Hall of Fame — Mr Muhammad Sirhan Sidqi
Sirhan’s early years in Taiping, Perak, were shaped by quiet solitude, reinforced by the frequent relocations required by his parents’ teaching careers across Perak, Perlis, and Kedah. This nomadic lifestyle fostered a reserved personality, and with few opportunities to socialise outside school, he was often surrounded by people either much older or younger than himself, making it hard to find true peers. Yet his drive to connect held firm, instilling in him a strong sense of independence and adaptability. This resilient, ‘can-do’ mindset has become central to who Sirhan is today.
This avid Harry Potter fan’s journey reads like a richly layered book of friendship, self-discovery, and an evolving sense of independence, all of which have left a lasting mark on him. Curiously, law was not his first calling, which sparks intrigue about the turning points that ultimately led him here.
Has law always been a strong passion of yours?
Looking back at his high school years, a pivotal figure, Mr Muhammad Izzat Md Jonid or endearingly known as Abang Izzat — a lawyer and Sirhan's mentor during his foray into debating — emerged as a key influence in his decision to pursue law. Sirhan, who describes himself as a late bloomer in debating, only started taking up speaker roles in Form Four. Under Abang Izzat’s tutelage and the support from ‘Pasukan Bahas Bahasa Melayu Kolej Melayu Kuala Kangsar,’ his team won the ‘Debat Piala Pengarah Kampus Kesihatan Universiti Sains Malaysia 2016’ and were the finalists for the International Islamic University Malaysia Interschool Debating Championship (IIUM IDC) 2016 and Language Art Voice of Siswa Debate organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). IIUM IDC was a huge personal achievement as well, as Sirhan was named the Best Speaker for all knockout rounds, marking a pivotal moment as he gained greater exposure and entered a more serious phase of growth in debate, which continued up until 2020.
During his pre-university days, he had to slow down his debating journey as the rigours of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) demanded more focus on his academics. Nonetheless, with encouragement from his teachers and peers, especially his good friend, Haikal Mansor, the duo — and occasional teammates — would go on to bag four championships during their four semesters in IBDP. This included the ‘Debat Rakan Muda 2020’ organised by MUAFAKAT MARA Malaysia and Ministry of Youth & Sports, Kejohanan Debat Ekonomi Siswa 2020 organised by UiTM, and the Grand TVET Debate Championship 2018 organised by Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
In hindsight, Sirhan sees this as a form of delayed blessings; something that took years in the making before bearing objective results. He would like it to be known that when falling short of one’s desires, one will never know whether to keep pushing harder or to adjust their sails and try something different. The best that one can do is to try to maintain a positive outlook on things and use the lessons for self-improvement. If one finds themselves in a position which require starting over, that should not be seen as a form of failure because, at the end of the day, these seemingly unrelated things are part of a work in progress. In fact, these “gems” that we gather along the way are what make our individual journeys unique; so please trust the process and never lose sight of the grander scheme of things.
Back to the question of pursuing law, despite his achievements in debating, reading law was not initially part of Sirhan's aspirations. He had considered a career in business, which lead to an internship at CIMB Bank and a short gig as a Sales Assistant at D’Manja Cookies, a Jitra-based small business selling authentic Malay delicacies. Amusingly, he was even offered a spot for a Foundation in Law programme, which he rejected as he needed more time to decide on his future.
IBDP, which takes two years to complete, gave him ample time to consider his options. One thing led to another, such as appreciating the art of language and literature in Ms Khairul Bariah’s classes, uncovering the nuance behind historiography and socio-politics with Ms Noora Murni and the “History Boys”, and working closely with marginalised groups during community outreach programmes; and Sirhan gradually sensed a growing interest in taking up a path which embodies all these aspects — the law. He remembered having discussions with Abang Izzat about law school, the career paths available for law degree holders, and a general idea about the day-to-day life as a lawyer. It took some time for Sirhan to internalise the feedback received, but Sirhan eventually found himself reading law at our Faculty. He is indebted to Abang Izzat’s guidance in debates and in the law, and this has inspired him to also pay it forward. These days, Sirhan would occasionally join training sessions as part of his alma mater’s coaching team, sharing his knowledge with current debaters and helping them flourish.
Mr Izzat Jonid's influence on Sirhan's legal path was like planting enchanted seeds that blossomed into the foundation of his career in law. It was as if his mentor had cast a Lumos spell on Sirhan's future, illuminating his path with encouragement and wisdom!
‘Pasukan Bahas Bahasa Melayu Kolej Melayu Kuala Kangsar’ played a significant role in fostering Sirhan’s growth in public speaking and shaping his character
Sirhan’s journey in UMLR began with his role as a Features Editor for the UMLR during his first year. Here, he was immersed in a culture that emphasised professionalism and a keen eye for detail. In this environment, Sirhan honed his skills in both creativity and precision, learning to work within the boundaries set by UMLR’s editorial guidelines. Balancing creativity with structure proved challenging but taught him lasting lessons he continues to draw on. He credits this experience with enhancing his creative writing, correspondence management, and interviewing skills, which have been proven useful for other pursuits as well.
Rising through the ranks, Sirhan ascended to the prestigious position of Head of Features Editorial for the 2021/2022 tenure. It was a whole different ball game and Sirhan found himself feeling like a fish out of water, especially during the transition period between the tenures. He recalled asking for help from seniors who had been part of previous tenures, such as Ms Celin Khoo, Mr Luc Choong, and Ms Azra Athirah whose words of wisdom have carried him through precarious situations. He is also thankful for his supportive colleagues, especially UMLR 2021/2022 who have stayed with him up until the finishing line. At this juncture, Sirhan extends a special shoutout to Ms Ee Jie, Ms Ashley Khor Xin Hui, Ms Chelsea Ho Su Ven, and Ms Chrystal Foo Kai-Ying who have worked closely with him during his stint as the Head of Features Editorial. Their camaraderie, especially in the face of late nights and tight deadlines, has made his time in UMLR not only more manageable but also deeply rewarding, all whilst fostering both personal growth and instilling a strong sense of community.
When asked about his proudest moment, he cited that his greatest achievement in UMLR was seeing the editors he worked with flourish in their own ways and achieve their own milestones. Watching them from the wings gave Sirhan a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. When given the call to come back and conduct workshops for the later tenures, Sirhan readily embraced the opportunity. His commitment to giving back to the community which has given him so much reflects not just his generosity, but also a deep commitment to nurturing and sharing knowledge.
One insight he gained from UMLR was how to point out people's mistakes without coming across as condescending. This nuanced ability, not merely a skill but a crucial attribute, speaks volumes about his understanding of constructive feedback and respectful communication — traits that are valuable in any professional landscape.
Sirhan, after attending Lex Virtus’ Legal Citation Workshop conducted by his good friend Ms Pravena Sreetharan, the former Editor-in-Chief of UMLR for the 2022/2023 tenure
Sirhan's engagement in club activities extended well beyond UMLR — subsequently, he became involved in other clubs in the Faculty, most notably the Community Outreach Programme (COP) and the Universiti Malaya Legal Aid Clinic (KBGUM).
What sparked your initial interest in joining COP and KBGUM?
Before walking the corridors of Universiti Malaya, Sirhan had dabbled in a variety of roles — he had been a kitchen helper, a sales assistant, an intern at CIMB Malaysia, and even an English tutor. Starting just after SPM, he moved from one job to another, thanks to his laid-back attitude and love for new challenges that kept his friends recommending him for gigs. Each job added its own colour to his life, making for a lively, memorable experience. It was during his brief run as an English tutor that something clicked — a spark of interest in teaching began to form.
His time as an English tutor began with teaching Upper Form students — a challenging role, especially given that he was still a teenager himself. True to form, Sirhan approached it with serious preparation, seeking advice from his parents, friends, and his uncle, Mr Shahriza Shukor, an English teacher. His dedication paid off, and he was soon asked to teach a primary class, where he honed his skills in making lessons more engaging and accessible for younger students. It took extra preparation to find that sweet spot, because when teaching others, one does not want to use references which are too niche or outdated; or worse, have a self-indulgent moment in front while disregarding the student’s ability to absorb the lesson. After several sessions, he finally got a hang of things and the techniques he developed back then would prove invaluable during his time with COP at university.
He joined COP in his second year at Universiti Malaya when he was looking for a club that aligns with his passion for teaching. Sirhan remarked that COP was his ‘safe space,’ highlighting how much it meant to him. He was involved for two years, and the time could not have passed more quickly. Starting out in 2021, he was appointed as the trip leader for the COP Inbound Programme. Hesitant and terrified, he accepted the challenge despite being a new member. That year, the trip was titled “Webinar Prosedur Penilangan dan Tertib Berlalu Lintas 2021.” Unsure of his ability to manage such a significant task, the High Committee during that tenure fully entrusted him with the decision-making for the event.
He shared his event management cheat code — paying attention to every single detail, from planning to quickly sharing group chat messages. And in times of chaos, throw caution to the wind — take on extra roles, even if it's as sustainable as a Hippogriff in a teacup. In such a high-stress situation, he reminds everyone to maintain a friendly atmosphere to encourage open communication among team members, as this is essential for collaboration. That said, once things have started to get under control, it is important to straighten things out to avoid overburdening the same people in an organisation. This truthfulness might be misinterpreted as being unnecessarily confrontational, but boundaries are important to maintain the integrity of an organisation and its running.
Sirhan and the Universiti Malaya contingent during COP Outbound programme to Indonesia
Sirhan was also selected as one of the delegates for the Universiti Malaya collaboration with Universiti Indonesia for the Cross Border Street Law Student Exchange Programme 2023. He felt profoundly grateful and humbled by the opportunity as it allowed him to appreciate how the legal and social theories learnt in class play out in real-life. The programme comprised two integral parts — Community Legal Education (CLE) and Comparative Studies. CLE provided engaging workshops that included sessions on approaches to beneficiaries, online gender-based violence, and the relevant current issues in Indonesia. Additionally, the Comparative Studies segment offered a crash course on the Indonesian legal system by students from Universitas Indonesia before visiting the legislative branch of Indonesia at Gedung DPR/MPR RI.
An eye-opening experience for Sirhan was during the programme at a children's rehabilitation facility in Tangerang, which housed children who were in conflict with the law. He could still faintly hear the children say, “Nanti kakak doakan kami keluar dari sini, ya.” While initially surprised by being addressed as ‘kakak,’ Sirhan learned that in Bahasa Indonesia, this term applies to both males and females. Besides the semantic barrier, heartfelt experiences like these left a lasting impression on him, awakening a profound sense of compassion for the children and their circumstances.
In the context of cross-cultural observations, notable disparities emerged during Sirhan's experience in Indonesia. One striking distinction lies in the treatment of juveniles involved in criminal activities. Contrary to Malaysian practices of concealing their identities, Indonesian norms saw no such concealment. This variance might be attributed to the cultural openness prevalent in Indonesia, fostering a willingness to address such matters relatively more openly.
The initial assumption that Malaysia and Indonesia, with their shared Malay language, would have closely aligned cultures and linguistic practices turned out to be more complex than anticipated. Despite a common linguistic base, Sirhan quickly encountered distinct differences in dialect, slang, and expressions that gave each country its own unique character. These subtle yet impactful distinctions offered valuable insights into the depth of cultural diversity within the Malay-speaking world.
Sirhan expresses deep gratitude to the Faculty, COP Universiti Malaya, Associate Professor Norbani Mohamed Nazeri, and Puan Aisyah Mohd Soberi for their trust and support in providing this opportunity. Furthermore, a sincere thank you goes to the Street Law Clinic at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia, whose warm hospitality and generosity enriched the experience, making this cross-cultural exchange all the more meaningful.
From the wonderful experience in COP, Sirhan decided to go down the rabbit hole of community service and joined KBGUM, where he served as the Head Student Advisor. He had always wanted to join the organisation as the opportunity to work with real-life clients appealed to him. Unfortunately, KBGUM’s operations were halted for some time due to the outbreak of COVID-19. When the news broke out that KBGUM was recruiting, he wasted no time, sent out his application and the rest is history! He recommends his juniors to try out KBGUM as it would be an enriching experience. Student Advisors would not only get the chance to have hands-on experience with client management, legal opinion drafting, and law firm management, but they would also get to connect with the legal practitioners who volunteer at the firm. It is through listening to their feedback and observing their approach during the sessions that Student Advisors could hone their legal competency in a way which is not readily-available in law school. If there are any aspects of the legal-practitioner’s approach which the Student Advisor finds appealing, they could even emulate that into their own advocacy.
Besides the legal skills, Sirhan gained tremendously in terms of his management skills. Under his tenure, KBGUM was to resume fully-physical operations after several years of dormancy due to COVID-19. It was no easy feat as everyone had to learn from scratch, but the team rose to the occasion and got the clinic up and running in a matter of months.
Sirhan would like to thank his Student Advisors for their utmost dedication to the clinic’s operations, and most importantly Ms Aisyah Mohd Soberi, Professor Zuraida Rastam Shahrom, and Ms Choy Sher Rin whose guidance as KBGUM’s advisors have been monumental to the Student Advisors’ professional and personal growth. The regular training sessions and occasional pep talks have gone a long way in maintaining the team’s morale.
As someone who has held several leadership roles, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Sirhan's leadership roles, encompassing positions such as Head of Features Editorial, Head of Unit for Election Technicalities during the Residential College Elections, and Head Student Advisor for University Malaya Legal Aid Clinic, reflects an impressive tapestry of responsibilities. His adept management of these roles amidst demanding commitments reflects his dedication and perseverance through it all.
Acknowledging the weight of meeting people's expectations, Sirhan recognises this challenge as one shared universally, irrespective of background or vocation. Leading an organisation involves not only meeting expectations but also exceeding them, a challenging endeavour that requires strength and consistent commitment.
The mantle of leadership often necessitates bearing the burden of stress alone, a daunting aspect that Sirhan experienced firsthand. This solitary navigation through difficult moments is an intrinsic facet of leadership, revealing the heavy responsibilities that come with the role.
To navigate these challenges, Sirhan abides by two cardinal rules — humility and attentiveness. Although he is proficient in certain areas, he remains aware that many others have talents that match or surpass his own. As leaders, it is important to understand your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses to help propel the organisation. It is not necessary to push people to their limits if they do not wish to be pushed.
Sirhan, despite his extensive leadership experience dating back to his high school years, adopts a deliberate and methodical approach to leadership. He prioritises conducting thorough research and undergoing a trial period within organisations before assuming leadership positions. This strategy reflects his prudence and dedication to understanding an organisation’s dynamics comprehensively before taking on a guiding role. As such, he prefers to start as a member, gradually advancing through the ranks if the organisation’s values resonate with his own. For example, in UMLR, he progressed from serving as an editor to becoming the Head of Features Editorial.
Having to hold all these roles and commitments, one might wonder how Sirhan accomplished all this while balancing his academics. He mentioned that the biggest challenge he faced in law school was the heavy workload, which everyone would agree with. He emphasised that shortcuts should not be taken and that thorough research is necessary. Many might wish there were an easy way to excel in law school, but life is not filled with colours and rainbows. Sirhan noted that using a tracker to colour-code assignments according to urgency helped him manage the substantial commitments he needed to bear.
Sirhan initially held the notion that the law demanded a streak of creativity for its application. However, his perception shifted as he delved deeper into legal studies. Contrary to his initial belief, the realm of law, far from solely relying on creativity, operates within established frameworks such as the doctrine of stare decisis. This realisation dawned gradually but significantly for Sirhan, sparking an understanding of the necessity and structure embedded within legal doctrines.
Sirhan expresses, “I truly believe that one should not say no until they have given something a chance.” Embracing this philosophy, he participated in several small-scale mooting competitions but ultimately realised that mooting wasn't his calling. While it is widely acknowledged that mooting is a standout strength at Universiti Malaya, the saying holds true — not every path suits every individual. Discovering one’s own niche and potential is crucial in the journey through law school.
Sirhan and his fellow Pemudahcara Mahasiswa at the First Residential College during the 2022/2023 tenure
Sirhan joined First Residential College in his third year, and this is what he had to say about it. Picture this — a guy wading through the chaos of Covid-season at Universiti Malaya, missing out on the freshman frenzy of Orientation Week. But wait, when the time came to plan activities for the newcomers, Sirhan suddenly found himself caught in a time warp — experiencing that 'first year' thrill all over again! He met different people from various backgrounds and faculties, which provided him with new perspectives. In other words, while preparing fun activities for the first years, Sirhan in turn had the opportunity to experience what it felt like to be a first-year student again. He mentioned that being in First Residential College was like a breath of fresh air, catering to his quirky side and introducing him to a motley crew of friends.
Sirhan raved that joining different clubs and exploring various aspects of oneself helps to prevent stagnation in terms of skills and potential. It’s the secret sauce to keep your skills and potential from rusting away.
Beyond being an outstanding leader and teacher, Sirhan is also fluent in multiple languages, adding yet another layer to his versatility. Among his numerous talents, Sirhan stands out for his remarkable proficiency in French. His shining moment among the distinguished Top 10 Malaysian Achievers was not just about mastering the art of the Diplôme D’Études En Langue Française A2 in 2016 — it was a rendezvous with an unexpected twist. Sirhan, originally plotting a path towards Japanese language class fuelled by a love for Detective Conan, had to flip the script due to limited slots. Et voilà! He took a detour and dived headfirst into the world of French instead.
Nonetheless, fate intervened in a most fortuitous manner, ushering in an unexpected turn. Sirhan attributes his success in mastering French to the wise guidance and support of Madam Nor Azian, the wizard behind the scenes. Her mentorship was the secret ingredient that prepared him for the French examination.
Despite limited opportunities to showcase his French proficiency, Sirhan remains grateful for the experience, underscoring the significance of nurturing interests beyond the scope of legal education. His aspirations extend to embracing new linguistic challenges, expressing a keen desire to explore languages like Thai, aiming not just for fluency but also for mastery of native dialects and colloquial expressions.
Sirhan champions the vital importance of linguistic adaptability, highlighting the indispensable role of both Malay and English proficiency for budding law students. He stresses that strong communication skills in these languages, be it written or oral, are crucial for success in the legal field. In Malaysia, where Malay serves as the primary language in subordinate courts, fluency in Malay is as vital for lawyers as proficiency in English. Sirhan firmly advocates for law students to develop a solid command of the Malay language to navigate the demands of the legal field effectively.
You had also been a legal intern for Messrs Arief & Iskandar, please share with us about your days as an intern.
Sirhan's time as a legal intern at Messrs Arief & Iskandar (AIS) was a truly transformative experience that went beyond typical legal duties. The internship involved a mix of legal research, drafting, advocacy, and administrative tasks, giving him a well-rounded view of the legal profession and what it is like to run a law firm.
AIS, nestled in Mont Kiara, stood out for its vibrant pool of youthful lawyers and diverse programmes, making it an enticing choice that ultimately proved rewarding.
During his time at AIS, Sirhan engaged in a broad spectrum of tasks. Legal research sessions extended beyond mere compilation of factsheets, involving participation in case discussions and document drafting. Collaborating with other interns from IIUM, Sirhan explored ideas and honed his research skills, navigating different working styles to achieve satisfying results.
Drafting legal documents became a pivotal learning curve, necessitating a shift from the mindset of a law student to that of a budding legal practitioner. With guidance from AIS' legal experts, Sirhan delved into the art of concise legal writing, prioritising clarity over unnecessary legal jargon.
Engaging in advocacy, Sirhan moved out of his comfort zone, presenting on the Personal Data Protection Act and moderating a dialogue on Foreign Investment – Legal and Socioeconomic Challenges during AIS' Speaker Series. These experiences broadened his confidence in public speaking and honed his ability to engage with diverse audiences.
Beyond legal chores, Sirhan ventured into the behind-the-scenes world of running a boutique firm. Think ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ but with legal finesse and more meaningful relationships. AIS was not just about legal tasks — it was a masterclass in holistic firm operations.
While acknowledging the necessity of hard work in the legal profession, AIS' culture emphasises maintaining a meaningful life outside the office. This valuable lesson encouraged Sirhan to pursue a work-life balance, appreciating the importance of personal fulfilment alongside professional endeavours. Sirhan would like to thank his colleagues at the firm, especially his bosses, Mr Mohd Faiz Iskandar Hamzah and Mr Tuan Muhammad Arief Tuan Mohamad Yusof for their guidance throughout his time there and for making him feel like a part of the team.
Sirhan and his colleagues at Messrs Arief & Iskandar during a courtesy visit to the office of Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, the Ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia
Many emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In light of this, could you tell us about your life beyond work and the activities you enjoy during your free time?
Sirhan strongly values a balanced life beyond his law school commitments, indulging in activities that encompass both social engagement and solitary moments. When seeking relaxation, he cherishes spending quality time either with loved ones or engaging in solitary pursuits.
In the company of friends and family, Sirhan finds joy in shared interests when he is not buried in legal texts, whether it be savouring sushi, engaging in karaoke sessions, making guest appearances for futsal, exploring Kuala Lumpur's historic areas, or hopping on trains for adventures. Observing their varied expressions reaffirms his belief that the world is a less daunting place.
Sirhan also appreciates the beauty of solitude. One might see him riding the LRT like a tourist, making Pasar Seni and Bukit Bintang his nighttime playground. Yes, Sirhan is that nocturnal explorer, discovering the city's secrets while others are fast asleep.
He also engages in hobbies like drawing, journaling, and writing poetry, all of which allow his thoughts to flow freely and aid in self-reflection.
Navigating the demanding environment of the legal arena, Sirhan champions prioritisation, breaking down tasks, and setting personal deadlines. Learning to decline additional commitments when necessary and managing his time effectively using planners or calendar apps are among his strategies. He emphasises the importance of seeking help without hesitation and fostering a supportive community.
Undoubtedly, none of this would have been possible without the support of his family, who have been the pillars behind his journey. They are the true champions working tirelessly behind the scenes, offering their love, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. He is also grateful to his grandmother, whose prayers have provided a constant source of strength and comfort, and to his uncle, whose wise and motivating words have been a beacon of encouragement during times of uncertainty. Their belief in him and their unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping his achievements and resilience.
Sirhan and his family, his unshakeable foundation of support
Sirhan extends his deepest gratitude to his invaluable support system, whose presence has been far more than a source of comfort during challenging times. Their encouragement has gone beyond merely offering a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. In particular, he wishes to thank ‘Apopola’, ‘Se5’, ‘the LLB Backbenchers’, and his closest friends, who have not only stood by him but also created a safe and reassuring space where he could share his thoughts and challenges openly. Their support acted as a constant reminder that the world, as it is, is not such a lonely place after all.
From boys to men, they have shared over a decade of friendship, growth, and lasting memories since they were 13
Se5, where Sirhan always felt a sense of belonging
Sirhan’s first birthday celebration at Universiti Malaya, in the company of the LLB Backbenchers who returned early to organise a small gathering
Looking ahead, Sirhan is poised to welcome new opportunities and challenges with open arms, drawing strength and inspiration from those who have stood by him. With a deep sense of gratitude for the individuals and experiences that have profoundly shaped his journey thus far, he is determined to move forward with purpose and resilience. His story serves as a poignant reminder that trusting the process and embracing the possibility of starting anew can open doors to greater opportunities and uncover treasures that were once beyond reach.
Written by Wong Xin Lin.
Reviewed by Rabiatul Insyirah and (Adele) Soh Chien Yi.