KUALA LUMPUR: The Law was launched today at the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA). The KLRCA will serve as the society’s official secretariat as well as provide arbitratory guidance on maritime disputes. IMSML will serve two main purposes; first, to raise awareness among maritime lawyers and the shipping industry about domestic and international maritime laws, regulations, standards and practices. Second, to provide training towards enhancing skills and expertise in the context of maritime law, , maritime arbitration and other areas associated with the maritime industry.
Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo, Director of the KLRCA delivered the welcome address at the launch. “We’re honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute toward’s the inception and growth of the IMSML. It is without doubt that both the Society as well as its members will play a prominent role in the Malaysian and regional maritime industry for years to come, as the IMSML seeks to establish a strong platform that focuses on knowledge sharing, peer edification, collaboration, reform, dispute resolution and the collective drive towards industry excellence.” said Datuk Professor Sundra during his address.
While maritime matters remain imperative to international trade and security, there has been a lack of clarity when parties enter into maritime-related disputes. “The law has always been the arbiter; influencing social advancement by bridging differences, unifying minds and setting standards. A society of maritime law must assume its responsibility within the maritime community. The International Malaysian Society of Maritime Law (IMSML) does just that. It completes the maritime fraternity.” said Sitpah Selvaratnam, President of IMSML. “IMSML draws in all maritime bodies, from the public and private sectors, across all industry disciplines; to study needs, dialog for change, harness talent, coordinate training, and stimulate excellence; for the collective good of Maritime Malaysia.
To resound a Single voice for Maritime Malaysia,” she added. There to present the keynote address at the launch was IMSML’s patron, YBhg. Tun Dato’ Seri Zaki Tun Azmi, a former Chief Justice of Malaysia. In his address, he said, “The vision of IMSML is grand. It sees itself as adding value to an already magnificent group of associations, bodies, corporations and individuals. Its value lies not only in providing a forum for the exchange of needs and delivery of wants, but in creating an atmosphere of trust and collaboration that rises above the individual’s agenda to satisfy the nation’s interest, through domestic and international dialog, study and reform.”
