A First Look at the Malaysian Legal System by Wan Arfah Hamzah is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Malaysian legal system. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the sources of Malaysian law to the structure of the Malaysian court system, and provides readers with a detailed overview of the key features of the Malaysian legal system.
One of the strengths of the book is its clear and concise writing style. The author uses simple language and avoids legal jargon, making the book accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of the legal system. The book is also well-structured, with each chapter focusing on a specific topic and building on the knowledge gained in previous chapters.
The book begins by providing an overview of the sources of Malaysian law, including the Federal Constitution, legislation, and case law. The author then goes on to explain the structure of the Malaysian court system, including the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way in which it explores the interaction between the Malaysian legal system and the broader political and social context. The author discusses how the Malaysian legal system has been influenced by the country’s colonial history and the different cultural and religious groups that make up Malaysian society.
The book also covers a range of contemporary issues in Malaysian law, such as human rights, gender equality, and Islamic law. These chapters provide a fascinating insight into some of the most pressing legal issues facing Malaysia today, and the author’s analysis is informed and nuanced.
Overall, A First Look at the Malaysian Legal System is an excellent introduction to the Malaysian legal system. The book is well-written, informative, and engaging, making it an ideal resource for students, lawyers, and anyone with an interest in Malaysian law. The author’s clear and accessible style makes even complex legal concepts easy to understand, while the book’s broad coverage ensures that readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Malaysian legal system as a whole.
One potential drawback of the book is that it is somewhat limited in its scope. While the author does provide a broad overview of the Malaysian legal system, the book does not go into great detail on any particular aspect of the system. This means that readers who are looking for more in-depth analysis of specific areas of Malaysian law may need to look elsewhere.
Additionally, the book is primarily focused on the federal legal system in Malaysia, and does not provide as much coverage of state law or the legal systems of Malaysia’s different ethnic and religious groups. However, given the limited scope of the book, this is understandable.
Overall, A First Look at the Malaysian Legal System is a well-written and informative introduction to the Malaysian legal system. The book provides readers with a solid foundation in the key features of Malaysian law and is an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of this complex and fascinating legal system.
