The Malayan Law Journal is a series of law reports, providing reports of cases from the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal and High Courts. This compendious source gives you full text reports of cases and summaries of judgments in a consistent and reader-friendly style.
Advancing What's Possible
From the introduction of Lexis® Malaysia in 2004, to Lexis® Analytics Malaysia in 2021, a first of its kind analytical tool with an AI algorithm that identifies both legal issues and facts based on a plain language brief provided by the user, LexisNexis has always leaned into the wave of digital transformation in a purposeful way.
Early Conversations on Digital Transformation
The use of computers and digital technology along with accessibility to the internet increased in the 1990s and law firms and the academia began relying more on it. The mode of our publication also adapted and this began with the introduction of MLJ in the format of CDs in January 1997.
This also marks the MLJ's continuous efforts to include more academic discussion on the landscape of the legal profession, and accessibility of laws. Below, we reproduce some early commentary on the adoption of technology in legal practice, as well as more generally in the workplace.
1982-1991: The Malaysian Judiciary: The Early Years
Pivotal Moments in the Malaysian Judiciary
The most notable milestone of the 1980s may well have been the end of the Privy Council jurisdiction in relation to decisions of the Federal Court of Malaysia and judicial institutions, which took effect on January 1, 1985.
However, there were a number of other noteworthy events, including but not limited to, the appointment of the very first woman Judge in Malaysia, Siti Norma Yaakob J, on April 4, 1983; the extension of the Subordinate Courts Act to Sarawak and Sabah in June 1981; and the appointment of Yang Arif Mulia Raja Tan Sri Azlan Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yusof Izzudin Shah as Lord President, Malaysia, on November 12, 1982.
1972-1981: In Memory of Dr Bashir Ahmad Mallal
The 'Grand Old Man' of Malayan Law
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Mallal, Founder and Editor of the Malayan Law Journal passed away peacefully on the 5th day of September, 1972, at the age of 74. His loss was sudden and irreplaceable. In the first issue following his passing, the Management and Staff at the time wrote:
"The very sad loss of our leader has left in us an ingrained feeling of total emptiness. The only consolation is that, with the foundation so well laid by him, the M.L.J. will strive on to serve the legal profession as it has been doing for the past forty years. ...
The illustrious example of dedicated work set by the late Dr. Bashir Ahmad Mallal will be our inspiration for carrying on the established tradition of service by the M.L.J. to all connected with the law."
In honour of Dr Bashir Ahmad Mallal, we revisit the many tributes in the form of letters, reference proceedings, and more.
1962-1971: The Legal Profession in the 60s
The Early Years of the Malaysian Legal System
The 60s saw the formation of Malaysia, and with it came the beginnings of Malaysia's own legal system. This week's highlights include glimpses of the seeds sowed at every level of the profession, from students of the law, to the evolving role of lawyers, to advice for members of the judiciary from Lord Bacon, during his time as Lord Chancellor of England.
1952-1961: Celebrating Malayan Independence
A Decade of Many Milestones
While the publication of case reports has always been the cornerstone of the Malayan Law Journal, within its pages also lie the societal context that accompanied the decisions of the judiciary. In the third decade of the MLJ, as the country celebrated the independence of the Federation of Malaya, Dr. Bashir Mallal marked the 25th anniversary of the journal with a note that celebrated the establishment of a law faculty at University Malaya, and called for the laws of the Federation and rules thereunder to be consolidated.
1942-1951: Resuming After the Japanese Occupation
The Malayan Law Journal after Four Years of Suppression
The publication of the Malayan Law Journal was interrupted from 1942-1945, as a result of the Japanese occupation of Malaya, and to the deep regret of editor and founder, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Mallal. At the first possible opportunity, publication resumed, and with it, the ardent reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law.
1932-1941: First Decade of the Malayan Law Journal
Our Founder: Dr. Bashir Ahmad Mallal
Despite having no formal legal education, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Mallal, the founder and first editor of the Malayan Law Journal was described as a lawyer by obsession.
Mallal's career began at Battenburg & Silva in 1918, and in his role as a law clerk, he quickly realised that there was no system in which law reports were compiled.
What started out as an irregular publication evolved into a single journal, officially launched in 1932. He understood the necessity of a single database of judicial precedent to foster a growing legal system.
Mallal pioneered making law accessible in Malaysia & Singapore, and LexisNexis is proud to play a part in continuing his legacy.
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