Congratulatory Messages
Any effort to make arbitration affordable to the general public should be welcomed. The efforts by former Court of Appeal Judge, Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer in establishing the practical framework of the ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’ on the basis of the research concept, i.e. ‘University cum Court Annexed Arbitration’ (Uarb), deserves substantive encouragement.
TAN SRI DATO’ SERI UTAMA DR. RAIS BIN YATIM
President of Dewan Negara (President of Senate – current), Deputy Minister of Law (1976-1978), Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (1978), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (1999-2004), Minister of Lands and Regional Development (1982-1984), Minister for Information (1984-1986), Minister of Foreign Affairs (1986-1987), Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage (2004-2008), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2008-2009), Minister for Information, Communication and Culture (2009-2013), Parliamentary Secretary of Culture, Youth and Sports Minister (1974-1976), President of International Islamic University (2013-2018)
University cum Court Annexed Arbitration which is a researched concept by Prof. Datuk Dr.Hj.Hamid Sultan bin Abu Backer,Retired Judge, Court of Appeal,Malaysia is indeed a novel concept.
It empowers the university,academia,graduates,and lawyers to provide affordable arbitration option for matters filed in courts.His attempt to conduct a pilot project to implement the concept through the establishment of Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers with the support of MAHSA University must be appreciated as a welcome step during this Covid-19 era to avoid backlog of cases.I take this opportunity to congratulate all involved in this pilot project.
YB DATO' SRI AZALINA OTHMAN
Special Advisor To YAB Prime Minister (Law And Human Rights)
Other positions held Minister in The Prime Minister's Dept. Minister of Tourism Minister of Youth and Sports
Other positions held Minister in The Prime Minister's Dept. Minister of Tourism Minister of Youth and Sports
The establishment of the ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’ on the basis of the research concept, i.e. ‘University cum Court Annexed Arbitration’ (Uarb), propounded by the former Court of Appeal Judge, Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer, is a pure ingenious inventiveness in the field of administration of justice. This initiative makes arbitration affordable and accessible to all members of the public. Thus, I genuinely wish this noble mission to be a successful endeavour and hereby wholeheartedly congratulate the launch of ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’.
TAN SRI DATO’ SERI DR. SYED HAMID SYED JAAFAR ALBAR
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); Former Visiting Fellow, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford; Member of Parliament in Malaysia (1990-2013); Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) (1990-1995); Minister of Defence (1995-1999); Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999-2008); Minister of Home Affairs (2008-2009)
Professor Datuk Dr Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer is to be congratulated on the launch of "Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers PLT".
This is an excellent venture. The Chamber's main objective is to engage in a pilot project known as "University Cum Court Annexed Arbitration" to provide affordable arbitration as an option to matters which have been filed in court.
I know that much work has been done in formulating this concept and in carrying it forward both within Malaysia and in many other countries. I wish all concerned the very best of success in this very worth while endeavour.
THE RIGHT HONOURBLE LORD NICHOLAS HENRY BOURNE OF ABERYSTWYTH
Empowering universities, academia, lawyers and all graduates to provide affordable arbitration for matters filed in court is an innovative step in the arbitration history and will help litigants to seek access to justice at affordable costs. I take this opportunity to congratulate Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers and MAHSA University for taking the necessary steps to implement the University cum Court Annexed Arbitation concept which is a researched concept of Retired, Court of Appeal, Judge, Prof.Datuk Dr.Hamid Sultan bin Abu Backer.
DATUK ABDUL KADIR SULAIMAN
Retired Federal Court Judge, Malaysia
Congratulations Datuk Dr.Hj.Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer in establishing the Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers.A good idea.I wish you and the Centre all the best.
DATO'SERI MOHD HISHAMUDIN YUNUS
Judge, Court of Appeal, Malaysia.(ret.)
Justice Hamid in constant consultation with members of the legal fraternity in Malaysia and internationally, has developed the concept of providing affordable alternative dispute resolution through arbitration in matters filed in court. I wish all success in the implementation of the pilot project which Justice Hamid and his team are undertaking with the support of MAHSA University. I trust the legal academia and practitioners will give their unreserved support to this concept to help litigants in general and poor litigants in particular, in the exercise of their human rights to have access to speedy justice at affordable costs. Arbitration eliminates the appeal process without compromising the role of legal practitioners during the arbitration proceedings.
DATO MAH WENG KWAI
Legal Consultant and Arbitrator, Retired Judge of the Court of Appeal; Commissioner of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Malaysian Aviation Commission; Chairman of Securities Industry Dispute Resolution Centre.
Justice Datuk Hj. Hamid Sultan (Rtd) has always been known as a reformer with a natural penchant for thinking out-of-box, and the zeal to pursue his ideals to achieve their desired goals.
The concept of affordable arbitration now propounded by him through MAHSA University may well meet a need in society for affordable access to justice given the vagaries of litigation and the high expense of commercial arbitration.
It is significant that the aim has as its first focus those class of cases falling within the range of the subordinate courts. The claims at this level are generally lower in value and would not usually concern high finance. It may well meet the aspirations of middle and lower income litigants who would wish to have their disputes resolved affordably and possibly amicably through this concept.
Affordable arbitration and affordable access to justice thereby become synonymous.
I wish Justice Hamid every success in this pioneering effort, and congratulate MAHSA University for providing the platform.
The concept of affordable arbitration now propounded by him through MAHSA University may well meet a need in society for affordable access to justice given the vagaries of litigation and the high expense of commercial arbitration.
It is significant that the aim has as its first focus those class of cases falling within the range of the subordinate courts. The claims at this level are generally lower in value and would not usually concern high finance. It may well meet the aspirations of middle and lower income litigants who would wish to have their disputes resolved affordably and possibly amicably through this concept.
Affordable arbitration and affordable access to justice thereby become synonymous.
I wish Justice Hamid every success in this pioneering effort, and congratulate MAHSA University for providing the platform.
DATO’ CYRUS DAS
Honorary Life President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Past President Malaysian Bar,
Adjunct Professor of Law HELP University
Adjunct Professor of Law HELP University
Access to justice is a fundamental human right and is vital to the upholding of the rule of law. Often, such access is denied to the poor and vulnerable who need it the most. Therefore, any system that makes access to justice more available and affordable must be supported.
In this context, I heartily welcome and commend the University cum Court Annexed Arbitration, an innovative and pioneering concept of former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Abu Backer. This concept promotes affordable, alternative dispute resolution which in turn enhances access to justice for all.
My heartiest congratulations on this most worthy initiative.
In this context, I heartily welcome and commend the University cum Court Annexed Arbitration, an innovative and pioneering concept of former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Abu Backer. This concept promotes affordable, alternative dispute resolution which in turn enhances access to justice for all.
My heartiest congratulations on this most worthy initiative.
AMBIGA SREENEVASAN
Former President of the Malaysian Bar
Former President of the National Human Rights Society [HAKAM]
(Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan practices as senior counsel in a wide array of civil, commercial and corporate litigation matters. She has vast experience in commercial, intellectual property and industrial matters.She is also a well known human rights advocate and has received several international awards for her work in this field. She was a member of the Institutional Reforms Committee, which was set up in May 2018 to advise the government on reforms needed to key public institutions.She has led several organisations in the past decade. She was president of the Malaysian Bar (2007-2009), former chairperson and then co-chairperson of Bersih 2.0 (2010 to 2013) and former president of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) (2014 to 2018). She is currently a Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists- 2018 to 2023).
Former President of the National Human Rights Society [HAKAM]
(Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan practices as senior counsel in a wide array of civil, commercial and corporate litigation matters. She has vast experience in commercial, intellectual property and industrial matters.She is also a well known human rights advocate and has received several international awards for her work in this field. She was a member of the Institutional Reforms Committee, which was set up in May 2018 to advise the government on reforms needed to key public institutions.She has led several organisations in the past decade. She was president of the Malaysian Bar (2007-2009), former chairperson and then co-chairperson of Bersih 2.0 (2010 to 2013) and former president of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) (2014 to 2018). She is currently a Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists- 2018 to 2023).
Heartiest congratulations to Prof Datuk Haji Hamid bin Abu Backer, Hon’ble Judge recently retired from the Court of Appeals, for the selfless efforts to bring into the country the University cum Court Annexed Arbitration (I like to call it UCCA Arb).
The idea of helping more persons, in need, to obtain speedy arbitration and mediation and on a global plane is surely a clear indication of the tremendous “sedekah”. The Judge and all Panel Members will donate to individuals and the country by way of their services pro bono or at affordable fees.
I am given to understand that the Ad hoc Panel will deal with domestic and international arbitration and mediation. This should spur more interest and good participation by the current “practitioners” (arbitrators and mediators). The Chambers can motivate persons from outside to enter the arbitration world with their ability and honesty in solving matters and quickly too.
I wish the Judge, founding father of the Chambers, every success. And following him must be the happy-to-sacrifice Panel and other volunteers!
DATO SYED AHMAD IDID,
Former Justice of the High Courts of Malaya and Borneo and Director of the KLRCA (Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration)
Sungai Petani, Kedah
Sungai Petani, Kedah
I warmly congratulate former Court of Appeal Judge, Professor Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer for the launch of ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’. This noble initiative aims to make arbitration accessible to those who are unable to afford the comparative higher fees of arbitrators and facilities in Malaysia. I wholeheartedly wish ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’ success and all the best in their endeavours.
PROFESSOR DR. COLIN ONG QC
Queen’s Counsel and Chartered Arbitrator, 36 Stone (London)
Datuk Dr Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer has ingeniously devised and spent enormous amounts of time and energy promoting this novel and cost efficient solution to disputants. It’s time has surely arrived. I wish him and his team every success in this worthy endeavour.
FRANCIS XAVIER
SC, PBM, FCIArb, C.Arb
The “Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers “a brainchild of former Court of Appeal Judge, Datuk Dr Haji Hamid Sultan bin Abu Backer, is indeed a prospective game changer. Making arbitration affordable and with the brilliant concept of combining a “University cum Court Annexed Arbitration”, this idea deserves full support and assistance from all stakeholders. Congratulations on this important endeavor!
CYNTHIA GABRIEL
Founding and Executive Director
Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 center)
Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 center)
The University cum Court Annexed Arbitration (U arb) that Datuk Dr Haji Hamid Sultan bin Abu Backer has established is unique in many respects, not least because it makes arbitration accessible to a larger and wider audience.
Importantly, establishing an arbitration centre in a higher education institution also supports the main cornerstones on which the modern university is built - university autonomy, academic freedom, and collegial governance. U arb neatly fills a long-neglected need in higher education for an independent dispute resolving mechanism for conflicts arising within academia.
The former judge’s initiative must be lauded and welcomed by the academic fraternity.
U K MENON
LLM (Monash) Barrister (Inner Temple), Advocate & Solicitor
CEO Espact Sdn Bhd
CEO Espact Sdn Bhd
The ‘Affordable Arbitration and ADR Chambers’, the brainchild of former Court of Appeal Judge, Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan Bin Abu Backer, is a brilliant contribution to the field of administration of justice in Malaysia. It makes arbitration affordable and accessible to all members of the public. Creating such a centre in a higher education institution greatly extends the role of the university further into society. Datuk Dr. Haji Hamid Sultan deserves all the credit – and our gratitude - for this initiative. Congratulations!
PROFESSOR ZAHAROM NAIN
Chairman, Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (GERAK)
Aliran commends and congratulates this initiative undertaken by former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Dr Haji Hamid Sultan bin Abu Backer in making arbitration affordable and accessible to members of the public.
This endeavour draws synergy from academics and qualified personnel, thus enabling this ‘University cum Court Annexed Arbitration’ model to take shape.
This initiative will contribute towards greater social justice and it deserves the wholesome support and involvement of everyone, as it will surely benefit society.
ANIL NETTO
Aliran President