Faculty of Law

Established 1998

The Centre For Legal Pluralism and Indigenous Law was established in 1999 to develop and co-ordinate research and publication on legal pluralism, with emphasis on customary laws, indigenous and traditional knowledge systems, and to explore constitutional, administrative and environmental laws as well as the dissemination of information on issues and policies relating to indigenous peoples and minorities.

Objectives

To promote interdisciplinary research on legal pluralism.
To encourage research and publication on native laws and customs, traditional dispute resolution mechanisms and protection of indigenous knowledge and biodiversity.
Organise seminars, workshops and conferences on plural legal methods and systems.
Organise dialogues, forums and colloquiums to discuss constitutional, administrative and environmental laws and issues relating to indigenous peoples and to raise awareness of their legal rights.
Encourage collaboration with other disciplines, the legal profession, the Native Courts and government as well as non-governmental institutions, agencies and local communities.

Societal Impact

Emphasis on legal pluralism explores the workings of the multijuridical system envisaged by the Federal Constitution. An understanding of the interface between written and unwritten sources of law is important to ensure equal treatment and inclusiveness, in substance as well as procedure.
Emphasis on indigenous legal traditions and customary institutions addresses a major purpose for which the Faculty of Law was established, that is to study customary laws, which has not been given emphasis by any other law schools.
The Centre deals with real time constitutional, administrative and human rights issues, environmental and forestry, customary tenure as well as indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural rights impacting government policies.
Members of the Centre are invited as members of governmental and non-governmental advisory panels to contribute to national discussions and address policy issues with a view to possible law reforms.
The Centre networks with the Malaysian Bar and other national and international institutions to increase and enhance knowledge on indigenous peoples’ issues.
The Centre supports community advocacy work through field research and actual contacts with local indigenous communities in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak to disseminate knowledge and create awareness of their rights.

Centre for Legal Pluralism and Indigenous Law
Faculty of Law
Universiti Malaya
Kuala Lumpur 50603
MALAYSIA

Our Mission

The Centre For Legal Pluralism and Indigenous Law was established in 1999 to develop and coordinate research and publication on legal pluralism, with emphasis on customary laws,indigenous and traditional knowledge systems, and to explore constitutional, administrative and environmental laws as well as the dissemination of information on issues and policies relating to indigenous peoples and minorities

Legal pluralism refers to the existence of multiple legal systems within one society or geographical area as exemplified by the Malaysian legal system. This centre situates legal pluralism between pluriversality and every day lived experience in coping with diverse systems.Issues of indigenous law jurisprudence, native laws and customs and institutional processes and jurisdictional issues, family and personal law and the often problematic relationship between the state law, customary law and religious law continues to affect daily lives.New challenges in contemporary society including natural resources governance,environmental justice, intercultural intergenenerational justice and social challengeswarrant interdiscplinary exploration of how these are dealt with through interplay of constitutional, legislative and indigenous knowledge systems.

Members

Dr Ramy Bulan

Director

ramy@um.edu.my

Mr Magesan R Ayavoo

magesan@um.edu.my

Dr Sharon Kaur Gurmukh Singh

kaursh@um.edu.my

Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi

shad.saleem.faruqi@um.edu.my

Dr Pg Ismail Bin Pg Musa

pgismail@um.edu.my

Dr Sridevi Thambapillay

sridevit@um.edu.my

Dr Muhammad Hameedullah Md Asri

hameedullah_asri@um.edu.my

Dr Zalina Abd Halim

zalina@um.edu.my

Dr Kuek Chee Ying

cykuek@um.edu.my

Timeline

Showcase

Societal Impact

1. Taslima Monsoor & Sridevi Thambapillay (2024). Impact of Gender on Custody, Guardianship and Adoption: A Cross-Country Study of Bangladesh and Malaysia, UM Press, Kuala Lumpur.

2. Bulan, R., and Hitchner, S. (2022). The Intersection of Landscape, History, Land Rights and Community–led Conservation in the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak, Malaysia, in Bulan R., and Chow, CJ. (eds), An Anthology of Indigenous Peoples’ Issues, (Thomson Reuters Asia) pp 181-202.

3. Bulan, R., (2022). The Fiduciary Duty of the State and Native Customary Land Development, in Bulan R, and CJ Chow, (eds), An Anthology of Indigenous Peoples’ Issues, (Thomson Reuters Asia) pp139-180.

4. Bulan, R. and Chow, CJ. (editors) (2022). An Anthology of Indigenous peoples’ Issues, Thomson Reuters Asia.

5. Shad Saleem Faruqi (2021). Multiculturalism and Nation Building in a Plural and Divided Society: The Case of Malaysia

6. MJ, Sumi, MR, Islam, Bulan, R. (2021). Data Collection from the Santal Community: A Journey Towards an Unknown World in Ascertaining the Nexus Between Reality and Dream, in Rezaul Islam et. al (eds), Field Guide For Research in Community Settings, Edward Elgar Publishing.

7. .Shad Saleem Faruqi (2020). Law, Principles and Practice in the Dewan Rakyat.

8. Pg Ismail Pg Musa, Siti Zubaidah Ismail, Narizan Abdul Rahman (2020). Undang-undang Perlanggaran Adat di Mahkamah Anak Negeri: Konflik Pemakaiannya Terhadap Orang Islam Dalam Kerangka Perundangan Plural di Sabah, E-Journal of Islamic Though and Understanding, 1.

9. Bulan R, (2019). The Civil Courts and the Determination of Native Customary Land Rights: Merely Declaring or making the Law?, Borneo Research Journal, Vol 13, 1-23.

10. MJ Sumi, and Bulan, R. (2019). Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples : A Study on Santal Community in Bangladesh in MR Islam (ed)., Social Research Methodology and New Techniques in Analysis and Interpretation.

11. Zulazhar Tahir, Siti Zaharah Jamaluddin, Jal Zabdi Mohd Yusoff, Sridevi Thambapillay, Mohammad Abu Taher, Nur Faizira Abdul Rahman (editors), (2019). Elder Abuse and Neglect In Selected Asian Countries.

12. Shad Saleem Faruqi (2019). Our Constitution.

13. Pg Ismail Pg Musa, Siti Zubaidah Ismail, Naziran Abdul Rahman (2018). Amalan Sogit Ke Atas Anak Negeri Sabah Beragama Islam di Mahkamah Anak Negeri: Kajian Dari Perspektif Hukum, Jurnal Islam dan Masyarakat Kontemporari.

14. Shad Saleem Faruqi (2017). Reflections on Life and the Law.

15. Shad Saleem Faruqi (2017). Bedrock of our Nation.

16. Jal Zabdi Mohd Yusoff , Sridevi Thambapillay & Zulazhar Tahir (2017). Enable the Disabled: A Relook at the Law and Policies on the Disabled in Malaysia Through the Eyes of the Public, The Law Review.

17. .Shad Saleem Faruqi (2016). Decolonising the University: The Emerging Quest for a a Non-Eurocentric Paradigm.

18. Bulan, R. (2016) Kinship and Resource Access in Contemporary Kelabit Society, Borneo Research Bulletin, 47, 151-169.

19. Clements GR, SA Aziz, Bulan R., et al, (2016). Not Everyone Wants Roads: Assessing Indigenous Peoples’ Support for Roads in a Globally Important Tiger Conservation Landscape, Human Ecology, 46 (6), 909-915

20. Bulan R. (2015). Proof of Native Customary Title through Evidence of Occupation on the Cultural Landscape, Journal of Malaysian and Comparative Law.

21. Pg Ismail Pg Musa, Siti Zubaidah Ismail (2015). Application to Leave Islam: A Case Study in Sabah Shariah High Court, Shariah Journal, 23(1).

22. Bulan, R, (2014). Indigenous Legal Traditions in a New Economic Era: A Commentary on the Federal Court’s Decision on Bisi Jinggut v Superintendent of Lands and Surveys, Kuching, NGINGIT, 4, 6.

23. Bulan, R. (2014). Dispute Resolution: Restorative Justice Under Native Customary Justice in Malaysia. in Littlechild,W & Stamatopoulou (eds). Indigenous Peoples' Access to Justice, Including Truth and Reconcilation Processes, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, 319-343.

24. Bulan, R. (2014). Dispute Resolution: Restorative Justice Under Native Customary Justice in Malaysia. in Littlechild,W & Stamatopoulou (eds). Indigenous Peoples' Access to Justice, Including Truth and Reconcilation Processes, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, 319-343.

25. Bulan, R. (2011). Kelabit Traditions in Transition: A Brief Ethnography and Socio-legal Study. Borneo Research Journal, 5, 28-58.

26. Bulan, R. (2011). Legal Pluralism in Sarawak: An Approach to Customary Laws on Their own terms under the Federal Constitution. In Colchester, M & Choa, S (eds). Divers Paths to Justice, Legal Pluralism and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Southeast Asia, Forest Peoples Program, AIPP, RECOFT, 40-65

27. Bulan, R. (2010). Indigenous Land Rights in Malaysia, in Engel, J R,. L Westra L, & Bosselman. K. (eds) Democracy, Ecological Integrity and International Law, Cambridge Scholars, Publishing, 171-194.

28. Bulan, R. (Contributing Editor) (2010). Public Trust Corporation Act 1995, Annotated Statutes of Malaysia, Issue 84, Malayan Law Journal Sdn Bhd.

29. Bulan, R. (Contributing Editor) (2010). Trustees Act 1949, Annotated Statutes of Malaysia. Malayan Law Journal Sdn Bhd.

30. Shad Saleem Faruqi (2009). Document of Destiny - The Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia.

31. Bulan, R. (2008). Statutory Recognition of Native Customary Rights To Land Under the Sarawak Land Code 1958: Starting at the Right Place, Journal of Malaysian and Comparative Law, 34, 21.

32 . Bulan, R. (2007). International Law and Indigenous Peoples: Integrating International Norms For the Protection of Indigenous Minorities in Malaysia. Soochow Law Journal, IV(1), 145-173.

33. Bulan, R. (2007). Native Title As A Complementary, Sui Generis Right in Malaysia, Australian Indigenous Law Review, 11(1), 54-78

34. Sridevi Thambapillay (2007). The Dilemma As to Registration of Customary Marriages: Finally Laid to Rest?

35. Bulan, R. (2007). Rights of Vulnerable Groups: Indigenous Peoples, in SUHAKAM After 6 Years: Are We Honestly, Making Any Headway? Era Consumer Malaysia, 59-68.

36. Bulan, R. (2006). Native Customary Land: The Trust As a Device For Land Development in Sarawak, in Fadzilah Majid-Cooke (ed.) State, Communities and Forests in 21st Century Borneo: Negotiating Law and State, Resource Management Asia and The Pacific Programme, Australian National University E Press.

37. Tay, PS, Hanafi Hussein, Khaw, LT, and Bulan, R. (2005). Protecting the Traditional Cultural Expressions of Indigenous Peoples: A Case Study of the Kadazan Dusun Penampang Community in Sabah, Malaysia. Borneo Research Journal, 4, 14-168

38. Bulan, R. (2005). Native Title, in Ramy Bulan and Sujata Balan (eds), Survey of Malaysian Law, University of Malaya Press. 257-275

39. Sridevi Thambapillay (2005). Karunairajah A/L Rasiah v Punithambigai A/P Ponniah: The Need to Amend Section 95 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976? Journal of Malaysian And Comparative Law 2005, 32, Penerbitan Universiti Malaya.

40. Bulan, R. (2004). Equity and Trust, Including Administration of Estates, in Sharifah Suhana (ed), Survey of Malaysian Law 2004, University Malaya Press.

41. Bulan, R. (2003). Boundaries, Territorial Domains, and Kelabit Customary Practices: Discovering the Hidden Landscape, Borneo Research Bulletin, 34, 18-61.

42. Wan Arfah Hamzah and Ramy Bulan (2002). Introduction to the Malaysian Legal System. Oxford Fajar. A standard text for first year Law students and other disciplines.

43. Bulan, R. (2001). Court and Tribunal Decisions: Nor Nyawai and Ors v Borneo Pulp Plantations, Australian Indigenous Law Reporter, 6 (3), 82-84. Lexis-Nexis, Butterworths.

44. Bulan, R. (2001). Native Title as a Proprietary Right under the Federal Constitution in Peninsula Malaysia: A Step in The Right Direction? Asia Pacific Law Review, 9(1), 83-101. Kluwer Law International.

45. Bulan, R. (2000). Wills, Probate And Administration, in Gan Ching Chuan (ed), Survey of Malaysian Law, University of Malaya Press.

46. Ramy Bulan, (1999). The Detriment Element And The Reinterpretation of The Equitable Estoppel Doctrine in Malaysia. Journal of Malaysian and Comparative Law, 26 (2), 49-69. University Malaya Press.

47. Bulan, R. (1999). Native Status and the Law , in Wu Min Aun (ed), Public Law in Contemporary Malaysia, Longman, 248-292.

48. Bulan, R. (1999). Appointment, Removal and Retirement of Trustees, in George, Mary, Malaysian Law of Trust, Pelanduk Publications, 271- 277.

49. Bulan, R. (1994). Implied Trusts and Illegality: How Clean Is Clean? 21 Journal Of Malaysian And Comparative Law, University of Malaya Press, 117-156.

50. Bulan, R. (1993). Equity and Trust (Including the Administration of Estates) in P.Balan (ed) Survey of Malaysian Law, Malayan Law Journal, 111-129,

51. Norafifah Ab Hamid, Nor Azlina Abd Wahab, Norajila Che Man, Mohd Nazim Ganti Shaari, Pg Ismail Pg Musa. Gejala Transgender di Malaysia: Sorotan Awal Kajian dari Perspektif Islam dan Undang-undang di Malaysia.

52. Pg Ismail Pg Musa (Work in progress). Peranan Institut Tahfiz Al quran Negeri Sabah ke Arah Kebolehpasaran Huffaz dan Kecemerlangan Pendidikan Tahfiz Di saba

53. Pg Ismail Pg Musa (Work in progress). Pengurusan Kes Permohonan Pengesahan Status Agama di Sabah.

54. Pg Ismail Pg Musa (Work in progress). Formalising Traditional Legal System in Sabah: Challenges and Prospects

55. Ramy Bulan (Work in progress). Indigenous Legal Traditions and Native Customary Land Rights (Sweet & Maxwell)