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1. Case InformationCourt: Supreme Court, Kuala Lumpur.Coram: Abdul Hamid Ag LP, Seah J, & Syed Agil Barakbah SCJJ. Decision Date: 20 September 1986. Parties: Zainal Abidin (Appellant/Tenant) vs. Century Hotel Sdn Bhd (Respondent/Landlord).2. Background and Facts The respondent sublet the third floor of the Abad Century Hotel to the appellant for a three-year term starting 1 November 1980 to operate a recreation … Continue reading Case Summary: Zainal Abidin v. Century Hotel Sdn Bhd [1986] 1 MLRA 488 →

Principles of Contractual Interpretation in Malaysia The construction of a written contract is firmly established as a question of law for the court to determine, rather than a question of fact. The primary objective of the court is to ascertain the mutual intentions of the parties regarding the legal obligations they assumed. To achieve this, Malaysian courts have moved … Continue reading Understanding Contract Interpretation Principles in Malaysia →

The Shield of the Assured: An Analysis of the Contra Proferentem Rule in Malaysian Contract Law The contra proferentem rule is a fundamental principle of contractual interpretation designed to ensure fairness when a written agreement contains language that is vague or capable of multiple meanings. Derived from the Latin maxim verba fortius accipiuntur contra proferentem—meaning "words are to … Continue reading Understanding the Contra Proferentem Rule in Malaysia →

1. Case Information Court: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya. Coram: Raus Sharif, Abdull Hamid Embong, Ahmad Maarop JJCA. Decision Date: 6 August 2008. Parties: Malaysia British Assurance Bhd (Appellant/Insurer) vs. Syarikat Pembenaan Karun Sdn Bhd (Respondent/Contractor). 2. Background and Facts The respondent was appointed by the Government of Malaysia to construct a road and bridge in Sabah. Per the letter of … Continue reading Case Summary: Malaysia British Assurance Bhd v. Syarikat Pembenaan Karun Sdn Bhd [2008] 3 MLRA 364 →

1. Case Information Court: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya. Coram: Lee Swee Seng, Supang Lian, M. Gunalan JJCA. Decision Date: 10 January 2023. Parties: Nikodemus Ak Singai & Ors (Appellants/Natives) vs. Indranika Jaya Sdn Bhd (Respondent/Registered Lessee). 2. Background and Facts This dispute arose after the Sarawak State and its agencies issued a lease to a private company (Indranika Jaya) over … Continue reading Case Summary: Nikodemus Ak Singai & Ors v. Indranika Jaya Sdn Bhd [2023] 3 MLRA 770 →

In the complex theatre of corporate governance, information is the primary currency. For a director to navigate their fiduciary duties—acting in the best interest of the company with reasonable care, skill, and diligence—they must be fully apprised of the company’s financial health and operational pulse. This necessity is protected by a legal cornerstone often described … Continue reading Understanding Directors’ Right of Inspection in Corporate Governance →

1. Background and Facts The appellant, the registered proprietor of a shop-house in Bangsar Baru, entered into a tenancy agreement with the respondents for the ground floor for a period of two years "plus a further 2 years option". Following a subsequent sale agreement between the appellant and a third party (Quill Construction Sdn Bhd), the … Continue reading Case Summary: Luggage Distributors (M) Sdn Bhd v. Tan Hor Teng @ Tan Tien Chi & Anor [1995] 1 MLRA 225 →

1. Case Information Court: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya. Coram: Aziah Ali, Hamid Sultan Abu Backer, Umi Kalthum Abdul Majid JJCA. Decision Date: 9 May 2014. Parties: China Road & Bridge Corporation & Anor (Appellants/1st and 2nd Defendants) vs. DCX Technologies Sdn Bhd (Respondent/Plaintiff). 2. Background and Facts The Plaintiff and 1st Defendant entered into a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to … Continue reading Case Summary: China Road & Bridge Corporation & Anor v. DCX Technologies Sdn Bhd [2014] 5 MLRA 289 →

1. Case Information Court: Supreme Court, Kuala Lumpur. Coram: Lamin Mohd Yunus PCA, Edgar Joseph Jr FCJ, NH Chan JCA. Decision Date: 24 May 1997. Parties: Kimlin Housing Development Sdn Bhd (Appellant/Borrower Company) vs. Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Bhd & Ors (Respondents/Bank and Receivers & Managers). 2. Background and Facts The Appellant, a registered proprietor of various lands, executed two legal … Continue reading Case Summary: Kimlin Housing Development Sdn Bhd v. Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Bhd & Ors [1997] 1 MLRA 267 →

1. Case Information Court: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya. Coram: Ramly Ali, Mohtarudin Baki, David Wong Dak Wah JJCA. Decision Date: 16 May 2013. Parties: Nippon Express (M) Sdn Bhd and Nittsu Transport Service (M) Sdn Bhd (Appellants) vs. Che Kiang Realty Sdn Bhd (Respondent). 2. Background and Facts On 5 June 1997, the appellants signed Purchase Forms and Offers to Purchase for … Continue reading Case Summary: Nippon Express (M) Sdn Bhd v. Che Kiang Realty Sdn Bhd & Another Appeal [2014] 1 MLRA 558 →