KUCHING, Oct 19 - Sarawak is set to become a regional hub for international arbitration in Borneo with the establishment of an office of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) in the state, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The office's establishment is also expected to spur international business and trade activities in Borneo.
“The facility will also provide opportunities for legal practitioners in Sarawak and Sabah to explore international arbitration, which operates according to international standards, particularly as Sarawak is experiencing rapid growth in business and international trade activities.
“The establishment of the second office (after Kuala Lumpur) is expected to expand AIAC’s activities in Sarawak, while benefiting the legal community, particularly lawyers in Sarawak and Sabah,” Azalina told the media after attending the signing ceremony for the agreement on the establishment of the AIAC Sarawak office today, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and AIAC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Danesh Chandran signed the agreement.
She noted that, in addition to approving the proposal, the Sarawak government has allocated RM10 million to upgrade the Kuching Textile Museum building, which will house the AIAC Sarawak office.
Azalina said the development of AIAC Sarawak also reflected Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its position as a destination offering international-standard dispute resolution services.
