Malaysia also argued that urgency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation<br />

requires <strong>the</strong> prescription <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> provisional<br />

measures given that <strong>the</strong>re is little prospect that<br />

<strong>the</strong> Annex VII Tribunal will be established and able<br />

to render a decision on provisional measures on<br />

an immediate basis.<br />

SINGAPORE’S ARGUMENT<br />

• Singapore argued that <strong>the</strong> exchange <strong>of</strong> views<br />

between <strong>the</strong> parties, which Article 283 <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS<br />

makes a precondition to <strong>the</strong> activation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

compulsory dispute settlement procedures (i.e.<br />

referral to Annex VII Tribunal) have not occurred.<br />

As a consequence, <strong>the</strong> Annex VII tribunal and<br />

hence ITLOS, acting under Article 290(5) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Convention, lacks <strong>the</strong> prima facie jurisdiction<br />

which is a prerequisite to prescribing provisional<br />

measures.<br />

• Singapore submitted that Malaysia’s Request<br />

fails to “specify… <strong>the</strong> reasons” for requesting<br />

provisional measures, as required by Article 89 <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> ITLOS Rules.<br />

• Singapore argued that Malaysia failed to specify<br />

<strong>the</strong> possible consequences if <strong>the</strong> provisional<br />

measures requested by Malaysia are not granted,<br />

for <strong>the</strong> preservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> respective rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

parties or for <strong>the</strong> prevention <strong>of</strong> serious harm to <strong>the</strong><br />

marine environment.<br />

• Singapore maintained that Malaysia fails to<br />

indicate <strong>the</strong> urgency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation. Provisional<br />

measures may be prescribed under Article 290(5)<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention only in cases <strong>of</strong> urgency.<br />

Singapore’s reclamation works are not recent.<br />

Singapore is undertaking no works that have<br />

not long been announced and subject to public<br />

scrutiny and comment. The reclamation projects<br />

have long been known to Malaysia.<br />

ITLOS DECISION<br />

• With respect to <strong>the</strong> obligation to exchange views<br />

set out in Article 283 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention, ITLOS<br />

considered that Malaysia was not obliged to<br />

continue with an exchange <strong>of</strong> views when it<br />

concluded that this exchange could not yield<br />

a positive result. ITLOS noted Singapore’s<br />

contention that <strong>the</strong> parties had embarked on<br />

a negotiation process but <strong>the</strong> said negotiation<br />

process took place after <strong>the</strong> institution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Annex VII arbitral proceedings. ITLOS found that<br />

<strong>the</strong> Annex VII tribunal would prima facie have<br />

jurisdiction over <strong>the</strong> dispute. ITLOS also fi nds that<br />

<strong>the</strong> case is admissible.<br />

• With regard to <strong>the</strong> parties’ argument on urgency,<br />

ITLOS found that Malaysia has not shown that<br />

<strong>the</strong>re is a situation <strong>of</strong> urgency or that <strong>the</strong>re is a


isk that its rights with respect to an area <strong>of</strong> its<br />

territorial sea would suffer irreversible damage<br />

pending consideration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> merits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> case<br />

by <strong>the</strong> arbitral tribunal. Therefore, ITLOS did not<br />

consider it appropriate to prescribe provisional<br />

measures with respect to <strong>the</strong> land reclamation by<br />

Singapore in <strong>the</strong> sector <strong>of</strong> Tuas.<br />

ITLOS ORDER FOR PROVISIONAL MEASURES<br />

• Malaysia and Singapore shall cooperate and shall,<br />

for this purpose, enter into consultations forthwith<br />

in order to -<br />

prejudice to <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> Malaysia or serious harm<br />

to <strong>the</strong> marine environment, taking especially into<br />

account <strong>the</strong> reports <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> group <strong>of</strong> independent<br />

experts.<br />

STUDY BY THE GROUP OF EXPERTS<br />

• The study by <strong>the</strong> Group <strong>of</strong> Experts as directed by<br />

<strong>the</strong> ITLOS Order was completed pursuant to <strong>the</strong><br />

submission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report entitled “Report <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Group <strong>of</strong> Independent Experts (GOE) in <strong>the</strong> matter<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ITLOS Order <strong>of</strong> 8 October 2003” to <strong>the</strong> two<br />

Governments on 5 November 2004.<br />

(b)<br />

(a)<br />

establish promptly a group <strong>of</strong> independent<br />

experts with <strong>the</strong> mandate -<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

to conduct a study, on terms <strong>of</strong><br />

reference to be agreed by Malaysia<br />

and Singapore, to determine, within<br />

a period not exceeding one year from<br />

<strong>the</strong> date <strong>of</strong> this Order, <strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong><br />

Singapore’s land reclamation and to<br />

propose, as appropriate, measures to<br />

deal with any adverse effects <strong>of</strong> such<br />

land reclamation; and<br />

to prepare, as soon as possible, an<br />

interim report on <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> infi lling<br />

works in Area D at Pulau Tekong;<br />

exchange, on a regular basis, information on,<br />

and assess risks or effects <strong>of</strong>, Singapore’s land<br />

reclamation works; and<br />

• The Governments <strong>of</strong> Malaysia and Singapore<br />

met on 22-23 December 2004 and 7-9<br />

January 2005 to consult on how to implement<br />

<strong>the</strong> recommendations made by <strong>the</strong> GOE in <strong>the</strong><br />

said report. Both Governments accepted <strong>the</strong><br />

recommendations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> GOE and agreed to use<br />

<strong>the</strong>se recommendations as <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> a mutually<br />

acceptable and benefi cial solution.<br />

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT<br />

• Pursuant to <strong>the</strong> ITLOS Order for Provisional<br />

Measures, Malaysia and Singapore proceeded<br />

to seek an award on agreed terms from <strong>the</strong><br />

Permanent Court <strong>of</strong> Arbitration. The settlement<br />

agreement signed by <strong>the</strong> parties on 26 April 2004<br />

amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs required for <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

(a)<br />

Implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recommendations <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> GOE’s report;<br />

91<br />

(c)<br />

implement <strong>the</strong> commitments noted in this Order<br />

and avoid any action incompatible with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

effective implementation, and, without prejudice<br />

to <strong>the</strong>ir positions on any issue before <strong>the</strong> Annex VII<br />

arbitral tribunal, consult with a view to reaching a<br />

prompt agreement on such temporary measures<br />

with respect to Area D at Pulau Tekong, including<br />

suspension or adjustment, as may be found<br />

necessary to ensure that <strong>the</strong> infi lling operations<br />

pending completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> study referred to in<br />

subparagraph (a)(i) with respect to that area do<br />

not prejudice Singapore’s ability to implement <strong>the</strong><br />

commitments referred to in paragraphs 85 to 87.<br />

• Directs Singapore not to conduct its land<br />

reclamation in ways that might cause irreparable<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

Singapore’s reassurance to Malaysia that<br />

even after <strong>the</strong> Pulau Tekong reclamation,<br />

<strong>the</strong> safe and smooth passage <strong>of</strong> ships<br />

through Kuala Johor and Calder Harbour<br />

will not be adversely affected by <strong>the</strong> said<br />

reclamation;<br />

The terms <strong>of</strong> reference <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Malaysia-<br />

Singapore Joint Committee on <strong>the</strong><br />

Environment (MSJCE) to be expanded; and<br />

The settlement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dispute between<br />

Malaysia and Singapore in relations to <strong>the</strong><br />

said dispute under Annex VII <strong>of</strong> UNCLOS.


financial statement<br />

Object Category<br />

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION<br />

EXPENDITURE FOR 2005<br />

* 2005 Allocation<br />

(RM)<br />

*2005<br />

Expenditure<br />

(RM)<br />

2005<br />

Expenditure’s<br />

Surplus<br />

(RM)<br />

Expenditure’s<br />

Percentage<br />

(%)<br />

11000 - Salary and Wages 1,178,410.00 1,663,384.53 484,974.53 141.15<br />

12000 - Fixed Allowances 444,230.00 579,014.65 134,784.65 129.66<br />

13000 - Statutory Funds For Staff 77,620.00 105,773.00 28,153.00 136.27<br />

14000 - Overtime Allowances 2,650.00 1,845.92 _ 69.65<br />

15000 - O<strong>the</strong>r Financial Benefi ts 111,000.00 133,546.87 22,546.87 120.31<br />

21000 - Transportation Expenditure and Living<br />

Expenses<br />

94,910.00 57,506.84 _ 60.59<br />

22000 - Transportation <strong>of</strong> Goods 2,900.00 503.00 _ 17.34<br />

23000 - Communications and Utilities 8,440.00 6,702.75 _ 79.41<br />

24000 - Rental 6,090.00 2,953.80 _ 48.50<br />

25000 - Food and Drinks 0.00 0.00 _ _<br />

94<br />

26000 - Raw material supplies and materials for<br />

maintenance and renovation<br />

11,600.00 7,270.12 _ 62.67<br />

27000 - Supplies and O<strong>the</strong>r Material 34,780.00 15,109.10 _ 43.44<br />

28000 - Maintenance and Small Renovation<br />

Purchases<br />

16,500.00 8,269.00 _ 50.11<br />

29000 - Pr<strong>of</strong>essional services and o<strong>the</strong>r services<br />

purchased and hospitality<br />

296,630.00 193,332.61 _ 65.17<br />

43000 - Overseas Grants 120,300.00 85,883.94 _ 71.39<br />

* Based on Vote Book for <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division.<br />

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION<br />

EXPENDITURE FOR 2005<br />

Object Category<br />

2005 Allocation<br />

(RM)<br />

2005 Expenditure<br />

(RM)<br />

2005<br />

Expenditure’s<br />

Surplus<br />

(RM)<br />

Expenditure’s<br />

Percentage<br />

(%)<br />

One-Off 1,500,000.00 1,741,382.77 241,382.77 116.09


acknowledgements<br />

Special gratitude to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Attorney</strong> General <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Abdul Gani<br />

Patail and <strong>the</strong> Solicitor General <strong>of</strong> Malaysia, Y. Bhg. Puan Sri Datuk Zaitun<br />

Zawiyah binti Puteh for providing <strong>the</strong>ir precious and inspirational words in<br />

conjunction with <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division Annual<br />

Report 2005. We also would like to give our heartiest thanks to <strong>the</strong> individuals and<br />

all who had been involved, directly or indirectly, in achieving our aim to complete<br />

and publish this Annual Report especially Madam Azailiza Mohd. Ahad.<br />

Advisor<br />

Madam Azailiza Mohd. Ahad<br />

Chief Editors<br />

Madam Aliza Sulaiman<br />

Mr. Azman Ahmad<br />

95<br />

Editors<br />

Mr. Stanley Clement Augustin<br />

Madam Rohana Abdul Malek<br />

Madam Almalena Sharmila Dato’ Dr. Johan<br />

Mr. Mohd.Radzi Harun<br />

Ms. Swandra Kim Chu Ramachandran<br />

Mr. Umar Saifuddin Jaafar<br />

Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Editorial Board<br />

Mr. Muhammad Rushdan Mohamed<br />

Mr. Faezul Adzra<br />

Ms. Dorah Abdul Kadir<br />

Ms. Noorafiza Mat<br />

Ms. Natra Idris<br />

Madam Norhayati Abdul Ghani<br />

Ms. Olivia Chin Su Fung<br />

Mr. Mustafar Rashidi Hasan @ Abdul Rashid<br />

And all <strong>of</strong>ficers and staff <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Affairs Division (2005/ 2006)<br />

for <strong>the</strong>ir kind assistance, support, and cooperation.

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