President Obama in Malaysia

Thank you US Embassy for the invitation to attend the Town Hall for Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) with President Barack Obama. I would like to share just a few general impressions of the event and President Obama's speech.

I felt so proud to witness the first American President since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. YESEALI was held in Dewan Tun Canselor, University of Malaya at around 3.30 p.m. The security in the campus was very strict. The queue started around 11.00 a.m. in front of the Dewan Tun Canselor. 

Dewan Tun Canselor, University of Malaya

The participants that waited to enter the hall

The 10 flags in the hall represented the young leaders from the 10 ASEAN member countries to tackle what Southeast Asian youth have identified the greatest challenges i.e. civic engagement, education, economic development and environmental protection. 

OBAMA POWER! HAHA :D

The Town Hall session kicked start with Mr. Obama's greetings in Bahasa Malayu. He said that "Malaysia Boleh" was resemblance to "Yes We Can" throughout his presidency campaign. He emphasized the power of youth towards the nation building and transform the world into a better place. The vision of our world lies in the hands of the youths. Together, we can achieve just, prosperous and peace. 

Now I would like to share some highlight on President Obama's speech:-

1. Equality

"Malaysia won't succeed if non-Muslims don't have opportunity" the best quote of the day. He emphasized in the "togetherness" despite the races, religions, languages and differences. It is important to respect the diversity because it is the uniqueness of this nation. The diversity creates unique intersection of humanity. The equality of different background and ethnic groups is important to achieve a prosperous nation. He further expressed that we should appreciate our differences and background, it shouldn't be a reason to discriminate.

2. Perseverance

The problem that most of the youth facing today is being "impatience". Impatience is usually defined as irritation with anything that causes delay. It is a strength to change something but sometimes, we can be disappointed if change doesn't happen immediately. He pointed out the need to persevere and do not give up easily in whatever field that we are doing. I appreciate his encouragement because I face the same problem as well. I always look forward to achieve result immediately without realizing the importance of strong foundation. Daisaku Ikeda once said "What is easily done can be easily undone. To move steadily forward on one's chosen path, step after step, whether or not others are watching; to meet difficulties with the steady, relentless strength ceaselessly flowing water-such firmness of purpose, such integrity and perseverance builds a foundation that can be never compromised." Never give up. 

3. Money

Mr. President said if we want to start a business, we should be really excited about the product and it shouldn't just about how much money we can make. For example Bill Gates who started Microsoft are really interested in what they do and they really think that it can make a difference in people. He said "I think the most important thing for me was when I started thinking more about other people and how I could have impact in my larger society and community, and wasn't just thinking about myself." That's when your dreams can really come true, if we think about others, our world gets bigger. (Y)

4. Time

Mr. President discourage us to spend every minute of every day working (yayyy!) It is because we have to enjoy life. But it is also important to spend time wisely because most of us have spent awful lot of time on watching TV or playing games. When we add it up, we could have spent more time in learning a new language or other meaningful things. Remember time losses can never be redeemed, we must use time as a tool.

5. Family 

Spend more time with family because in the end, the family is such an important part of our life! He warned those who have not called their parents lately to care about their family. Malchor Lim once said, you must make an effort to appreciate what you have, who loves you and who cares for you, because you will never know how much they mean to you until the day they are no longer beside you. Spend lots of quality time with the people you love, someday you will either regret not doing so or you will be glad for what you did. 

Many people are saying that it was wasted opportunity because the participants had threw weak questions. In my opinion this talk is rather personal one for us to know how a president think. He might be dealing with political and global issues everyday but the answer by Obama to those simple questions really inspired me. Please be informed that the participants is formed from high school students until graduated youths. It is not fair to generalize everyone as there were only a few people randomly selected to ask. I had prepared so many questions in hand but I was not being selected to to share my questions and thoughts with Mr. President. (face problem maybe?) I hope to see him in the near future to have a greater discussions with him :)

Anyway, I SHAKE HANDS with Obama today!! 

(p/s: Please don't ever touch my hand because I am not going to wash it for the next 3 days haha!)

Sources: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/04/27/remarks-president-obama-young-southeast-asian-leaders-initiative-town-ha

METICULOUS

2014 kick off with a great lesson.

Reflected on how I worked in my very first month, I did mistakes in my borang 1-5, screw sq,hs,cs,ke work, transcribing problems etc. The one and only reason that caused the problem is nobody else but myself.

I remember how my mum scolded me of not closing my closet most of the time, criticized the disorder manner of my clothes, never put back the things that I took from etc. I told myself I don't want to waste my time in these tiny mini little things that affect my more important things. Eventually the "cincai" habit (simply do) have became my bad habit that have an adverse impact in my pieces of work done.

The METICULOUS needed to be trained in my daily life. For instance, if I am going to mop a floor in my condo, I could just cincai run a mop over the floor without paying extra attention to it as long as I mop it. Previously, I used to think that "ceh, don't waste my time doing those preparations, it's just a floor anyway". However, there are so many skills required to mop it properly. I definitely need to wear my specs (in order to see the floor clearly), then I need to move all of the furniture and other items on the floor. After putting the right mixture of the chemicals in the bucket, I also need to ensure the mop head is clean without much water on it. I can now start going from left to right or vice versa. After that I have to make sure that the chemical residue free from the bucket and the floor. The floor not only looks better and cleaner by using the right method and proper portion of the chemical, it will be will be germ-free too! No one might notice the difference but it doesn't change the fact that the floor is not the cleanest unless I put a meticulous effort in mopping the floor.

But look at a larger picture, apply the same technique to life and work. The best example in pupillage is to do transcribing. One can choose to do it with cincai attitude or to do it wholeheartedly. Doing transcribing might be time consuming but these are all the valuable practices to become a more meticulous and careful person.  We all make mistakes but efforts can be done to minimize the mistakes. Also, nobody is perfect but I strive to do the absolute best that I can. 

"Being a pupil is not an excuse to make mistakes, we need to treat EVERY single piece of work equally and take it very carefully" 

The question now is HOW CAN I BE METICULOUS?

Patience is one of the key factor. Many instances the work can't be done properly because I lost patience at the end. So practicing patience in even the smallest thing in my self.

Discipline and perseverance is another challenges that I am trying to encounter. Do the best piece of work disregard of whether the work was given by other pupils, secretary, associates or even partner. With the meticulous habit, I believe that it will prevent any bigger problems that cause more work in the long run.

Looking at my favourite Lamborghini, every bolt, inch of piping, machine in the engine were meticulously designed to ensure the car doesn't fall apart when I am driving in highway. Similarly, I want to be more and more meticulous in whatever undertakings in the present and future to ensure my bright future *wink*

I feel thankful for the all the constructive criticisms that inspired me to do my human revolution. 

p/s: I shall continue exercise more and more to keep myself energetic! I believe that meticulous can only be achieved when I have the strong mental and physical condition to face any challenge in my life.

ALL THE BEST!!!

I believe my great things are coming real soon! 

NMHRK

212

2.12 is a prosperous day for me! It's not only my first anniversary after I enshrined Gohonzon, it is also my first day of pupillage! I believe it's a gift from Gohonzon. :)

Muhammad Ali Jinnah once said:" I do not believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right." Similarly, instead of wishing and hoping to get a good master or gain the best knowledge, I want to create positive values and greatest memories in my 9 months of pupillage! Therefore, I have listed 9 resolutions in my pupillage.

1. Passion

I still remember vividly where I can't answer the interviewer's question in relation to my future. Although it is important to live at the present, I want to discover my passion and focus in a specific area that I love. Passion energizes me to get up each morning and help me to find direction in my life and career. 

2. Healthy 

This seems like a must-have list in each and every of my resolution. I believe nothing can be done without mentally and physically health. Equipped with best facilities in my condominium, I must hit the gym/swimming pool/badminton court/futsal/squash more often! Also, I wish to get my golf handicap. Most importantly, I must achieve my goal-weight of 52kg. I can do it!

3. Friends

I want to be surrounded and associated with like-minded and passionate friends that can inspire me to do better. Let's try the law of attractions yayy!

4. Attitude 

A positive attitude causes a chain of reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. Be humble and kind to people. I am thinking of sharing positive messages with random strangers. HAHAHHA. Always treat everyone as you would want them to treat you. Be confident and fearless.  

5. Opportunites

Challenges are opportunities. There is no adversity that I cannot transform based on the Buddhist principle of "changing poison into medicine." Challenges keep a fire in my belly and my passion high. I am not going to let myself stressed out. When I feel that rush of stress, I am going to sit back and put my hands behind my head and stretch out my legs. Be prepared to receive my "crazy notes" or "love letters" to distress lol 

6. Reading

This is one of my weakness that I am trying to overcome. I must read newspaper/e-news everyday.

7. Financial 

Make money in Riggit and spend in Ruppiah and I want for nothing. I truly understand pupillage can't really earn much money but I believe that the knowledge is my greatest treasure that I will gain. It is important to have my financial planning to ensure my monthly expenses are bare minimum. You guys can still date me for lunch/dinner because I have budget for it ;d Hopefully I can get myself a Swiss automatic watch after the 9 months!

8. Blog

A minimum of 9 posts per month. I want to polish my English and share my interesting pupillage experiences with you all :)))

9. Kosen rufu

I want to contribute to my life and share it with others. One of the best ways to share passion with friends, family and colleagues is through face-to-face dialogue. That is why I much value in gatherings and soka activities. I believe it will help me to discover and reaffirm my passsion, resulting in an incredibly amazing and productive months in my pupillage. 

I foresee the traffic congestion in my near future. It will my best opportunity to chant :) Chant a minimum 30 minutes for the luck, faith, wisdom and happiness for all.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Interview Tips for Chambering Student

Congratulations on the completion of your legal education. Kudos for your accomplishment in reaching this wonderful milestone! I am sure most of the graduates are gearing up for their chambering/pupillage. Here are some interview tips to help you during your chambering interview. Also refer to my previous post.

We all know preparation is the key to success at any interview. Please bear in mind that the legal market is very competitive. If you are being contacted for an interview, it means that you are a potential chambering student (or also known as "chambee"). You need to do some homework if you want to get the job.

Before the Interview

• Please ensure that you know your resume well. Be honest in your CV and do not exaggerate about what you have done. 
• Read some developments in regards to legal scene or current issues.
• Equipped yourself with basic legal principles (Contract Law, Company Law, Land Law, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, your favourite subject depending on your desire firm)
• Research on the firm and review the job description. You wouldn't want to go to a conveyancing firm if you want to be a litigator in the future.

During the Interview

• Plan to arrive the firm 30 minutes as oppose to LeeShih's suggestion before the interview. It is because you need to fill up your particulars that has already shown in your CV .Some firms require you to do some personality test such as Zul Rafique, Raja Darryl & Loh etc. Some other firms have aptitude test for the candidates such as Rahmat Lim & Partners, Zaid Ibrahim & Co, Naqiz & Partners, Cheah Teh & Su, Wong & Partners etc. Some firm even need to do presentation-Kadir Andri & Partners. 
• Dress well. A smart casual will do. Avoid bright or flashy colours to project an image of professionalism. A decent light make up would be sufficient for female candidate.
• Start your interview by greeting the interviewer with a smile :)
• Maintain eye contact with interviewers at all times.
• Please prepare "tell me about yourself" This classic question seems very easy yet very important to leave a good impression.
• Ask your interviewer questions because it demonstrate your passion for the job opportunity. However, try to avoid the money related question because you roughly know about the market price. The employer will tell you the allowances in advance if they plan to hire you. In KL, the chambering remuneration package is ranging from 1k-3.5k. Bigger firms usually offer higher allowances. 

After the interview

• Thank the interviewer for their time. Also not forgetting the receptionist or whoever who have assisted you.
• Send them a thank you note!
• Follow up your application status

Conclusion

I understand that some big firms prefer overseas graduate. But please do not hesitate to try out even you are a local graduates like I do. Never put yourself in the position of regretting what you did not try. Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out and make the best in your interview regardless of your background. 

Also, be confident in yourself! Stay true to yourself throughout your application process. Always follow your heart and inner voice when making decision. Nothing can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by others saying.

Even you have failed in your first few interviews, please do not discourage and keep going on. Daisaku Ikeda once said: "Do you give up the struggle to overcome your own limitations on the first attempt, or do you keep on with it, trying a second time, third time and continuing on in the challenge for the rest of your life. That's the only difference between the genius and the ordinary person."  DON'T GIVE UP. The best has yet to come.

I am starting my chambering next month! Psyched myself up with full of hope, I can't wait to see what beckons. No stress no fun! I really look forward to meet my mentor who is able to unlock my potential. NMHRK!

Do your absolute best in your pupillage

GOOD LUCK!

x

Sources: LoyarBurok, e-lawyer, jobsdb, friends

change for the better

Very often I have a lots to tell but somehow they have just left untold. Sometimes I am just being secretive to tell anything because I don't want to let many people know what's going on in my life. I like to keep things to only a small circle of people due to the possible danger in the new media. I don't feel like I could write truthfully on this blog for a long time, but I am trying to think a direction for this blog because I don't want to abandon my old good friend-my blog. 

My dearest readers might have some idea what is going on. I reckon most of the people thought I am going to JB but I have changed my mind two days before I commence my pupillage in JB. Things happened that is out of my control. Marilyn Monroe once said:

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they are right. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

Psyched myself up with full of hope and spirits, waiting to start a new life, waiting to see what beckons. I am excited about pupillage, and yet apprehensive as usual. The work, stress, possibility of growing fat :p 

Everything is a vibration:-everything you see, everything you feel and everything you think. Things happened to match what you habitually think. If you are worried, you attract more things that are worrisome. If you are appreciative, you attract more things to appreciate. 

November has been an unpredictable month that is full of excitements. I have learnt how to give myself a second options. Most importantly to follow my heart. 

Keep believing Nam Myoho Renge Kyo 

How to get your IRD Number and Tax Refund in one day?

Hello my NZWH friends! 

Working Holiday in New Zealand in an exciting scheme where you can gain valuable experience by your own funding to travel throughout New Zealand. IRD number is an unique 9-digit number given by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for your employer to deduct tax from your earnings. 

How are you applying IRD number and getting full tax refund in one day? I'm going to share with you my exciting stories!

Getting an IRD Number in one day

1. Telephone Number

This is the first thing you need to do after you have reached the NZ airport. There are three major telecommunication companies:- 

• Telekom
• Vodafone
• 2 Degrees.

I bought Vodafone because everyone is going to that shop -.- Telekom is an awesome company that you might want to consider. 2 Degrees is not available in the airport, you can find it in the town. But bear in mind that their reception is not so good compared to Telekom or Vodafone.

2.Bank Account

There are several banks in New Zealand:-

• ANZ
• BNZ 
• ASB 
• Kiwibank

Kiwibank is very convenient because it is integrated with post office. I opened a Kiwibank account after I have settled down. You need to prepare a copy of of your working holidays visa, passport, driving license, phone number, and your address in New Zealand for the application. You can get a bank card right after your application. You can also apply for a Visa card for free if you have settled down in NZ.

*you can apply for your IRD Number in Kiwibank if you are not hurry.*

3. Offer Letter 

I was so lucky to secure a placement in kiwi pack house within one day. For those who are interested in Eastpack, you may e-mail to the HR Manager directly to schedule an interview. [please get the e-mail address from me if you are interested]. She will issue an Offer Letter right after the interview. This Offer Letter is very crucial to obtain your IRD Number within one day.

4. IRD Number Application

Go to the IRD Branch is the fastest method you can get your IRD Number within one day. Try to make an appointment before you go to the IRD branch by phone call. You can either go to the Takapuna branch/Manukau branch in Auckland. Get ready your copy of working holiday visa, passport, translated driving license, bank account details, phone number, offer letter and the completed Individual tax [IR 595] application form. Tell the officer that you need the IRD Number urgently by showing them the Offer Letter.

*you can get their IRD Number fast without an Offer Letter provided if you are good in bullshit.*

Then you will get an IRD Number by a phone call from IRD within 24 hours. 

Getting your full tax refund in one day

There are two methods where you can get your tax refund before you leave New Zealand.

• online application [The IRD Officer advice me to apply it but I have never tried it before. Apply it 1-2 months before you leave new zealand] 
• go to the IRD Branch

Friday

I reached Auckland on Friday bacause my flights back to Durianland is on Tuesday morning. I went to the Inland Revenue Department to settle my tax refund because I didn't know how to do it online. I filled in Individual tax return [IR 3] form together with my flight details to speed up the tax refund. 

When I met up with the tax specialist, I asked them in regards to the tax relief in New Zealand. The tax specialist said that if your country has a DTA with New Zealand, you may be exempt from NZ income tax. There are many countries that had signed the DTA with New Zealand including Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and most of the Europe Countries.  

For instance, if you are a student visiting NZ, a resident of the other Contracting State [MY/SG/TW/CN] and is present in the NZ solely for the purpose of his education or training shall not be taxed in NZ on payments (including salary or wages) to the extent to which he receives such payments for the purposes of his maintenance can be exempt from tax payment.

After the long discussion with the specialist, I was being exempted from the tax payment and entitled to get the full tax refund. The tax specialist said it is possible to issue a cheque on Monday.

Monday

I was hopeful to get the cheque and cash before I go back home but I did have high expectation. I met up with my best friend and we did some shopping together. I got a call from IRD to get the cheque around 3 o'clock. 

3.05 p.m.

My friend and I took a bus to go to the IRD branch. The bus was moving like a turtle and we have decided to take a cab to IRD branch because it is closing around 4.30p.m. 

3.45 p.m.

The clock are ticking but the taxi has yet to come. Finally we saw the taxi and we reached IRD around 4.o5 p.m.

[Advise: Never take a cab in NZ because it's bloody expensive. It cost around NZD 68 for 15 mins drive FML]

4.05 p.m.

I ran to the IRD to get my cheque. They have issued an ASB cheque to me. I ran to the bank to get the cash because the ASB bank are closing at 4.30pm too. 

4.15 p.m.

They requested to photocopy my passport as a procedural requirement. After the long checking procedure by the ASB, ASB could not give the cash due to the signatory problem on the cheque. ASB asked me to go back to the IRD to ask for clarifications.

4.45 p.m.

The IRD has closed when I ran back. I felt so desperate because both IRD and ASB has closed! I met a staff in IRD exit and she adviced me to bank into Kiwibank instead of taking the cash instantly. I followed her advice and ran to the Kiwibank bank.

5.25 p.m.

When I reached Kiwibank, I realized that ASB Bank did not return my passport!!! HOW AM I GOING BACK HOME TOMORROW MORNING???! I knocked at the ASB's door desperately and I saw an angel waiting for me to get my passport back! They did not have my contact number and I felt so touch when I saw the worker were waiting for me. I can't imagine the consequence if I did not get my passport back on time.

[Lesson learnt: Passport is the most important thing, you can lose everything but not your passport]

So that's how I got my full tax refund in a day. I thought it was the happy ending...

The beginning of nightmare
I received a letter from the IRD after I reached home. They said that I was not entitled to get full refund under the law because they have construed the law wrongly. So I have to pay them back a big sum of money. 

I appealed by giving them 1001 reasons why I should not pay them back but my application was being rejected.

FINALLY, my tax relief was granted last week after several appeals! 

Congratulations to me! *claps*

Conclusion:

Working holidays in New Zealand has filled with so many ups and downs. Many wonderful things happen when you initiate. I might be late to be called to the bar, but I want to be proud when I look back when I reach mid-20s in a few years time. All I want is to meet the best people I could meet at a point of time, tried everything that I wanted to try (cooking, working, woofing, helpX, farming, couch surfing, hitch hiking etc) and done the best that I could have done. 

I walked away to talk to local kiwi and trying to understand how their life was. Learning Maori language with all my Maori brothers and sisters was one of my best experiences in NZ! Understanding the place is definitely more important than having photos to proof you have set foot there!

Warren Buffet believes that the best investment you can make is to invest in yourself. The more you learn, the more you earn. I have spent my precious time to invest in myself in this beautiful journey. Find something that you like to do and you will never work a day in your life. Let's start investing in ourselves to figure out what is our true passion and interest :D

Guess where is my favourite place in New Zealand?
1. Lake Tekapo
2. Opotiki
3. Queenstown
4. Christchurch
5. Oamaru  
6. Kaikoura
7. Glenorchy
8. Fairlie
9. Wanaka

Please choose one and send the answer to Googlemei Page.
>>The Malaysian Winner is entitle to get a FREE BBH Card :D

尋找失去的微笑

如果說生命是一張七彩的唱片，那麼微笑就是一首和諧的歌，它能使生活更加燦爛；如果說生命是一個音符，那麼微笑就是一架鋼琴，它能使你的生活生動起來。池田先生說過不管遇見什麼事情都要開心的面對。我一直也很欣賞路飛的精神。我原本以為我是快樂天使，微笑永遠都沒有截至日期。

但不知何時開始我臉上的微笑漫漫不見了。我真的很努力尋找往日的開心，尋找那遺失的微笑。現在是我人生最最最黃金的假期，想做什麼都可以，想去哪裡都可以，豐衣足食。但我發現自己有越來越多的缺點。漫長的假期竟然請來了憂鬱先生的來探訪！

當我推開一層一層的心門時，我竟然發現自己內心的聲音。我發現自己原來為自己做的決定那麼心疼。做決定的時候考慮很多身邊的人，讓自己比較“輕鬆”過日子，但卻忘記問最真實的內心。自己心理有了答案，卻違背心願。然後看著自己的微笑漸漸消失。雖然就只有短短的九個月，難道地方真的可以磨滅你想學習的決心嗎？那是不可能的，我一定努力去創造價值，為我的決定負責任。我相信唱題會給我最好的路，會便毒為藥。

失去了微笑就像船隻沒有了指南針迷失方向；失去了微笑就像小鳥失去了翅膀飛不上藍天。要知道時間不會因為你不開心就停止不前，生活也不會為了你的悲傷而同情你。為甚麼不讓自己快快樂樂的度過每一天？微笑的面對考驗讓自己更加堅強！

生活就是一面鏡子，你對它笑它也會對你笑。為了自己，微笑吧，放下那些不開心的事。有些事拿得起就該放的下。不要讓自己過得太累，不要背著難過，不要把悲傷壓在肩膀上而變得脆弱。 在家根本不帶面具的我，不需要壓抑自己，想哭就大聲哭吧！然後開心瀟灑面對自己。

有理想遠見是件好事，但是不需要太過擔心未來而忘了珍惜最美好的“當下”。要找回戰勝自己的信心和勇氣，現在要尋找回失去的微笑！

世界為我加油

Investing in yourself!

"Two roads diverged in a wood, I took the one less traveled by"-Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken

It has been almost eight month since I completed my studies in University. While everyone is busy completing their pupillage before being called to the bar, I am still happily having my looooong holidays. Many people do not really understand why I am wasting my time for those "nonsense".

Many wonderful things happen when you initiate. I might be late to be called to the bar, but I want to be proud when I look back when I reach mid-20s in a few years time. All I want is to meet the best people I could meet at a point of time, tried everything that I wanted to try and done the best that I could have done. I have actually spending time to invest in myself in the holidays when I walked away to talk to local kiwi and trying to understand how their life was. Understanding the place is definitely more important than having photos to proof you have set foot there!

Warren Buffet believes that the best investment you can make is to invest in yourself. The more you learn, the more you earn. Find something that you like to do and you will never work a day in your life. Let's start investing in ourselves to figure out what is our true passion and interest.

October, the month of investment and transformation from inner to outer of myself. I will keep you updates about my transformation!

See you readers! 

ROAR~

Forget about all those troublesome things, focus and enjoy in my FINAL exam!

I hope all of you can graduate smoothly and successfully :)

GOOD LUCK!

ROAR LIKE A LION~~

NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO!

legal attachment and chambering at KL?

I am sure most of you guys (who are not from KL) will be struggling to choose for a suitable firm for your legal attachment or chambering at KL!

First of all, it is important to know what is your interest in any specific area of law at the first place. There are three main limbs in the law practice namely corporate, litigation, and conveyancing. Of course there are different other specification such as Intellectual Property, Banking etc. I did some research before and make a list of law firms that you may want to go:-

Corporate

1. Skrine (BF)
2. Shearn Delamore & Co (BF) 
3. ZICOlaw (BF)
4. Kadir Andri and Partners (MBF)
5. Zul Rafique and; Partners (MBF)
6. Wong & Partners (MBF)
7. Albar & Partners (MF)
8. Adnan Sundra & Law (MF)
9. Rahmat Lim & Partners (MF)
10. Raslan Loong (MF)
11. Jeff Leong Poon & Wong (MF)
12. Cheang & Ariff (MF)

BF: big firm

MBF: medium big firm

MF: medium firm

What is corporate work all about? Based on my three months legal attachment experiences in a corporate firm. You will be most likely be assigned to do Due Diligence, opinion writing, drafting agreements, attend company AGM/EGM, scheme of arrangement course papers preparation, takeover and mergers agreements, prepare some due diligence planning memorandum, drafting the proposal based on the Bursa Listing Requirements and any other relevant policy and law. I love corporate so much because you are exposed to many new area that is totally unrelated to law. Say if we are preparing the documents of a theme park, you have to study the animals characteristics. You have to read about the astronomy, technology, hello kitty and everything else you can think off! :D

Litigation

1. Lee Hishammudin Allen Glendhill (BF)
2. Shook Lin and Bok (BF)
3. Shearn Delamore & Co (BF)
4. ZICO law (BF)
5. Skrine (BF)
6. Zul Rafique (MBF)
7. Kadir Andri and Partners (MBF) 
8. Malik Imtiaz Sarwar 
9. Thomas Phillip
10. Tommy Thomas 
11. Messers Wong Kian Kheong 
12. Karpal Singh and Co

I've never really experience the real litigation. But I saw my friends are doing research and transcribing. There are some review of Skrine and Lee Hisammudin  (LHAG) based on Elyse experience when she had a summer break from Cambridge. She spent 3 weeks in LHAG and Skrine. She did not have much legal knowledge at that time and doing some research or transcribing or reading case files.

Also, there are other concerns that might take into your considerations.

Transportation:

• If you are opting to take LRT instead of driving, then you may concern some firms that located nearby the LRT station such as Shearn, LHAG, Kadir Andir etc
• If you are driving, then you can go wherever you want!
• For the non-KL person, it is highly recommended to buy a GPS/Garmin/Papago to survive in KL. I still don't understand why can I sesat in KL with all the latest electronic gadgets ftw.

Accommodation

• Okay, I have not much advice on this because I was lucky to stay with my relatives throughout my attachment programme, remember to find some place with many many food! ;d

Money

• If you are going for attachment programme, normally big firms doesn't pay much or even zero pay. That's why I became so kiamsiap after my attachment!!
• If you are going for chambering, and if money is your concern-then you may concern Wong & Partners, Thomas Phillip, Rahmat Lim, KAAP etc (But I think you need not to concern too much since we are still learning)

Friends

• Medium big or big firms have normally more attachment and chambering students. And the after work lifestyle is really happening.
• But medium firms and small firms have another close relationship between each other like a family! It has less company politics i think?

Conclusion

The experiences are differs from person to person, the most important thing in your attachment and chambering programme is your own attitude and initiation. Also, pray hard to have a gooood master and mentor who are willing to teach you and guide you :)

Please refer to interview tips.

GOOD LUCK!

Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture 2012

I came across the existence of Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture in the news posted in our bulletin board. The topic of the year is "Scandalizing judiciary: Criticism of judges and the law of contempt." It was definitely an interesting topic that I've learnt in my professional practice before, thus I would definitely delighted to explore more about the lecture. After I settled all my assignments and submissions, I finally made it to attend the lecture which was held in Mandarin Oriental Hotel on 9th Sept 2012.

The speaker of the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture was conducted by Lord David Pannick QC (Queen's Councel). According to the news published in the Star Newspaper, he is one of the most prominent QC in the Commonwealth country and he is famous for human rights cases. 

The lecture started with the lovely orchestra. Unfortunately Sultan Azlan Shah couldn't attend the talk for this year. The gist of the lecture is that the necessity to strike a balance between the law of contempt and the freedom of speech. Lord Pannick had cited numerous cases in different countries to illustrate the consequence of criticism of judges and the law of contempt. Lord Pannick suggests that the law of contempt for criticism of the judges should be abolished. In my opinion, there will be no improvements without criticism. It is good for the public to comment and criticize the judgment made by the court. The law of contempt must be exercised fairly and with due care to avoid injustice.

The highlight of the day is definitely the food! I love the salmon sushi, satay, nasi berani, cheese cakes, macarons, puddings and fruits provided after the lecture :d No wonder my UM friends reminded me to grab food over there, hahahaha!

It was really great to see Izzat, Aroma, Adam, JR, Rohan, Yingle, Gobith, Joanne, Janice, Joshua, Chin Yong, Zain, Clinton, LeeLian etc etc from KAAP and TP! Also, I am happy to see the other "cute" side of our lecturers throughout the excursion! I can't believe they loves taking photographs too, we are taking photographs everywhere even in the middle of the road, hehe!

I shall continue my preparation for final exams now, good luck!

wanted.

MMU law juniors wanted.

I've a sudden thought of creating a buddy system! 

I am really grateful for some awesome seniors that have given me countless advice in my studies before. It's time to repay their greatness to "torture" some juniors hahaha! Maybe due to my inactivity in law school, I do not know much of my juniors in law school. I will start looking for some cute juniors to be my successor yay!

A buddy system is a form of family, where a senior (like me) act as guides for junior or new students. I think it is necessary to create an informal pastoral care system where juniors can seek advice for how to approach reading law, most importantly gossips about law lecturers, giving advice on what books are essential for studies, offering to help prepare examination, sharing my previous notes and tutorial answers, legal attachment, subjects selection, and sharing any problems without having access to lecturer whom may not be as friendly as me LMAO! *syiok sendiri* It will be great for the juniors and seniors to mix together by organising different social events for buddy families too!

Let's hope for the formation of my buddy family :D

How to impress examiners

I find this article quite useful especially for law students :)

Reflecting On The Law
By Shad Saleem Faruqi

The semester examination has just ended at my university. Working late till the wee hours of many mornings, I completed the evaluation of several thick bundles of examination scripts. As always, a fair number of answers were illegible, incomprehensible and terribly disorganised.

FOR all of us in the teaching profession, the periodic ordeal of marking examination scripts arouses suicidal as well as homicidal instincts!

Many students fail to exhibit basic knowledge of the subject and, understandably, fail the examination. Others have undoubted ability but not the technique or methodology of writing effective answers. It is to the latter group of law students that I wish to address today’s column.

Let me begin by saying that law is “reasoned argument”. To perform satisfactorily in the field, some special skills and techniques need to be cultivated.

Language: A law student should understand that oral and written communication skills are absolutely indispensable for the effective practice of the law. Law students should seek constantly to improve their command of the language by reading newspapers, law books and law journals.

Original sources: A good law student buys her own textbooks and statutes and does not rely entirely on class handouts. She constantly supplements class handouts with self-study from textbooks and adds to the “bank account” of knowledge opened by the lecturer for the students.

Art of reading: Reading is an art. Unless we have a smart strategy, it is entirely possible to get lost in the undergrowth. In reading a book or article, the student must avoid beginning at the beginning and plodding to the end. She must first look at the headings and sub-headings to get a broad feel or outline of what the chapter contains.

She must proceed from the general to the particular; from the woods to the trees. If an easy book or handout is available, she must read that first to get a background.

Self-study: Her study techniques must have three aims. First, to understand the basic principles of the law. Second, to recall basic ideas. To achieve this she must summarise the main principles or ideas in simple diagrams, charts, “magic words” or acronyms. These “scaffoldings” or outlines must be committed to memory. A third aim must be to evaluate existing materials and to highlight the flaws in the laws.

Attending tutorials: Successful students go prepared to class bubbling with queries. During the class or tutorial, they don’t just hear, they listen. They jot down prolific notes. They ask questions orally or by e-mail or in other written form. They participate.

Study groups: Successful law students form informal groups for study and revision. They try to be in a group of hard workers and independent thinkers. They encourage differences rather than conformity. They expose their understanding to scrutiny by others.

Summarising notes: Organising, systematising and summarising knowledge is the best way to master it. In preparation for the examination, a good student summarises each topic on one A4 page or on index cards or uses flow charts or diagrams to organise the vast amount of material collected.

For example, the whole topic of constitutional supremacy in constitutional law can be summed up in six points:

> Article 4(1) and 162(6) on supremacy of the Constitution

> Fundamental rights

> Federal-state division of powers

> Judicial review

> Amendment process

> Darurat (emergency).

These six points can, in turn, be summed up in one magic acronym AFFJAD to help you to recall the broad contours of the topic effortlessly.

Likewise, important cases could be summed up in half a page with a few lines each on three important parts of each case: the facts, the issues, and the court’s decision on each issue.

Past years’ examination papers: Familiarity with existing patterns of evaluation helps greatly in preparation. A successful student obtains and analyses past years’ examination questions. She prepares charts to discover the examiners’ preferences or patterns. She is, however, aware that examiners change from year to year and are not bound by patterns or precedents.

Practising written answers: A good student solves some past years’ questions and submits them to her lecturer for evaluation. This way she seeks to learn by simulation. She submits her knowledge as well as her methodology to sympathetic scrutiny.

Effective presentation: Examinations are like life. Substance is important but so is show! An organised, easy-to-read presentation always secures higher marks than one that is all jumbled up, disconnected and disorganised.

In writing her answers in the examination hall, a wise student does not start writing the moment she is allowed to do so. She spends five minutes organising her answer; drawing up the scaffolding or the outline on the left page of the answer book.

ATACR formula: For each essay or problem question, a wise student follows the ATACR formula.

 “A” stands for analysis or breakdown of the question or problem into its constituent parts. The more issues the student spots, the higher her marks are likely to be.

“T” refers to theory or the law relating to each issue identified above. The theory and the law are found in statutes, decided cases and juristic works.

The next “A” stands for application of theory or law to the facts of the case or question at hand.

“C” refers to conclusion on the point being discussed and “R” signifies the remedy or course of action to be recommended.

Exam fever is coming again! Good luck!