The Development and Expansion of University-Based Community/Clinical Legal Education Programs in Malaysia: Means, Methods, Strategies

Abstract

Beginning in 2003, the not-for-profit international human rights organization Bridges Across Borders Southeast Asia Community Legal Education Initiative (BABSEA CLE) began focusing on assisting in the development and expansion of university-based community/clinical legal education programs in the Southeast Asia region. Since that time, and as a result of this focus, university based CLE programs have been developed or expanded in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, VietNam, Indonesia and Laos, with a continuously growing network of universities, both nationally and regionally. One of the flagship achievements of these activities has been the successful establishment of an accredited CLE program in Malaysia at the University of Malaya.

Finally the paper will identify strategic next steps in the development of this CLE movement within Malaysia, as well as its connection to institutions regionally throughout Southeast Asia and how the CLE movement intends to broaden its reach both within Malaysia