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Dear Colleagues

At the close of the 6^th ASLI Conference in 2009, Dr Ramachandra Guha in his Distinguished Lecture "Democracy and Violence: In Asia and Beyond" reminded us that many of the violent conflicts raging in the world today are in large measure due to a failure to recognize the rights and interests of minority cultures and people. There are very few parts of the world today that are homogenous – diversity and pluralism are the norm. Our differences enrich us, yet these very differences remain critical fault lines that can destroy us if not sensitively managed. The globalization phenomenon of the late 20th century, spurred in part by instant communication and enhanced mobility, has also added to the challenges and prospects of pluralism with external events exercising greater influence domestically. The organizers of the 7^th ASLI Conference, the International Islamic University Malaysia have appropriately chosen "Law in a Pluralist Asia: Challenges and Prospects" as the theme for the 2010 ASLI Conference.

At one level, pluralism is about the acceptance of diversity. Politically, it is about the relationship between the state and the individual, about the rights and interests of individuals and groups. It is also about legal pluralism and the extent to which different legal systems can coexist within a national system. Socially, it involves the contestation of norms and values which the law has to recognise, regulate or restrict. At another level, pluralism is about an intellectual methodology that should be harnessed in legal analysis and inquiry as well as in law making and reform. Pluralism necessarily involves dialogue, reflection and engagement with difference. It should lead to more creative and nuanced ways of framing an issue and finding a resolution … or two!

As foreshadowed in my message last year, this year we will introduce a dedicated panel for young scholars to provide an opportunity for early career academics and PhD candidates to get to know each other, share their research and discuss issues relating to publication strategies, research fellowships and funding, and career opportunities. As with last year, the conference will be run with six parallel sessions with each session focusing on a subtheme relevant to the general conference theme. The organizers have also included a poster session for some diversity, proving that at the ASLI Conference pluralism is not just preached but practised! I look forward to meeting you and together enjoying a stimulating conference in May 2010 in the multicultural city of Kuala Lumpur.

Warm Regards
Kumar Amirthalingam