Conference Speakers

Introducing the distinguished conference speakers for IMLC 2026.

The Right Honourable Datuk Seri Utama Wan Ahmad Farid b Wan Salleh

Chief Justice of Malaysia

The Right Honourable Datuk Seri Utama Wan Ahmad Farid b Wan Salleh was born on 13 Nov 1962 in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. His Lordship read law at the University of West London and obtained his Bachelor of Laws (“LL.B”) degree in 1985, and subsequently obtained the Certificate in Legal Practice (“CLP”) in 1986. He was admitted as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 6 Sept 1987.

Prior to his elevation to the Bench, His Lordship practised law in Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur.

His Lordship has served in all three branches of Government. In 2005, His Lordship served as a member of the Senate and was appointed Deputy Minister in 2008. During his tenure as Political Secretary to the then-Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, His Lordship was part of the team that advised the Government on the abolishment of the Internal Security Act 1960, which was subsequently repealed in 2012. His Lordship commenced his judicial career as a Judicial Commissioner on 16 Dec 2015 and was confirmed as a Judge of the High Court on 8 Aug 2019. He was elevated as a Judge of the Court of Appeal on 12 Nov 2024, and on 28 July 2025, His Lordship was appointed as the Chief Justice of Malaysia.

Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman (Rtd)

Former Judge, Supreme Court of India (2014–2021);
Former Solicitor General of India (2011–2013)

Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman (Rtd) will deliver the 7^th Raja Aziz Addruse Memorial Lecture. He is a renowned authority on the Basic Structure Doctrine, having recently authored a book titled The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity (2025).

Justice Nariman, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from the Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. He then earned a first-class LL.B degree from the University of Delhi, where he was ranked second in his cohort. Justice Nariman then obtained a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in the United States of America.

In 1993, Justice Nariman became one of the youngest ever Senior Advocates in India at the age of 37. He later served as the country’s Solicitor General from July 2011 to February 2013.

In July 2014, Justice Nariman became the fifth person in the history of India to be appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of India directly from the Bar.

Justice Nariman has extensive experience in comparative constitutional law and civil law. He also established the Supreme Court Welfare Trust to support the welfare of lawyers and encourage young talent. Justice Nariman was also a member of the Supreme Court of India’s Mediation Committee.