SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMES
PROGRAM OUTLINE
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PLENARY SPEAKER
YBHG. DATO’ NIK SUHAIMI BIN NIK SULAIMAN
He was born in Tumpat, Kelantan and married to YA Datuk Hajjah Azizah binti Haji Nawawi, the Court of Appeal Judge. They have three sons.
He obtained his Bachelor of Law from University of Malaya in 1987. Upon completion of his law degree, he became Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the same university.
He started his career in the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on 9th January 1989 and his first posting was in Sarawak, as a Deputy Public Prosecutor. During his tenure in legal service, he has worked as a legal officer in Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). During his time at IRBM of Kuala Lumpur, he was given the task to set up a Criminal Investigation Division at the department.
Prior being called to Malaysian Bar in 2002, he has been appointed as Special Officer to Solicitor General of Malaysia.
He was also appointed as the Head of Prosecution Unit in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Almost at the end of his service, he was appointed as a State Legal Advisor at Selangor State Legal Advisor Office, then, as the Head of Division at Appellate and Trial Division and Director of Inspectorate at AGC. His last post was as the Head of Prosecution Division at AGC before he retired on 2nd March 2023 at the age of 60. Now he is a practising lawyer.
Throughout 34 years as a legal officer, he has conducted many court cases and gained vast experienced in legal matters relates to criminal, land, commercial, civil and corruption law, direct and indirect tax. There are few landmark cases that he handled such as;
Letitia Bosman v. PP & Anor [2020] 5 MLJ 277;
Alma Nudo Atenza v. PP & Anor [2019] 3 MLRA 1;
Semenyih Jaya Sdn Bhd v. Pentadbir Tanah Daerah Hulu Langat & Anor [2017] 5 CLJ 526; and
Steven Phoa Cheng Loon & Ors v. Highland Properties Sdn Bhd & Ors [2006] 2 CLJ 1.
ABSTRACT
SIGNIFICANCE OF FORENSIC FINDINGS AND TESTIMONY IN THE COURTS OF LAW
(YBHG. DATO’ NIK SUHAIMI BIN NIK SULAIMAN)
Forensic findings and testimony are the important methods of proof used in both civil and criminal courts. It is very significant to identify the suspect or type of crime. It provides focus or direction to an investigation, help develop a case theory and somehow clear suspects of those wrongfully convicted with more certainty. There are numerous types of crime science evidence including fingernails, sweat, sperm, hair, DNA, CCTV and fingerprints. In the court of law, the significant of forensic findings and testimony is that it can either prove a crime has been committed, establish the identity of person associated with a crime, corroborate a victim’s testimony or somehow can exonerate the innocent of the accused. Forensic investigations also help in identifying the victim and acquiring knowledge about the reasons conduct of crime. It can provides scientifically based information through the analysis physical evidence. The discussion expands to study case law, legal opinions, and studies on the reliability and pitfalls of forensic expertise in the Malaysian court system. This discussion will contribute by publishing real life experiences of crime scene and also can be as an essential reference for anyone preparing to give expert testimony of forensic evidence in court. Hence, it is obvious that the forensic science evidence is very important to determine the outcome of the case, either in civil or criminal cases, in order to safeguard the administration of justice.
Latest drug and chemical situation in East and Southeast Asia (MR. INSHIK SIM)
The synthetic drug market in East and Southeast Asia diversified in 2022, with organized crime groups pushing the supply of methamphetamine in the region together with other synthetic drugs. High volumes of methamphetamine continue to be produced and trafficked in and from the region while the production of ketamine and other synthetic drugs expanded. At the same time, trafficking routes shifted towards maritime routes as organized crime groups circumvented intensified law enforcement efforts along land borders.
The presentation will provide an in-depth briefing on these developments, explaining and contextualizing the production, trafficking and use situation in the region, with key trends highlighted by cases and using unique indicator data.
PLENARY SESSION 3 (VIRTUAL)
Shining Light and Casting Shadows on Forensic DNA Advances (John M. Butler)
Forensic DNA analysis has undergone numerous changes in the past four decades since DNA methods were first applied to criminal investigations. Today DNA testing operates in an evolving environment with an increasingly complex set of technologies, DNA tests, and statistical approaches. Often important changes and advances have been made across the community because of experiences in high-profile court cases or awareness of issues raised through participation in interlaboratory studies or collaborative exercises. Since 2018, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been funded to shine light on forensic methods and practices through conducting technical merit evaluations and identifying the scientific foundations which support and underpin these methods (see https://www.nist.gov/forensic-science/interdisciplinary-topics/scientific-foundation-reviews). This presentation shares principles involved in DNA analysis and interpretation, recent technology advancements, and information that can strengthen training programs for DNA analysts. New STR loci have expanded the core set of genetic markers used for human identification in Europe and the United States. Rapid DNA testing is on the verge of enabling new applications. Massively parallel sequencing, also known as next-generation sequencing, can provide a deeper look into genetic variation with commonly used STR markers. Familial searching and investigative genetic genealogy have expanded the application of DNA database profiles beyond the traditional direct matches to information contained in law enforcement databases. Probabilistic genotyping software enables evaluation of complex DNA mixtures. Challenges and opportunities that will impact the future of forensic DNA will be explored including the need for education and training to improve interpretation of complex DNA profiles.
Navigating the Frontiers : Challenges and Opportunities in Utilizing Generative AI for Law Enforcement and Forensics Investigations (TS Mohd Zabri Adil bin Talib)
Discover the cutting-edge realm of generative AI and its impact on law enforcement and forensic science. This presentation explores AI’s potential in generating sketches, reconstructing crime scenes, and predicting criminal patterns. While offering promising solutions, we’ll address challenges of admissibility, reliability and ethical concerns. Join us to navigate this transformative technology and empower justice for a safer future.