KL BAR - The Kuala Lumpur Bar

Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah

klbar_editor — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 18:37:08 +0000

The late Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah was born on 3 April 1948 in Stulang, Johor Bahru. He was the eldest of five siblings and the son to the famous International Football Legend; Abdullah Bin Don, nicknamed Harimau Malaya and Zaliha Bt Mohd Yusof. In his early childhood, he grew up in Jalan Dapat, Kampung Baru, Johor Bahru and started his education in Sekolah Rendah Larkin and Sekolah Rendah Agama Tambatan in Johor Bahru. In 1961, the family moved to Larkin Garden, Johor Bahru and at the age of 13, he studied at Sekolah Menengah St. Joseph and Sekolah Menengah Agama Bukit Zaharah, Johor Bahru. He completed the Senior Cambridge Examinations at the age of 17. In his childhood, he always enjoyed playing football, influenced by his father. Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah graduated with the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the International Islamic University Malaysia. He started his career in 1967 with the Registrar of Motor Vehicle in Johor Bahru and later joined the Royal Malaysian Police Force, which he served for 22 years. In the Royal Malaysian Police Force, he held the position of Inspector and was attached to the Investigation Office in Pahang. Later, he was transferred to the Pahang Police Headquarters as Prosecuting Officer for two years. Between 1975 and 1983, he was reassigned to the 7th Battalion Police Field Force in Tampin and assigned to various units in the Malaysia-Thai border to combat Communist Terrorists and had also been attached to Sabah Police Headquarters to combat piracy in the Sabah areas. After eight years, he was reassigned to the Commercial Crimes and Logistics Department in the Police Headquarters, Bukit Aman until 1987. After serving the Royal Malaysian Police Force, he wanted a career change. In 1991, Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah was appointed as a Deputy Head Prosecutor in the Jalan Duta Courts, Kuala Lumpur specialising in prosecuting cases involving thefts, drugs and criminal breach of trust. Then, between 1992 and 1993, he read in the Chambers of Messrs Kam Woon Wah & Co and was admitted to the Bar on 29 January 1993. In 1993, Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah started his own practice in Kuala Lumpur and was the Senior Partner of Messrs Abu Bakar & Yong. Throughout his life, he enjoyed golfing in his free time and spent most of the time reading. Abu Bakar Bin Abdullah passed away on Friday, 5 December 2014 at 4:40 am. He left behind his wife, Puan Rosni Bt Alias; a son, Mohd Hasery; and a daughter, Nur Atiqah Efara. He also left behind a daughter-in-law, Azurin Nawal and three grandsons: Iman Hezrin, Ilham Hezrin and Ikhlas Hezrin.

Rosli Bin Abu Zarim

klbar_editor — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 02:50:36 +0000

(To my beloved Papa) Whenever we mention “Rosli Abu Zarim”, the first thing that pops in the mind of those who know him is his laughter. His jokes could light up the day, his laughter was most of the time contagious, and would make everyone around him happy. There was no negativity or despair in his life dictionary, even in the face of adversity. He would turn any difficulties or problems into positive challenges. Allahyarham Rosli Abu Zarim was born on 9 March 1960, in Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. He was the third of seven siblings. Allahyarham was married to Noorasikin A Bakar (my biological mother), who is also a fellow member of the Bar, in 1987. Unfortunately the marriage only lasted for 10 years. Uniquely, they were closer since then (as best friends, of course) and would regard each other as “special advisor”. In 1998, Allahyarham married Wan Nefertiti Mohd Rusli (my Mummy) and blessed with three beautiful children; Wan Elena, Puteri and Rosh Khalis. Allahyarham received his early education at Sekolah Tuanku Munawir, Kuala Pilah and Sekolah Sains Seremban. He then continued his secondary school at Sekolah Sains Tuanku Jaafar and Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Ipoh. Determined to be a pilot at first, he eventually landed at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya in 1981. He was a great athlete during his high school and university life. Many people would not believe this fact, due to his ‘physical enlargement’ which he called it as “extra-muscles” that developed after being a lawyer. According to him, lawyers will naturally build these “extra-muscles” from their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and sometimes by losing in a Court case. During his university years, he was a popular rugby and hockey player, debater and Pemantun. From the facts gathered from his buddies, he was never a bookworm. You would never find him in the library or see him being serious in class, yet he never failed in any of the exams. He always believed in “study smart” rather than “study hard”. After reading in Chambers at Messrs Tahir & Salleh, Allahyarham joined Mohd Akhir & Partners. Rosli Abu Zarim & Co was later established in 1998. In his legal career, his forte was criminal, banking, and general litigation, corporate works and arbitration. He also contributed to the legal academia as a part time lecturer at UKM Law Matriculation Centre during its formation stage as well as at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in early 2000. His wonderful sense of humor and his amazing ability to make complex issues simple made the students loved his class so much. His lectures were never boring. He loved to share his experience and knowledge enthusiastically, especially with the young lawyers. I still remember, in his speech as my mover when I was called to the Bar in 2012, he gave us, the young lawyers, a valuable piece of advice - always be humble and inquisitive:

“Kalau nak tahu tingginya gunung, bertanyalah kepada si burung helang. Kalau nak tahu tebalnya belukar, bertanyalah kepada harimau belang. Kalau nak tahu dalamnya lubuk, tanyalah si memerang DAN kalau nak tahu besarnya cabaran menjadi Peguam, tanyalah kepada yang dulu makan garam, terutamanya peguam yang ada darah tinggi, sebab sudah pasti dia makan garam banyak sekali.”

Allahyarham was a great son, a supportive husband, a wonderful father, a caring brother, a loveable uncle as well as a thoughtful friend. He spent his whole life helping people. He was very generous and would certainly help in the best manner that he could, without expecting anything in return. Surely he will be dearly missed, but his memories and spirit will always be in our hearts. May Allah bless his soul and grant him Jannah. Amin.

Ng Fook Loy

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 08:36:18 +0000

On 5 March 1947, Mr. Ng Kon Moy and Madam Chong Jin Fah rejoiced in the birth of their first born and named him Ng Fook Loy. He is our dad. Always a loving and dutiful son; respectful and grateful to his parents. He showered them with love and attention into their winter years. This virtue we witnessed and will emulate. Dad was a student at Pasar Road Primary School followed by 7 years with “the boys” at Victoria Institution Kuala Lumpur. He credited his school masters, teachers and schoolmates for all the positive influences. He remained in contact with many of them and their friendships lasted his lifetime. He had the privilege to serve in one of the committees of the Victoria Institution Old Boys Foundation. Tertiary education was an adventure for dad. It began when he boarded a French cargo ship sailing from Singapore to Marseilles (France) with ports of call at Madras, Bombay, via the Red Sea and Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea, landing at Marseille; then continuing on land across France and the English Channel to England; the target destination being to read law at Lincoln’s Inn. A detour through London casinos, “socialist” rallies fashionable at that time and other social distractions took him longer than most students but finally was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 1977. Some would term that period of his life as his lost years, but he considered them valuable years and humbling lessons in the University of Life. Dad related all these events with gusto made more vivid with supporting photographs. He introduced to us many of his friends: the likes of Zhou Enlai, Winston Churchill, Lord Denning, Mother Teresa, poets and philosophers; friendships developed through his avid reading habit of myriad history and literature books and biographies. He read in the chambers of Allen & Gledhill Kuala Lumpur. Called to the Bar in October 1978, his professional career as a legal assistant began at Zain and Co, continued in Abdul Aziz Ong & Co, and Aziz & Mazlan, before establishing his own practice under the name of F.L. Ng Dan Rakan-Rakan and later renamed F.L. Ng & Jailany. During his lifetime of practice, passion with the rule of law and justice was evident. He also had the opportunity to serve in the Disciplinary Committee for the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board. Dad often remarked that his journey through life had been enriched by many humbling experiences; punctuated by tricky challenges but always grateful for the support of loving parents, siblings, wife and children and so many caring schoolmates and friends. He hoped he had reciprocated with enough love for each and everyone he had encountered. Always a loyal and reliable friend, integrity and gratefulness were the cornerstones of his life. To those who have met him or know him well, we thank you all for being a part of his life. We know it meant a lot to him because he told us so. In year 2000, dad invited Lord Jesus Christ into his life, and on 27 November 2011 an angel came and called dad’s name, took him by the hand and led him into His warm embrace; blessed be the name of our Lord. We will always remember dad for his affection and devotion to our mother, his conscientious dedication to his role as our loving father; his hearty laugh, his quiet smiles and reassuring voice “work hard and play hard”, “go seize the moment” and the “world your oyster”. He has set the example of what a good son, husband, father and friend should be.

There is so much we didn’t get to say, But we know you are never far away. Today and tomorrow our whole life through, We will always love and cherish you.

Edmund Yong Joon Hong

klbar_editor — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The late Edmund Yong, a Barrister-at-Law of Inner Temple, was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 16 October 1961. The late Edmund Yong practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of S.M. Yong & Co. until his demise on 9 July 1997. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

G T S Sidhu

klbar_editor — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Born in 1924 in Kuala Klawang to parents of humble origins, the late G T S Sidhu spent his early years in Seremban, when at the age of 19, joined the Indian National Army (Malaya) whose purpose it was to secure independence for India from the British. After the 2nd world war, G T S Sidhu or Tara as was fondly known, became a teacher at St Paul’s Institution Seremban where he also spent his spare time studying for his part I exams in law. A keen football, rugby and hockey player, it was at this time that he met Maureen, the daughter of a British Army Captain stationed in Seremban. Maureen returned to London in 1952 with Tara in close pursuit. In 1955, both returned to Singapore after Tara succeeded in his Bar Finals at Lincoln's Inn, and were soon married. Tara proceeded to obtain a job as a DPP and later a Magistrate. After the birth of their first son Americk, Tara joined the firm of Murphy & Dunbar (Singapore) and was thereafter asked to move to Kuala Lumpur to head their branch office there. In 1963, G T S Sidhu and Khoo Eng Chin teamed up in a partnership known as Khoo & Sidhu, which still survives until today. It was during this partnership that Tara became a committed member of the Malaysian Bar Council and Lawasia, rising to the posts of President of each organisation in 1981 and 1987 respectively. Tara’s belief in the preservation of Constitutional and Human rights led to the infamous “Parliament Walk-In” in 1981 in which over 100 lawyers ended up being charged in Court for unlawful assembly. His thorough knowledge of the constitution of a variety of independent nations held him in good stead when attending law conferences all over the world. Tara never tired of hard work and always gave more to a cause than was required or expected. This eventually led to ill-health and a heart condition which manifested itself in 1980. Undeterred, Tara continued to pursue his beliefs whole-heartedly until another collapse in 1987 at the Lawasia conference in Kuala Lumpur, when he was the President. After receiving treatment at the Brompton Chest Hospital in London and under the close observation of his son Dr Paul Sidhu, Tara returned to Kuala Lumpur in less than good health and with a poor prognosis. Active practice was no longer viable and hence Tara had to leave Khoo & Sidhu for some well-earned rest. After a year of recuperation, Tara joined his son’s practice and set up the firm of G T S & Americk Sidhu in 1989. Tara astounded all his doctors by his recovery and was soon back in Court conducting hearings. Unfortunately the untimely demise of his grandson Rory in 1993 had a profound effect on Tara and in his own philosophy felt he had borrowed time which was not his. Tara passed away 4 months later. He is survived by his widow Maureen, sons, Americk and Paul, and daughter Carolyn. The Bar has lost an icon. His absence has deprived the legal profession of a guiding light so desperately needed in these changing times.

John Skrine, C.B.E., M.C.

klbar_editor — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

John Skrine was born in 1922 in Kuala Lumpur. His father, Walter Skrine, had joined the firm of Bannon & Bailey the previous year after transferring from the Colonial Legal Service in Kuching. As was customary in those days, John was left in England with his three siblings at an early age and finished his education at Uppingham. He spent two years in Chambers but this was interrupted by the 1939/45 war; he joined he Seventh Hussars and served in the Middle East. Then the tide of war turned in favour of the Allies and, promoted to Captain, he led a company up through Italy. He was awarded the Military Cross for leadership and the heroic rescue of one of his troops. Back in England, he completed his legal training in a hurry and then - drawn to revisit and perhaps practise in the land of his birth - he joined his father's old firm. Bannon & Bailey split up in 1962. John Skrine together with the other young partners, joined Peter Mooney who recently arrived from Kuching and established a new multi-racial firm under the name of Skrine & Co. Skrine & Co. was the first expatriate-owned legal firm to admit Malaysian partners. Several Assistants, including Hussein Onn, Alex Lee, Tommy Lee, James and Dominic Puthucheary, soon became partners, followed by Chin Yoong Chong and many others. John disliked Court work and concentrated by choice on company law. In the 1970s he was much involved in advising the London-based tin-mining and estate companies during the Federation of Malaya's complicated transition to independent Malaysia, and considered migrating to Canada in case he should no longer be welcome to practise in he new jurisdiction. However, an unofficial telephone call from the Attorney-General reassured him. For his impartial help and advice to British companies based in Malaysia during this period of transition, he was appointed C.B.E. (Commander of the British Empire - a historic honour still current!) in 1982. His advice was particularly astute and valuable, because he understood and to an extend sympathised, equally with Malaysian aspirations as enshrined in the New Economic Policy, and the concerns of expatriate-based owners of estate and mine owning companies. He was for years chairman of the Pudu English Girls' School and devoted many Sunday mornings to developing the garden for the Little Sisters of the Poor in Cheras. After retiring as senior partner in 1990, he was retained by government agencies in establishing various PNB Unit Trust schemes. John's interests were wide. He was honorary legal adviser to the Malaysian Nature Society, a keen horseman and polo player, and in his early days played rugby football. He rode in the Merdeka procession dressed as a Bajau horseman. Perhaps his crowning sporting achievement was to score all the goals for he Malayan Polo Team, captained by the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, in a match played in Manila. But apart from the preservation of high standards in the practice of the law, the subject nearest to his heart in later years was the conservation of the rain forest, and he was deeply involved in the inauguration of the Belum project. Sadly for his family, with this on-going interest - indeed dedication - he could never bring himself to retire from practice, until ill health (colon cancer) unfortunately forced the decision on him. He died at his home - his wife's family home in the Irish Republic - shortly after, on 13 April 1993.

Clarence Wilfred

klbar_editor — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The late Clarence Wilfred, a Barrister-at-Law of Middle Temple, was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 29 December 1982. He was practising in his own law firm of Wilfred & Co. in Kuala Lumpur at the time of his demise on 15 November 1992. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Dato’ Abdullah bin Ngah

klbar_editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:17:17 +0000

Allahyarham Dato’ Abdullah bin Ngah served in the Terengganu State Civil Service and was appointed Assistant District Officer and Assistant Collector of Land Revenue in various Districts in the State of Terengganu from 1951 to 1959. From 1959 to 1960, he served as a Magistrate in Muar and Batu Pahat, Johore. In 1961, Allahyarham Dato’ Abdullah bin Ngah proceeded to London to read Law and was called to the Utter Bar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn on 9 July 1963. On his return, he joined the Judicial and Legal Service and was appointed to the various posts in the said service namely:

Magistrate, Johor Bahru;
President, Sessions Court, Seremban;
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Negeri Sembilan;
Senior President, Sessions Court, Ipoh;
State Legal Adviser, Negeri Sembilan;
Senior Federal Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers;
Senior Federal Counsel attached to the Inland Revenue Department, Kuala Lumpur;
Senior Federal Counsel and Head of Crime Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers;
Director-General of the National Bureau of Investigation;
Deputy Commissioner for Law Revision until retirement in July, 1982.

Allahyarham Dato’ Abdullah bin Ngah was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 8 November 1976 while serving in the Legal Service. After his retirement, he practised as an Advocate and Solicitor in the firm of Abdul, Aziz Ong & Co. until 1984. Thereafter, he joined the firm of Marina Yusoff & Co., Kuala Lumpur in January 1985. He left Marina Yusoff & Co. in May 1985 and joined Yusof, Abdullah & Partners, Kuala Lumpur and was with the said firm from June 1985 to December 1988. From January 1989 to December 1989, he practised in Syed Ibrahim & Co., Kuala Lumpur and then in Mohd Ali & Co., Melaka from January 1990 to September 1990. At the time of his demise on 1 March 2015, Allahyarham Dato’ Abdullah bin Ngah was practising as a partner in the firm of Abdullah, Ooi & Chan. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Vincent Tan Zhi Chao

klbar_editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:53:52 +0000

Vincent Tan Zhi Chao graduated with Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) from Aberystwyth University, Wales in 2009 and was called to the Bar of England and Wales as a Barrister-at-Law at the Middle Temple, London in July 2010. He completed his pupillage at Lim Kian Leong & Co. before being admitted and enrolled as Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in July 2011. His career continued in commercial and corporate litigation, under the tutelage of Mr Terence Chan Kah Meng and Mr Tan Keng Teck before he joined the law firm of Oh & Partners in Cheras in 2014. Vincent took immense pride in his work and enjoyed the challenging but rewarding career in litigation. He was also blessed with the opportunity to work as a volunteer with legal aid through his firm, a part of his career that he cherished deeply. Work aside, Vincent had many hobbies and interests including tennis, soccer and music. He was blessed with many close friends, drawn to him through his many hobbies and interests. Vincent was an avid reader, with interest and opinions in various issues from politics and economics to world sports and cars. His interests allowed him to cultivate friends from all walks of life, helped by his ability to find topics for discussion with people of all ages. Sadly, Vincent passed away suddenly in March 2015. He is best remembered for his resilience, passionate approach to life and humorous nature. He is dearly missed by family and friends.

Many people come and go in our lives, but very few make a memorable impression. Vincent, you were one of them. We see you here in your professional attire but that was just one of your many facets. You were a brilliant lawyer but you were also so much more. Vincent, you were a friend to so many people and touched so many lives in so many different ways. You were one of those very rare people that was able to talk intelligently and confidently to any person on any subject. You were the centre of attention wherever you went, your charisma and warmth endeared you to everyone around you, especially to all of us who loved you dearly. You were a humorous and fun-loving Brother, favourite and beloved Ah Gu and supportive Brother-in-Law. You were a filial Grandson and best of Friends. You were a caring and loving Companion. You were a dearest Son. You were a man of passion. You loved cars, football, jerseys, good food, and like me, you idolised Roger Federer, the greatest tennis player of all time. We all have to learn a lesson from you - you always lived and enjoyed your life to the full, and made the most possible out of every single precious moment. You loved, laughed and cried with all your heart. Now, as you leave us in the prime of your life, we are overcome with a range of emotions. Anger, denial, grief, and disbelief, these are just a few of the feelings that have overwhelmed us in the last few days. But in the pain and sorrow, there is undeniably something to celebrate about your life. Life is not measured by its length but its depth. In your short but rich life, you have lived, experienced and achieved so many things that we would not even dare dream of. We respect your bravery, guts and determination in pushing the limits time and again, overcoming adversities and tribulations that not many of us would be capable of. You lived life as a splash of fireworks. You came to life, rose, shone and sparkled, alas like many beautiful things and many beautiful people, we are only granted a transient experience of your presence. Your humorous, witty, fun-loving personality has given us many happy memories - and it is these memories that has been the only thing successful in bringing a smile to our faces in this difficult time. Vincent, though you are no longer with us, we can celebrate how privileged and honoured we have been to have known you. We celebrate the enrichment you have given to our lives. And most importantly we celebrate your life. You will always be a brother that Xuan Ni and I look up to, and we will endeavour to live our lives to the fullest and with no regrets, as you did. See you Vincent, we miss you dearly, and we always will. Vincent’s Eulogy March 2015

Mohd Hazzan bin Md Pauzi

klbar_editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 12:00:43 +0000

Allahyarham Mohd Hazzan bin Md Pauzi was born on 17 March 1949 at Kampong Raja, Terengganu. He was admitted to the Honourable Society of Lincolin’s Inn on 31 July 1970 and called to the Degree of an Utter Barrister on 19 July 1973. Allahyarham Mohd Hazzan bin Md Pauzi served his pupillage in the firm of Mah-Kok & Din under Mr Kok Wee Kiat (now Dato’ Kok Wee Kiat) from 5 December 1973 to 6 June 1974 and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 21 June 1974. Allahyarham Mohd Hazzan bin Md Pauzi passed away on 16 March 2015 and at the time of his demise was practising in the law firm of Bahari Hazzan & Fadzil. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Asbir Kaur Sangha

klbar_editor — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:04:54 +0000

Asbir was born in Miri, Sarawak to Kartar Singh and Chand Kaur and was their seventh-born of their 10 children. She had her primary and secondary education in Miri, Sarawak and was the head girl of the St Columba School, Miri in her Fifth Form. She completed her Sixth Form in the Tanjong Lobang School, Miri. She then left for London to read law where she met and fell in love with Hira Singh, her future husband and partner in law. Asbir was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1973. Upon her return to Malaysia, she was admitted to the Sarawak Bar in May 1974 and worked at the Sarawak Electricity Supply Company (“SESC”) in Kuching, Sarawak before moving to Ipoh, Perak in early 1975 after she got married. She was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 20 October 1975 after serving her pupillage under Mr Rahim Noor. Her passion for the law was such that she remained in active legal practice till her sudden demise on 8 April 2015. She founded Asbir & Co. in Ipoh as a sole proprietor in 1980 and in 1982, the name of the firm was changed to Asbir, Hira Singh & Co. after her husband joined her. Her main areas of practice were in land law, corporate, banking and commercial law and she had vast experience in matters involving disputes over land. She had a passion for land law, and was of the view that the National Land Code 1965 was one of the most well-thought-out and comprehensive pieces of legislation drafted. The legacy of her methodical and detailed legal arguments are widely reflected in her string of reported cases which include Keng Soon Finance Bhd v MK Retnam Holdings Sdn Bhd (Bhagat Singh s/o Surian Singh & Ors, Interveners) [1996] 2 MLJ 431 on land disputes; Bandar Builder Sdn Bhd & Ors v United Malayan Banking Corporation Bhd [1993] 3 MLJ 36 on striking out under Order 18 rule 19 RHC; United Malayan Banking Corp Bhd v Richland Trade & Development Sdn Bhd [2000] 4 MLJ 670 on winding up; Wong Kok Leong & Anor v RHB Bank Bhd [2015] 2 MLJ 385 on lien holders caveat; Aseam Credit Sdn Bhd v Eminent Avenue Sdn Bhd [2008] 1 MLJ 441 on Moneylender’s Ordinance; United Malayan Banking Corporation Bhd v Pembinaan KSY Sdn Bhd & Ors [1993] 3 MLJ 45 and Che Wan Development Sdn Bhd v Co-operative Central Bank Bhd [1990] 2 MLJ 365. Asbir received accreditation from the Bar Council Malaysia as a Member of the Panel of Mediators of the Malaysian Mediation Centre in 2006. She was also a member of the Rules Committee, which was tasked in redrafting of the Rules of High Court and Subordinate Courts to what is currently the Rules of Court 2012. She was an active Member of the Perak Bar and served as a Member of the Perak Bar Committee from 1993 to 1995 and from 2000 to 2001 and was always there to lend an ear to junior lawyers and inspire lady lawyers to stay in practice. Asbir was elected Perak Bar Representative to the Bar Council from 2008 to 2010. She also previously served as the Chairperson of the Bar Council Court Liaison Committee and in the LawCare Committee. Asbir was an Honorary Legal Advisor for the Perak Family Planning Association and former Secretary to the Rotary Club of Greentown, Ipoh. Sir Winston Churchill once said,

Courage is what it takes to Stand Up and Speak. Courage is also what it Takes to Sit Down and Listen.

Asbir was widely known at the Bar as being a Senior who always listened and dished out good advice when sought, whether legal or personal. Asbir leaves behind three children, a son-in-law and three grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, a brother, sisters, nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.

Shamsuflan Shamsuddin bin Alias

klbar_editor — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:09:29 +0000

Allahyarham Shamsuflan Shamsuddin bin Alias was born on 4 May 1962 in Kuala Lumpur. He was admitted to the Honourable Society of Middle Temple on 11 August 1989 and called to the Degree of the Utter Bar on 26 July 1990. Allahyarham Shamsuflan Shamsuddin bin Alias served his pupillage in the firm of Zaid Ibrahim & Co. under Mr Chew Seng Kok from 3 July 2002 to 3 April 2003 and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 23 May 2003. Allahyarham Shamsuflan Shamsuddin bin Alias passed away on 12 April 2015 and at the time of his demise was practising in the law firm of Suflan T H Liew & Partners. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Mohd Nashir bin Hussin

klbar_editor — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:12:06 +0000

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, I would like to start this recitation by saying thank you to the Bar Council for being of service to my late father and his 23 year old firm. My father was the greatest love I have ever had. I have yet to meet a man who was such a sincere Muslim to His Maker. My father declined his edict to become a Judge a couple of years back. I was very proud of my father. Since he passed on, I would like to mention that the reason for this occurrence is that he was simply adhering to his more important calling which is a calling to be with the Highest of All Ranks, 'Al-Hakam' which is Allah. As his daughter, I would like to share that my father left me the most life changing items upon his death. He left me a solat book as well as a full Quranic journal which changed my life. After his passing, my father visits me daily from Heaven and we still manage to share jokes together up to this day. He was the greatest man I ever knew, peaceful and calm, with no desires or ties with worldly attributes. He had a friendly mannerism that one could not forget. He also was very dedicated in assisting the needy as well as bringing me, his daughter, up in his stature and has brought me into this beautiful life of godliness and I am humbled to be his only daughter. Again, thank you very much for honouring my late father. I would like for us all to recite the al-fatihah for my father who is ever so kind to listen to us from Heaven. I really appreciate those who participated in this ceremony, and may Allah bless you good kind people and your families with God’s Light. Amin.

Yip Fook Thai

klbar_editor — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:14:52 +0000

Yip Fook Thai was born on 22 July 1955 in Teluk Intan, Perak to Mr and Mrs Yip Chee Lang and was the second child of six siblings. There, he attended St Anthony Secondary School, where through much personal struggle and financial hardship, obtained a place to read law at University of Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand. After his graduation, he was called to the New Zealand Bar on 16 December 1981. On his return to Malaysia in 1982, he read in chambers in Skrine & Co. and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 2 June 1983. Yip, as he is fondly remembered, was retained in Skrine & Co. as a legal assistant until 1985, when he left them to join Syed Alwi, Ng & Teoh in the litigation department for five years. While at Syed Alwi, Ng & Teoh, he met Celia Teoh and a romance bloomed leading to their marriage on 23 November 1991. With the love and encouragement of his wife, Yip strived and set up his own law firm, Yip & Co in June 1990, building a successful practice in both the litigation and corporate/conveyancing sectors. In the past, Yip and I had some briefs which we worked on together and I have recollections of Yip’s passionate views over points of law and politics and also of points other than law! Yip practised law passionately in the same way as in his beliefs of right and wrong. On the private side, Yip was very much a family man. He was very proud of his two children, his son Yip Mun Keat and daughter Yip Sean Yi and instilled his love in the sports of golf to them, both now competitive golfers. I remember one of his proudest moments amongst many others, when he told me how his daughter, Yip Sean Yi, then 16 had beaten all ‘the uncles’ on the golf course! As a husband, he was loving, responsible and without a doubt, well looked after by his wife, Celia Teoh, so much so that for any answers to any personal questions posed to him, his retort would be “ask my wife”! Yip was also very diligent in whatever he committed himself to and was the de facto leader of the wider Yip family. He loved reading and travelling and in the last few years before his demise, he travelled extensively with his family. I respectfully offer my deepest condolences to Celia Teoh, Yip Mun Keat and Yip Sean Yi and to all relatives and friends dear to the late Yip Fook Thai. This eulogy would not be complete if I was not to repeat the principle that guarded Yip which Yip would always adhere to in that a man is the master of his own destiny and despite a humble background, hardwork would always prevail. He may have led a short life but he has certainly left us with a lifetime of memories for us to remember him by and though he has now passed on, he is in a better place and at peace, immortal in the hands of God.

Satthiyasilan A/L S.A. Shamugam

klbar_editor — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:17:48 +0000

Satthiyasilan Shamugam was born on 10 April 1954 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was very passionate in the field of language studies, theology, philosophy and education. Starting from humble beginnings as a school teacher, he then entered the government workforce as an Inspector within the Health Department. With the motivation and support given by his wife, he took up law and registered himself for the University of London LL.B External Programme at the age of 37 and successfully attained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree in the year 1995 at the age of 41. Satthiyasilan then received his Master of Laws (LL.M) from University of Malaya at the age of 51 and became an instant inspiration for those around him. He also tutored law students during his free time and never once took any sort of fees from them as he loved helping students progress in education. Whoever knew him had often remarked that he was always seen with a pen and reading material wherever he went. He was a man whose passion was to gain knowledge rather than to become financially wealthy, and all that he earned he provided for the well-being of his family. He was always a very responsible, devoted, loving father and husband even though he was struggling to balance a family and also education. Satthiyasilan always loved to lighten up the environment and was someone a person could have any kind of meaningful and informative conversation. As he neared the age of 60, he became very spiritual and an ardent devotee of Shirdi Sai Baba. This path made him into an exceptionally talented spiritual singer known by many devotees whom had endlessly sought guidance from him. Whatever knowledge he gained, he shared it with all. This was the essence of life he blessed his children with, to be giving without any expectation. Towards the end of his life, Satthiyasilan and his wife, Vijayakumari sang together in many temples and journeyed together in a beautiful spiritual path. He would forever be remembered as the one with a soothing and beautiful voice. His first son Nirmell is also a teacher, following his father’s footstep and passion in education. The second, Nheellkamal had completed LL.B and aspiring to fulfill his father’s footstep as a lawyer, and his daughter Sapnaa is a Doctor at Ampang Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. Satthiyasilan is an inspiration to many and dearly missed by his wife, children, brother, relatives and friends.

Ajit Kumar Hastir

klbar_editor — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:22:04 +0000

Ajit Kumar Hastir, popularly known by his family and friends as “Ajit” was born on 9 May 1954 in Kuala Lumpur. Ajit is the youngest son to Shant Kumar Hastir and Laziawati Hastir. He had his primary education in SK Brickfields and completed his secondary education at SMK Sultan Abu Samad. After leaving school, Ajit joined MAS. As Ajit was working in the airlines, he enjoyed and took advantage of the benefits of travelling around the world. It was no secret that Ajit was indeed a very well-travelled man. While he was with MAS, he participated in marathons and was a respected long distance runner. Ajit was a man who was very focused and he always achieved what he set out to do. Ajit became interested in law while he was with MAS. During his free time and off days, one could find Ajit sitting in one of the High Courts in Kuala Lumpur listening ardently to some of the proceedings. Eventually, Ajit decided to read law and did it part time with the University of London External Programme while he was still employed by MAS completing part of his law exams in Malaysia and his final exams in London. Within three consecutive years, Ajit passed his law exams with a Second Class Honours and proceeded to sit for the Certificate in Legal Practice (“CLP”) Exams. Ajit passed his CLP Exams in 1989 at the first sitting while still in the employment of MAS. He then left MAS and started his pupillage in the law firm of Chooi & Company and was one of the few pupils-in-chambers who was retained after completion of his pupillage. Later, Ajit left Chooi & Company and joined the law firm of Peters Chambers (formerly known as Watson Peters & Mohd Fuad) and after a short stint there, he decided to set up his own practice under the name and style of Ajit & Company. Ajit was a very competent, honest and good lawyer who always put his clients’ interest and the interest of the Court before his own. Ajit was a well-liked and respected member of the Bar. He was meticulous in everything that he did and was a good advocate who could tell the difference between the wood and the trees. Ajit practised commercial law, civil litigation in general and also had a wide range of experience in arbitration matters. He had an international arbitration clientele which included clients from Pakistan, India, Yemen and a host of other Middle Eastern countries. Ajit was a devoted and loving husband and a dedicated and responsible father. He was also a devoted son, a reliable brother and brother-in-law and a much adored uncle to his nephew and nieces. He had a gift of interacting well with adults and children alike. Ajit leaves behind his beloved wife, Belinda Lee May and two young and good looking sons, Aaron and Ashwin. His older son is a qualified engineer working in Singapore while his younger son is still studying in Australia. Ajit’s passing is a great loss to his wife, sons, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends who truly respected him. It is also indeed a great loss to the Malaysian Bar. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure – just as Ajit has. May his soul rest in peace.

Dato' Choong Phooi Ying

klbar_editor — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 12:25:09 +0000

Dato’ Choong Phooi Ying or PY as he was fondly known, was born on 11 November 1952 in the sleepy town of Teluk Intan, Perak. He was the third eldest son in a family of five siblings. PY attended the Anglo-Chinese Boys School Ipoh in his younger days, where he excelled academically, was an avid sportsman and even a stage actor. He had left such an impression on his teachers that many of them still remember him till this day and would recount with fondness his exploits. After finishing his secondary education in ACS Ipoh, PY was subsequently offered a place with the University of Singapore in 1972 where he graduated with Honours in 1976. As in ACS Ipoh, PY left his own unique mark in University, especially amongst his peers and seniors in the halls of residence where he stayed, the famous Raffles Hall. Although PY was fond of Singapore and had always had words of fondness of the time he spent his formative years there, PY was always a Malaysian at heart and decided to return to Malaysia to start his legal career after he completed his law degree in Singapore. PY was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1976 and he never looked back. He completed his pupillage with Michael Chen & Lee and continued to gain experience as a legal assistant there for one year doing litigation and conveyancing work. At the young age of 25, PY decided to strike out on his own and to build a legal career for himself. With a firm belief and confidence that he would ultimately succeed, he founded the firm of Choong & Co. in 1977. From day one, PY had been a hands on type of practitioner, totally devoting his energy, time and soul to making his practice a success. Whilst his staff would have left the office, PY would still be labouring on some assignment or task to ensure that he gets to complete his work in time for his clients. His firm is close to 38 years old and is recognised now as a boutique firm specialising in the areas of conveyancing, commercial and corporate matters, and advising counsel on litigation matters. PY was 62 when he passed away peacefully. His loss is felt by many, especially those whose hearts he had touched. He leaves behind his wife, Datin Irene Choong who had stood by him through thick and thin and who had been a pillar of strength in his fight with cancer. He also leaves behind a daughter, Cheryl Choong who is a medical doctor currently practising in Australia and a son, Jonathan Choong, who has now taken over the role of Managing Partner of the firm. PY was, at the time of his demise, a senior practitioner of the Bar. Although he had consciously decided to slow down his usual daily routine of work, he still had so much more to contribute to the legal fraternity, to his family and to society in general. We are sure PY would have been honoured to be included in this remembrance proceedings and appreciative that his career as a lawyer, and his tireless work to raise funds for charities are recognised. PY had a profound influence on his family members to follow the noble path of a lawyer. He was the first in his family to take up the profession and he was the inspiration for his brother, PC Choong to follow in his footsteps. Professionally, PY had always set a high standard of legal practice for himself and was known as a no nonsense and tough but fair negotiator. PY was also passionate about the law, especially the fact that he always thought of it as a necessary tool to guide and protect society, and which he used for such purposes. PY was also known for his fantastic memory, as those from that generation are fond of having and needed, before the coming of the information age where everything is at one’s fingertips. PY was also nurturing and inclusive of younger lawyers and would take the time to advise them on their career path in the law and to discuss and advice on the matters they were working on. PY as the Managing Partner of his firm for 38 years successfully guided the firm through the 1997 – 1998 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2007 – 2008 Global Financial Crisis and emerging from these crises even tougher and more resilient. Choong & Co. was one of PY’s pride and joy and he was always fond of terming it as a boutique firm, much like how Singapore is developed. True that it is a small firm but one which never compromised on quality. From such a practice, PY had the opportunity to work on many interesting and reported cases and also had the chance to grow with and befriended many of the industry leaders during his career. His dedication to his work and clients continued till his dying days as he chose to work tirelessly to complete outstanding matters and ensure matters were passed on properly so that his clients continued to enjoy the same level of service from his firm. Outside of his profession, PY was known for his philanthropic works. A hugely popular figure in society circles and gracing the pages many times in society magazines, PY unselfishly contributed much of his time, energy and effort to many charities, especially in the Rotary organisation. He was a senior member of the Rotary Club of Pudu for over three decades and was President for the year 1990-1991. Some of his more well-known charity projects included climbing Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, bringing handicapped children to Pulau Redang for fun and adventure, rowing down the Klang River, and of course, raising funds through many charity concerts where he brought in well-known international performers and artists to Kuala Lumpur to perform. It is always sad when a person, a husband, a father, a brother and in this instance a lawyer unexpectedly passes on. As this remembrance proceedings is specific to the latter we are sure that his wish is for those still practising the law to run a principled practice and to have a successful career. PY will always be missed by many but he will never be forgotten.

Adri Amrul bin Ariffin

klbar_editor — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 12:27:58 +0000

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim Saya Nurul Hakim bt Che Ab Aziz, menulis berkenaan suami saya Adri Amrul bin Ariffin yang telah meninggalkan kami semua pada 10 Jun 2015 di usia 39 tahun. Adri Amrul bin Ariffin yang mesra dengan panggilan Adri, telah diterima masuk dan didaftaraikan sebagai seorang Peguambela dan Peguamcara Mahkamah Tinggi, Malaya pada 27 Julai 2000. Beliau seterusnya kekal dengan profesyen sebagai seorang peguam dengan membuka firma sendiri dan yang terakhir dikenali sebagai Adri Anwar Khalid. Kepakaran beliau ialah di dalam bidang bankrupsi dan telah menjadi sumber rujukan kepada rakan-rakan peguam yang lain. Adri seorang yang periang, mudah tersenyum dan ramah kepada rakan-rakan dan disenangi oleh ramai klien beliau. Aktif di dalam sukan paintball dan merupakan Timbalan Presiden bagi Malaysian Paintball Federation (MPF) bagi sesi 2014/2015. Beliau meninggalkan seorang isteri dan anak lelaki yang bernama Muhammad Imran Syafiq yang kini berumur 15 tahun. Beliau adalah seorang suami dan bapa yang penyayang dan Adri akan sentiasa diingati di dalam hati kami semua. Walaupun kehilangannya amat terkesan di hati kami namun kami sentiasa mendoakan beliau berada di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman dan sentiasa di dalam rahmat Allah Taala. Sesungguhnya kepada Dia kita datang dan kepadaNya jua kita akan kembali.

Juriyah @ Juraiyah binti Jamaludin

klbar_editor — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:31:04 +0000

Juriyah @ Juraiyah binti Jamaludin, 66, passed away on 10 September 2015. She was born in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan and received her early education at the primary Malay school Seputeh and the secondary school at Convent Peel Road in Kuala Lumpur. Later she went to study at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) where she obtained her Diploma in Public Administration in 1981 and LL.B (Hons) in 1990. In 2009, she obtained her LL.M (Banking) from International Islamic University Malaysia. Juriyah was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 1 September 1995 and was a Registered Agent of Patent, Trademark and Industrial Design from 1997 until 2014. To keep abreast with the development of current laws, Juriyah had attended patent agent courses in Japan and Beijing and various courses and seminars on conveyancing, corporate, intellectual property and Islamic banking laws. Juriyah began her career with Standard Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) now known as SIRIM Berhad from 1968 until 1996 in the Administration Division and subsequently moved to the Corporate and Legal Division. Her last position at SIRIM was as a Research Officer (Legal) cum Legal Manager. Juriyah joined the law firm of Nashili & Co. as a partner in September 1996. On 1 July 1997, together with one partner, she established her own law firm known as Juriyah Rashidah & Co. The firm then changed its name to the current name of Juriyah Jamaludin & Associates on 16 September 2002. The firm is currently supported by two dedicated and experienced lawyers as well as experienced accounts and administrative staff and has been operating for more than one year from its current premises located at 4-10-6, 10th Floor, PBU Block 4, Jalan Bangsar Utama 5, Bangsar Utama, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Juriyah was actively involved in community works at her residential area in Bangsar and was the Secretary to PERWIBA (Persatuan Wanita Islam Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq), Jalan Ara, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur for three terms (six years). She was also a member of a few non-governmental organisations. In 1980, Juriyah was awarded the Pingat Pangkuan Negara (PPN) by the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

Satgurunathan Nagalingam

klbar_editor — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:33:56 +0000

Satgurunathan Nagalingam, LL.B (Hons) Wolverhampton, CLP, P.K., had Triple Distinctions of having delved into three challenging careers, rising from the lowest rung to the height of exceptional experience and expertise in each of them. This included a three-decade career in teaching in public schools, while being a Disciplinary Master, Prefect Master and Senior Assistant Head Master before retiring in 1997. List of schools he had taught in were:

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Garing, Rawang
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Petaling Jaya
Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya

Satgurunathan had also risen from the rank of Constable to Inspector in the Police Volunteer Reserve Force, achieving his title of Pingat Kebaktian (P.K.) having devoted 22 years to master the nitty-gritty secrets of operations in the Signal Branch, General Duty, Training and Traffic. Satgurunathan had a youthful passion for law that drove him passionately to pursue his legal career. He completed his LL.B and CLP after his retirement age and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in the year 2000. He set up his own firm at Wisma Kraftangan under the name and style of Satguru & Associates. His specialty was criminal litigation and he handled conveyancing and other technical services as an Associate.

Ramalingam Thanni Malai

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 08:40:49 +0000

Mr Ramalingam Thanni Malai, my father, has returned to our Father in Heaven on the 1st December of 2011. He was a beloved husband, father and friend. Coincidently, the 1st of December a decade ago was also the date that my dad was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. He was dedicated to the law profession, often reminding everyone that law was not just spelled out in language but expressed within a context to which it was intended to serve: “the spirit of the law is as important as the letter of the law”. He was a lawyer that often served the poor, the needy and defenceless, sometimes even at the expense of his own self. It was his way of giving back the blessings that he had received, an opportunity to practise law. He took up law after deciding to take early retirement from the teaching profession; it was his passion for both teaching and for law that gave him the desire to educate everyone he came into contact with. The way in which he explained, translated and transferred his knowledge of the law, impressed onto everyone that law is not only based on moral standards, logic, good rationale but is also philosophical and spiritual in nature. He had an extraordinary ability to crystallise and distil a complex and complicated situation or scenario into one key point of contention, observation or agreement, serving justice in simplicity. It was because he was trying to simply serve justice. Justice was his purpose as a lawyer. Justice was not just a possible consequence at the service of law but an existential reason for the profession. It was not meant to be up to interpretation but to serve the truth, understood by all: Common law for Common people. Mr. Ramalingam Thanni Malai, we will remember him for the way he lived and practised law, a passionate and compassionate lawyer. May God have mercy and grace on his soul, so that he rests in peace.

Sharifah Zubaidah Bt Wan Yep Mohdzar

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:07:08 +0000

Assalamualaikum dan salam sejahtera, Saya, Puan Faridah Abdullah di sini ingin menulis tentang kisah anak sulung saya yang bernama Sharifah Zubaidah Bt Wan Yep Mohdzar. Mengisahkan tentang masa kecilnya dialah anak yang paling comel dan cantik. Semua orang sayang padanya dan suka untuk memeluknya. Apabila dia masuk zaman persekolahan, beliau adalah seorang anak yang cerdik dan pandai. Beliau juga disukai ramai dan semua orang ingin berkawan dengannya. Saya dan suami sangat sayang dan berbangga dengan pencapaian beliau. Beliau tidak banyak masalah di sekolah dan guru-guru pun amat menyayanginya. Masa terus berlalu sehingga tamat darjah enam. Pada waktu itu, beliau berusia 12 tahun. Tiba tiba sahaja kami dikejutkan dengan kehilangan ayahnya yang tersayang akibat sakit jantung. Beliau terlalu sedih kerana beliau paling rapat dengan ayahnya. Beliau adalah anak kesayangan ayahnya. Walaubagaimanapun, hidup ini mesti diteruskan. Saya selalu memujuknya dan memberi sokongan dan semangat padanya kerana pada tahun hadapan, beliau akan memasuki tingkatan satu. Bermula di saat itulah, kehidupan saya dan anak sulung saya berserta empat lagi adik beradiknya hidup tanpa seorang suami dan ayah. Namun Sharifah Zubaidah adalah seorang anak yang cekal dan berusaha untuk terus belajar dan menamatkan persekolahan beliau sehingga tingkatan lima. Dipendekkan cerita, beliau kemudiannya mendapat tawaran untuk melanjutkan pelajaran di sebuah universiti di Kuala Lumpur. Saya berasa gembira dan bangga kerana beliau berjaya menjejakkan kaki ke universiti walaupun kehidupan kami pada masa itu sangat susah. Maka bermulalah kehidupan universitinya dalam jurusan undang-undang. Setelah tamat pengajian, dia pun berkahwin dan saya amat gembira kerana anak sulung saya sudah berjaya dalam pelajaran dan kehidupannya. Beliau juga sentiasa dipandang tinggi oleh adik adiknya. Setelah itu, beliau memulakan alam pekerjaan. Beliau adalah anak yang baik, cantik dan bertanggungjawab dan saya sangat berbangga akan pencapaiannya. Dia telah membantu keluarga dan melayan saya dengan baik sebagai ibunya. Dan saya pasti dia jugalah seorang pekerja yang baik, bertanggungjawab, jujur dan amanah. Saya sangat berbangga dan sayang padanya. Sebagai manusia kita hanya merancang tetapi tuhan juga yang menentukan segalanya. Kehidupan rumah tangganya tidak berkekalan. Akan tetapi Sharifah Zubaidah seorang yang tabah menghadapi segala cabaran dalam kehidupannya. Kami sekeluarga sentiasa membantu dan menyokong beliau. Saya selalu mendoakan agar beliau sentiasa kuat dan tidak patah semangat. Dalam pada masa yang sama, beliau tetap bekerja keras dalam kehidupan untuk membantu keluarga kami. Saya sebagai ibunya sentiasa memberi sokongan agar beliau tidak putus asa. Pada tahun 2012, kami semua dikejutkan dengan pemergian adik kesayangan beliau. Sharifah Zubaidah sangat sedih akan tetapi beliaulah yang menguruskan kesemuanya. Tidak lama kemudian, beliau menjalani pemeriksaan kesihatan dan Doktor mengesahkan beliau menghidapi kanser payu dara. Sharifah Zubaidah, dengan cekal memberitahu kami ahli keluarganya bahawa beliau akan mengikuti nasihat doktor untuk menjalankan pembedahan lumpektomi dan tidak lama kemudian mastektomi. Rawatan radioterapi juga di jadikan sebagai rawatan susulan. Setelah doktor mendapati terdapat ketulan lain yang tumbuh dalam masa yang singkat, beliau menjalani pula rawatan kemoterapi sebanyak lima pusingan. Bayangkan betapa sukarnya akan tetapi beliau seorang yang tabah dan sentiasa berdoa agar setiap rawatan akan berjaya. Sharifah Zubaidah tetap berusaha pelbagai cara dan kami semua tidak putus berdoa untuknya. Manusia hanya merancang, berdoa dan berharap, tetapi Allah S.W.T juga yang menetukan segalanya. Sharifah Zubaidah meninggalkan kita semua pada 17 Mei 2014. Anak kesayangan saya telah pergi meninggalkan saya selamanya. Saya berdoa semoga Allah S.W.T sentiasa merahmati dan mengampuni dosa-dosanya. Saya juga berharap Allah S.W.T menempatkan beliau di tempat disisiNya. Sesungguhnya dari Allah kita datang dan kepadaNya kita dikembalikan. Inilah kisah anak sulung saya yang bernama Sharifah Zubaidah Bt Wan Yep Mohdzar. Pengalaman yang bermakna menjaganya dan tidak akan saya sesali seumur hidup. Saya sebagai ibunya yang mendidik dan membesarkannya memohon maaf bagi pihaknya jika anak saya ada melakukan kesilapan atau kesalahan kepada anda sama ada sengaja atau tidak disengajakan. Dan saya juga mengucapkan berbanyak terima kasih kepada semua pihak yang pernah membantu beliau semasa beliau masih hidup. Terima kasih saya ucapkan kerana memberi saya peluang menulis tentang Sharifah Zubaidah. Ia membuatkan saya menerima kenyataan bahawa Sharifah Zubaidah sudah pergi buat selama-lamanya. Semoga kawan-kawan dan rakan-rakan sentiasa mendoakannya untuk kebahagiaannya di akhirat. Ameen ya rabbal alameen.

Ganesa Kumar Sinnadurai

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:15:30 +0000

Ganesa K Sinnadurai was born on 21 May 1958, the fourth of five children, and the younger son. His primary school education was at St Paul’s Seremban and his secondary school education was at La Salle Petaling Jaya. After completing his secondary education, he worked as a law clerk in Messrs Ng Ek Teong and Partners from April 1977 until March 1979. He left in order to join the Polis Di Raja Malaysia, aided by a glowing reference from the Managing Partner of the firm, one Mr V C George, as he then was. Ganesa served as an Inspector in the Polis Di Raja Malaysia for nearly a decade, attached principally to the Special Branch. In that time he made many fast friends, as could be seen from the touching farewell given to him by his former colleagues. In 1986, he left the Polis Di Raja Malaysia to pursue a degree in law in England. In this, he was again assisted by a glowing reference, this time from Mr Justice VC George. Ganesa was called to the Malaysian Bar on 23 October 1992. From then until 2009, he practised at Messrs Skrine, where he also underwent his pupillage under Lambert Rasa-Ratnam. During his time with Messrs Skrine, Ganesa was a member of the Construction Unit, learning his trade under the tutelage of Vinayak Pradhan. In 1996 Dato’ VC George joined the firm as a consultant, reinforcing the ties formed in the 1970s. After leaving Messrs Skrine, Ganesa joined Messrs T Ananthasivam. At the time of his passing on 3 June 2014 he was a Consultant with Messrs Tan Chun Hao. As a lawyer, Ganesa was an active member of the Malaysian Bar, both as a sportsman and in later years as a member of the LawCare committee. In his early years of practice he was a regular participant at the Bar Games. He was liked and respected by many of his fellow lawyers, both for his dry sense of humour and his unswerving commitment to principle. As a lawyer, in his early years he was meticulous, painstaking and organised. A naturally modest man, he consistently underrated his own abilities and potential, sometimes to the exasperation of those around him. Throughout his life, socialising and interacting with people was at the heart of what Ganesa did and was. Sometimes, this took the form of parties at friends’ houses, where he was a noted and sought after cook. Sometimes, it would be a road trip to the hills or to the beach. Sometimes it would be a raucous session at some bar or other. Sometimes, it was sitting in his garden, chatting over a beer, in the presence of his beloved dog, Rollo. He had the rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from which he formed many lasting friendships. His natural gift of empathy allowed him to see the good in those around him without losing sight of their limitations. His seniority and sincerity allowed him to point out those limitations in a constructive, albeit sometimes cryptic, manner. As a result, his opinions were valued and sought out, and will be much missed. In his later years, Ganesa could reliably be found at Gills restaurant in Damansara Heights of an evening. It is no exaggeration to say that he made the place his own. When one wanted to find Ganesa, one called Gills - Ganesa refused to carry a mobile phone. The staff of Gills were devoted to Ganesa, and were devastated by his passing. Ganesa’s company and advice remained sought after to the very end. Many of his friends treasure the memory of his last trip to the 2013 Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Conference in Penang, where he was the life and soul of the party, and indeed made new friends. On his last weekend on earth, a group of his closest friends were able to persuade him to come out to lunch, and it is such memories, so reminiscent of his early years in practice, which help to assuage the pain of his sudden passing. Ganesa’s smile was infectious, and he had a sense of the ridiculous, and of slapstick comedy, which still makes those who recall his exploits burst into uncontrolled laughter when the old tales are recounted. His chief love was football, in which he supported Liverpool and Brazil. He lived to see Liverpool’s implosion at the end of the 2014 season, but was spared the sight of Brazil’s drubbing. Ganesa had a deep, even if somewhat cynical, understanding of human nature. He also had an unbending sense of right and wrong, and a willingness to speak his mind. This might have sometimes made him difficult to get along with, but his innate and obvious goodness helped those who knew and loved him to see past these difficulties. Even if he sometimes gave offence, it was always recognised that he spoke from the heart and without malice. In the late 1990s, Ganesa was one of about 150 members of the Bar who requisitioned for an Extraordinary General Meeting. Ganesa’s standing among his fellow lawyers was reflected in his selection as one of three people who would discuss the requisition with the then office bearers, and make decisions on behalf of the requisitioners. Ganesa was a hugely significant mentoring figure to many of his colleagues. Having been a mature law student, Ganesa was inevitably much older than his contemporaries at the Bar. This placed him in a unique position to be both a friend and a mentor to those younger to him in age but of relatively similar seniority at the Bar. His time as an Inspector in the Royal Malaysian Police force, combined with his relatively advanced age, made him street-smart, especially compared to callow youths fresh out of law school. His innate sense of fun made it easier for him to teach others what he had learnt without the student having to undergo the same school of hard knocks which Ganesa had gone through. As he grew in seniority, this same sense of fun prevented him from growing distant from the fresh waves of young people joining the profession, and ensured him a fond place in their hearts and memories. Ganesa was devoted to his extended family. As a bachelor, he stayed with his parents until their passing, and is survived by his siblings, a nephew, Puvan, and a niece, Saveena. As Winston Churchill said of FE Smith: Some men when they die after busy, toilsome, successful lives leave great stock of scrip and securities, of acres or factories or the goodwill of large undertakings. F.E. banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends, and they will cherish his memory till their time is come. Along with the sadness and regret of Ganesa’s passing, we recall the joy, the laughter and the wisdom which he brought to us.

Cheah Kam Chiew

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:18:36 +0000

Cheah Kam Chiew was born on 7 November 1936. He studied at Methodist Boys School, Kuala Lumpur. Worked briefly as a teacher before leaving for England to study law at Lincoln’s Inn. He was called to the English Bar in 1966 and the Malaysian Bar in 1967. KC as he was fondly known, served his pupillage under Tan Sri PG Lim. Tan Sri Lim was the country’s first Woman Ambassador to the United Nations and concurrent Ambassador to Yugoslavia, Austria, Belgium and the European Economic Community. KC assisted PG Lim in the defence of 11 Malaysians who were sentenced to death for consorting with Indonesian forces during Confrontation. The death sentence was eventually commuted to life imprisonment following appeals to the Sultans of Johor and Perak. KC made his initial foray into politics by joining the then Labour Party. He represented detainees who faced political repression, assisted detainees who were denied family visits/lawyers’ visits. He was a fearless advocate for justice, human rights and a just society. He assisted the family of Lim Soon Seng, a Labour Party activist who was shot dead by the police before the 1969 general elections. He represented the late Lim Soon Seng’s family in seeking redress. Public Interest Litigation KC was no stranger to public interest litigation. He initiated two actions in public interest litigation viz: 1. Petronas’ rescue of Bank Bumiputra In September 1984, Petronas bailed out Bank Bumiputra as its subsidiary, Bumiputra Malaysia Finance (BMF) had lost RM2.5 billion in Hong Kong. The country’s largest bank had to be rescued. KC challenged the legality of the takeover as it was ultra vires the Petroleum Development Act 1978. In May 1985, the Government rushed through Parliament amendments to the Petroleum Development Act to give retrospective effect giving Petronas powers to acquire Bank Bumiputra. KC was forced to withdraw his action. 2. EPF Case In 1986, 4.8 million EPF contributors were worried about the management of EPF funds amounting to RM24 billion. The EPF Board allegedly refused to give a full and detailed accounting as to how it invested its funds. KC said, “As a trustee, the board must furnish to fund members (who were beneficiaries) information and full accounts on demand as to the method in which their contributions have been invested and where they were. Alternatively, the board should give the means of obtaining such information”. KC lost the case which case was before Justice Dato’ Harun Hashim. Gopal Sri Ram was his Counsel in both the public interest litigation cases. Political Career KC was passionate about politics. Although he contested and lost five times in the General Election, he never gave up. He was an indefatigable advocate for the poor, marginalised and the oppressed. He contributed much to the Labour Party (previously) and the DAP. Bar Council KC was actively involved in the Bar Council and also served on the Selangor & Federal Territory Bar Committee from 1980 to 1983. His collaborators at the Bar Council were the late Raja Aziz Addruse, Param Cumaraswamy, amongst others. He was also in its Human Rights Committee (HRC), assiduously assisting the HRC in taking up human rights issues.

Karpal Singh s/o Ram Singh

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:23:48 +0000

The Honourable Mr. Karpal Singh s/o Ram Singh or rather affectionately known by his constituents and members of the public as “The Tiger of Jelutong” was born on 28 June 1940 in George Town, Penang. He attended St. Xavier’s primary and secondary schools in Penang and thereafter went on his way to read law at the University of Singapore in 1961. He was called to the Bar on 15 January 1969 and has had a career in the legal profession that can only be described as ‘legendary’. He spent the following 45 years after being called to the Bar by serving the people, dedicating his life to defending the weak, fighting for justice and ensuring that human and constitutional rights were never trampled upon. The tales of his undying will to defend the weak, his generosity, candour and compassion are often spoken of by the lives of those he had touched. The Tiger’s roar will never be silenced. The cases that he fought for were now landmark decisions that form the basis of our legal system and will continue to cultivate the legal landscape of our jurisprudence. Entire libraries could be filled with cases that he had fought for and his name will be cited for years to come. He was also an outstanding politician and member of the Legislature and was the DAP National Chairman and a Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor for which he was a Member Parliament for eight terms and was also a State Assemblyman in Penang for three terms, having been first elected in 1978. His will to fight did not sit well with some sects and he was detained several times without trial in 1987 and 1988 under the now repealed Internal Security Act. He also refused to give up and yield to circumstances even when he suffered an accident in 2005 which left him paralysed from the waist down. With the help of his family and friends, the Tiger nursed himself back to health and came back with a bigger roar and carried on with his legal and political work. Mr. Karpal became the first disabled person in Malaysia to be elected twice to Parliament and both times with a landslide victory against his opponents. Even with so much on his plate and juggling between an active legal practice and looking into the needs of his constituents, Mr. Karpal was a devoted husband to Madam Gurmit Kaur and was a loving father to his five children who have become upstanding citizens in their own right and have followed in their father’s footsteps to serve the people and fight for what is right. Even though the mighty Mr. Karpal had now left us, his roar and his passion, dedication and love can still be heard and felt by Malaysians who will cherish him eternally as the Tiger and many have been spurred to continue his work and to ensure that his vision and dreams will be kept alive.

Thomas Mariasoosay

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:33:16 +0000

Born to late Mariasoosay Raiappan and Madam Philippe Soosay on 31 May 1955, Thomas was the third child in the family of six siblings. He has an elder brother, an elder sister, two younger brothers and one younger sister. Coming from a family where both parents were rubber tappers, life was not a silver spoon for Thomas. Success means hard work for this family. From young, the late Thomas was known to be a very practical person, highly disciplined, independent, hardworking, well organised, down to earth, very loving and caring (something that he did not show easily)… yet stubborn and very short tempered. He always did things his way. Some said he was very adamant, but that was because he was a man with principle. The beauty in him was that he held no grudge against anyone. The late Thomas began his primary education in Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Jalan Meru Klang and continued his secondary education in Klang High School. Here at the Klang High School, he was an active member in the music band where he played the clarinet and was also the chief librarian of the school library. Thomas completed his STPM at SMJK Kwang Hua Klang. He was offered to do Law at the University of Malaya where he managed to obtain a scholarship from the State Government of Selangor because of his excellent result in the STPM. That was among his proud moments that he would share with his nieces and nephews when they were much younger as a sign of motivation for them to succeed in life. Thomas took education matter seriously. Knowledge was a powerful tool for him. Upon graduating from the University of Malaya, the late Thomas served his pupillage in a law firm in Seremban. He then moved to Kuala Lumpur and worked with some renowned law firms here. He continued his practice and worked for a long time with Azman Davidson & Co before deciding to open up his own law firm; Thomas & Tan. His decision to set up his own law firm was mainly because he wanted to spend more time with the family and be near his ailing mother. Yes, Thomas was a very family orientated person. His love for his family was beyond words. The late Thomas took his profession very seriously and that could be one of the reasons why he never got married. He loved children very much and as he never got married, his nieces and nephews were his children and his love for them was exceptional. He cared for them and protected them as if they were his own children to the extent that he would become very childlike just to entertain them. If any one of them was not well, before their own parents were there, Thomas would be there to care for them. Once they were all grown up, his attention shifted to his grandnephews and grandnieces. He left behind four nieces, nine nephews, three grandnephews and three grandnieces at the time of his passing. He was the role model for many, especially his nieces and nephews. Thomas stayed as an active member of his High School Alumni. He was also a very active member of the Royal Selangor Club and the Royal Klang Club where he was a HASH member. Thomas was a man of few words and was well known among the HASH members as “Silent Thomas”. Man of few words but full of wisdom. Seek him for advice and you would definitely benefit from it. He would never turn down anyone who went to him for aid. He has such a soft heart that he would personally take charge and try to solve any issue forwarded to him. His compassion won the hearts of many. No one who had gone to him for help would return empty handed. Thomas could crack a joke that would make you laugh till your tummy hurt - something that most of us do not get to see that often in him. His sudden passing left a space that can never be filled. We grief now, the pain will slowly fade away but one thing that will never fade is his memory. His sweet genuine smile that will always light our way. Gone but will never be forgotten. Till we meet again.

Ngan Siong Hing

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:44:34 +0000

Ngan Siong Hing, my Papa, has worn many hats in his life. He was a young and handsome English teacher at the ACS Ipoh, a student activist cum part time waiter in London, a barrister, a firebrand politician and most of all, a devoted husband, father, son and brother to his family. He did not speak much about his early days in small town Gopeng except that they were very poor and the whole village chipped in to put him on a one way ticket to the UK. He made good. Even though his passing happened 11 months ago, it is still strange to speak of him in the past tense. I have known Papa my whole life and my heart still sears with pain whenever a memory of him is invoked involuntarily in my mind. He was, in my still juvenile expressions, the Man. And the temptation is still there to tilt my head back cognitively, to seek his views on this piece I am writing. I am sure he will loathe to find out that someone has attempted to write a piece about him and that the loathing may turn to agony that the author is me. Perhaps one day I may author something which I feel would be worthy of his praise. Knowing Papa and his very modest demeanour and tastes, I will keep things short and bittersweet. I hope you would not disapprove. Papa, I will always miss the days when you used to tuck me in at night. The smell of tobacco and ale as fresh to me as the morning balm. I will remember the times when you wrote for me all those letters to skip school even though you knew I feigned illness. You were my partner in crime. I miss the times when I could turn to you for wise counsel. I wished I could have told you all these things when you were still around. I wished I could turn the clock back. I love you Papa. May you find eternal peace in God’s arms.

Chong Kim Weng

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 09:49:32 +0000

The late Chong Kim Weng was born on 23 January 1959. He grew up in Kuala Lumpur where he had his education first at St John’s Primary and then at St John’s Secondary. He then proceeded to read law at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom where he obtained his Bachelor of Law Degree with Honours. He was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn in 1982 and in 1983 he was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. After his enrolment as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, the late Chong Kim Weng together with the late Tan Sri Chang Ming Tat, a retired Federal Court Judge of the then Federal Court of Malaysia started the firm of Chong & Co. in 1983. The name of the firm was changed to Chong & Harcharan and then to Chong Harcharan Hashim when Harcharan Singh and later, Hisham Hashim joined the partnership. The firm was subsequently amalgamated with Cheang Lee & Ong and Weng Kwai & Co. In 1993 with the departure of some partners, the late Chong Kim Weng went into partnership with Tan Sri Dato’ Seri V. Jeyaratnam under the name of Jeyaratnam & Chong. The legal firm that Kim Weng founded was his pride and joy. He was passionate about his work and would spend long hours in the office pondering over his work or arguing over certain points of law with his colleagues. His main work was in conveyancing and corporate law. Under his strong and focused leadership, the legal practice quickly became very successful. He was meticulous in his work and in his dealings with his clients he always gave his best. Kim Weng was a kind and gentle boss to the people in his charge and we had never once heard him raised his voice. He was generous to a fault with his staff and often took his staff on overseas trips. Because of his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity, he was much loved by his staff. Despite his very busy schedule as a lawyer, Kim Weng managed to find the time to be involved in several business ventures. He founded DBM Malaysia, a member of DBM International which is the world’s leading provider of strategic human resource solutions and he sat as a Director for several companies in Malaysia, Australia and China. Kim Weng married Tan Lei Cheng and they had three children, Chui Fern, Chui Li and Yao Sheng. His wife, Tan Lei Cheng was also a Barrister-at-Law and was also admitted and enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. However she did not practise law but chose a career in the corporate world and became a prominent corporate leader. Kim Weng and his wife were well-matched and he had great regard for her and often sought her opinions. He often spoke fondly of her and had on several occasions expressed to me his appreciation for her unfailing support in his career and other endeavours. He was also a loving and devoted father and would make sure that he spent quality time with his children however busy he was. Annual holidays with his family were his top priority. As a person, Kim Weng was always cheerful and he had a great sense of humour. He was interesting company and was immensely popular and he enjoyed the company of his friends. Kim Weng had a big heart and was generous with his brothers, sisters and friends. He would never turn down a person in need and he was always willing to help without expecting anything in return. Kim Weng never stopped in his quest for knowledge. He loved travelling and was an avid reader. Many of his family members and friends would find him to be a person of great intellect and he was always eager to share his ideas and knowledge. Kim Weng passed away peacefully on 1 February 2014. He was only 55 years old. His demise is a great loss to his family and friends. It was Kim Weng’s wish that we should celebrate his life and his achievements and not mourn our loss. He lived a full and lustrous life and he did it his way.

Suraeisan S.T. Mani

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:30:55 +0000

Suraeisan S.T. Mani or Suresh, as we fondly remember him, left us quite suddenly at the age of 46 in the early morning of 30 January 2014. A son, a brother, a husband, a father and a loyal friend - Suresh was all these things to all the people who knew and loved him. Suresh was born on 5 June, 1967 in Tapah, Perak. He was the long awaited son that his parents S.T. Mani and Saradambal prayed for, arriving 14 years after his three sisters. It is said that when a child is born, he brings with him multiple blessings to the family and this was certainly true for Suresh - for it was in the very month of his birth that his father S.T. Mani became a Senator. Senator S.T. Mani served for two terms and was the General Secretary of the MIC for the State of Perak serving alongside Tun Sambanthan. Sadly for Suresh, he lost his father when he was only seven but as a child and even in adulthood, he was spared nothing by his doting mother and three sisters and he was literally called “the King” at home because his birthday usually coincided with the annual birthday celebrations of Malaysia’s Yang Di Pertuan Agong. In school, Suresh excelled academically, where he was given the award of being the best overall student by the time he completed his secondary education and in sports where Suresh represented Perak in football in the under-21 age group. After leaving school, Suresh joined the police force briefly before he left to further his studies in India, leaving his mother and three sisters behind dreaming of “Dr. Suresh” coming home. Suresh however had a very different path that he charted for himself. He had a fascination for planes but was unable to become a pilot because of poor eyesight as “lasik eye surgery” was not available then. So instead, he signed up for a course in Aircraft Maintenance at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. Upon successfully obtaining a Diploma and fuelled further to pursue this journey, he then completed his A-levels and left for the UK - waved goodbye by his family who now dreamt of “Engineer Suresh” returning. In the UK, he pursued a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, gaining a degree from the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. The journey of discovery however did not stop there. During his time in London, Suresh worked to support himself so as not to burden his family. Whilst working, he lived with a group of Malaysian boys in London who were also working part-time as they studied law at Holborn College. He got a job at Holborn Law Tutors, Publications Division, where text books, summarised notes and past papers for the University of London, external degree were being despatched to international students doing their distance learning programme. Flipping through the books whilst he worked sparked a curiosity for the law and so he signed up to read law at Holborn College. He successfully obtained his Law degree from the University of Wolverhampton in 1996 and his mother and sister travelled up from Malaysia to witness his convocation. Most Asian and definitely Indian parents dream of a son who becomes a doctor, engineer OR lawyer. In Suresh, his mother raised a son who achieved two out of the three - kudos to her, a single mum with nothing but her husband’s pension and a smart wit to guide her. Suresh stayed on in the UK to complete his Bar Exams and in 1998 he was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple). Upon his return to Malaysia, he read as a pupil in the Chambers of Henry Lim & Co in Ipoh. After being called to the Malaysian Bar, Suresh worked with several firms and partners and eventually in 2013, he set up his sole proprietorship, Messrs Suraeisan, where he practised law up to the time of his passing last year on this very date. Suresh was a man of many seasons. He was bold, fearless and an adventurer at heart. Unable to rest on his laurels, he embarked on several business ventures since his return to Malaysia. Most notably was a pub he operated in Sunway where he crossed paths with travellers from around the world who stayed at Sunway Hotel across the road and locals who came by after work for a quick drink to wind down. Many happy evenings and occasions were celebrated with family and friends at the pub, as were many rowdy and enthusiastic football matches. Residents in Subang Jaya still talk about the authentic South Indian cuisine from his other business venture – Ammachees’ Restaurant, where the idlis’ were fluffy, the capatis were soft, the thosais’ crispy and the curries to die for. “Ammachees” was the first choice for a good Indian meal for the residents in Subang Jaya and his family will tell you that Suresh’s love for good food and his refined palate influenced every single dish that was served at Ammachees. As you would no doubt have gathered by now, Suresh was a man of many roles, all of which he played excellently. As his friend, I remember his passion for football and it would be amiss of me not to mention that he was an ardent supporter of Manchester United. In the parlance of that beautiful game, I can safely say that he provided a solid defence. He was supportive, loyal and steadfast to his loved ones and dear friends. He never failed to rally his friends round by encouraging those in need especially when things appeared grim or the hope of achieving something had begun to waver. For me personally, I knew that he had my back when things got tough. As remarkable as his many achievements were, he used to tell his friends that his greatest achievement was in marrying his beautiful wife Renu, who he met at Holborn College and then being blessed with his lovely twins Vishnu and Lakshmi. A quiet man of few words he was to many, but to those close to him and who knew him well, he had plenty to say and share. Throughout his many adventures, all who crossed paths with him will testify to the fact that he was generous to a fault. Thus, it is with great sadness that all who knew and loved him grieve his loss as a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a loyal friend much too early in life.

Happy is the time when we rejoice in company Happy is the time when we regale our shared stories Happy is the time when we share our joys So when one of us has departed, may we cherish the time we had. And in the years to come, when we grow old and weary Let us take comfort in the fellowship we were privileged to share. And in the distant recesses of our memories, Lest we forget, Our dear Suresh was once amongst us all.

Hariram Jayaram

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:43:09 +0000

It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we inform you of the passing away of Mr. Hariram Jayaram, our founding partner and the heart and soul of RamRais & Partners on 9 November 2013 at the age of 75, quietly and surrounded by his family. Mr. Hariram started his career as a teacher after he obtained his certificate in teaching in 1960. He subsequently pursued a law degree and completed his LL.B (Singapore) in 1970 and LL.M (London) in 1990. He was an Advocate & Solicitor at the High Court in Malaysia, an Advocate and Solicitor at the Supreme Court in Singapore, a Barrister, Solicitor and Proctor of the Supreme Court in Western Australia, a registered patent, trade mark and design agent, a Notary Public for the firm, an Arbitrator of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration, Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom and a mediator at the Bar Council. He chaired numerous Disciplinary Committees of the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board. He was a member of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation List of Neutrals since 1998, a WIPO Domain Name Panellist and listed as a WIPO Premium Name Expert. In 2002, the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) made him a member of its First Panel Arbitrators and a Domain Name Panellist. He was also a member of SIAC Regional Panel of Arbitrators. He decided over 49 cases involving domain name disputes for WIPO and 2 cases involving domain name disputes for KLRCA. He lectured in a number of national and international conferences and was the author of relevant articles in specialised publications in the field of Intellectual Property. Mr. Hariram was also known for his charitable deeds both in Malaysia and overseas, particularly India. He became a master and a model for all of us for his wisdom, involvement, integrity and practical sense and remains the same in our hearts. He was highly esteemed, admired and respected by his colleagues, partners and staff. He will always be remembered and deeply missed by those who had the privilege of living close to him for his commitment, ideals, hard work and loyalty.

RamRais & Partners **********

The term ‘nature’s gentleman’ is a term that applies aptly to Hariram Jayaram. He was by nature gentle in both his personal and professional dealing with people. I came to know him more in the latter capacity. He was probably the earliest at our Bar to develop an expertise in intellectual property law. This branch of law, two decades ago, was largely confined to trade mark cases and the occasional patent infringement case. Hariram saw its potential as going beyond that and enhanced his expertise in this area. He was ungrudging and unselfish about sharing his expertise with younger members of the Bar. When I was Bar President in 1997-99, he was our first port of call for talks to our lawyers on the developing law at that time on internet usage. He was undoubtedly the pioneer of intellectual property law in Malaysia. I have no doubts that Malaysian legal history would recognise him for that. May his soul rest in peace.

Cyrus Das **********

The late Hariram Jayaram is best known for being simple, humble, honest and unassuming. It cannot be denied that he was an icon in the field of Intellectual Property law. Many would vouch for his ever willing attitude to help and impart his knowledge of the law to whoever seeks his assistance and advice. Hari, as he is popularly known to many of us, made his mark in the field of Intellectual Property laws by the many papers that he had written not only at the local level but internationally since his admission to the Malaysian Bar on 18 December 1970. We shall miss this man immensely and the Malaysian legal fraternity has also lost a leading lawyer who is difficult to replace. On a personal level, I came to know Hari when we were students at the Penang Free School before we moved on to further our education. Hari was always a generous person inspite of being recognised as a leading lawyer having achieved a name for himself not only in the field of Intellectual Property law but is known for having practised in other fields of law, namely corporate, criminal and civil work during his lifetime. We have lost a dear friend and a good lawyer. May I join all our friends in extending our deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

Roy Rajasingham **********

It is with great sadness to have to inform our friends and colleagues of the passing away of Hariram. It is most difficult to write this tribute to Hariram because, like so many, I am finding it difficult to come to terms on the passing of a dear and trusted friend. I knew Hariram almost from the moment I joined the legal profession. I have worked with him in many matters, litigation and non-contentious matters, and non-legal work, for nearly 30 years. Hariram was one of the founding members of Malaysian Intellectual Property Association (MIPA) and Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) Malaysia Country Group. However, he declined to be the President of APAA Malaysia as he felt that he could contribute to the Association by being a “silent worker”. Hariram and his firm, RamRais & Partners have been a strong supporter and a good friend of MIPA and APAA for a long time. Caroline Francis of RamRais & Partners was MIPA Exco member, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary and Vice President respectively. Hariram was also a founding member of Licensing Executives Society (LESM), Malaysia Chapter in 1992 but he declined to be the first President of LESM. He became the third President of LESM in 1994 where I had the privilege to serve as the Honorary Secretary of LESM. LESM has many members in Malaysia today. Hariram was the first member of Inter Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) in Malaysia in 1991. On Hariram’s invitation, I became the second IPBA member in Malaysia. Again, Hariram declined to be the first Jurisdictional Member (i.e. equivalent of group President for Malaysia). Today, IPBA has a large membership in Malaysia. Hariram had always been generous and kind in sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow practitioners in particular younger members of the Bar. He never took advantage over fellow practitioners by reason of his knowledge, experience or seniority. He had always been ethical, a man of integrity, and always demonstrated respect and courtesy to the Bench and fellow lawyers. I have not heard him having said any bad words of any fellow lawyers. He was humble and unassuming throughout the years. There are so many good things to say of Hariram. He was recognised as a knowledgeable IP lawyer locally and internationally. As we can see from Hariram’s CV, he had received many awards and recognitions by professional associations and publications. He was the first arbitrator and domain name dispute panellist appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Malaysia. Hariram had been a strong supporter of educational projects conducted by the Bar Council of Malaysia, LawAsia and Commonwealth Law Association. I had the privilege of being the co-chair with Hariram in organising a few IP and IT seminars and conferences for the Bar Council, LawAsia and Commonwealth Law Association. Hariram had expended lot of time and money on community work and charity including a charitable foundation for the poor children in India. Few of us could emulate the good work Hariram had done. Hariram will be missed by all those who knew him around the world but he will be remembered. I have lost a dear and trusted friend. May his soul rest in peace.

Michael Soo **********

Sivamohan Nagendra

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:50:19 +0000

Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive”. In one word, Sivamohan was a man who gave his best in everything he set his foot upon. He gave much to his work, to his family, to his friends. I would like to speak in celebration of his life. Here was a life that demands notice. A life that had exemplified brilliance, a life that should inspire emulation, also a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit. Friends of Sivamohan would testify that he was a true gentleman, an honourable man and most of all, a loving family man. This is significant because he treated every person around him like family. Whether you worked for him, or a client seeking his help or a friend from the neighborhood; you got the same level of attention and care; just like you were a family member. Sivamohan also had a generous soul, which I am sure many can attest to. He never met a person in need that he did not find some way of helping. Anyone who has had the privilege to know or even meet Sivamohan once would not have a mean thing to say about him, and at the same time, he was never the type to do the same to anyone, nor would he entertain anyone who would speak ill of anyone else. Sivamohan’s work in the legal profession has helped many. Besides his corporate clientele, he gave legal advice to individuals and organisations; and in many cases pro-bono. His work ethics were nothing short of exemplary, and his services to his clients were always top-notch. The best attribute about Sivamohan would be his efficiency when it came to work. He never believed in last-minute work. Every case that came to his desk was always almost immediately and promptly dealt with. Sivamohan's passing is a great loss; not only to his family, but also to all those who had known him. He had been a great friend, and a fine example of a man. Sivamohan was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a good boss to the people in his charge, a loving husband to his wife, and a devoted father to his children. He was also a good friend to many of us and a great colleague. The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words: he was sincere, he was earnest, he was a genuine person, and he was loyal. As partner in his firm, Sivamohan led his staff in such a way that he exemplified leadership. He gave energy, commitment and inspiration to his staff and to others with whom he worked. The Sivamohan anyone would remember was a very jovial Sivamohan, one who not only was cheerful in himself but who gave much cheerfulness to others. He had a beautiful smile, a grand sense of humour and a gentle demeanour. He was bright, had a sunny disposition, very logical and systematic in his thinking. He was always willing to share his ideas and information. He was passionately interested in his work and would always give his best advice with regard to his profession, to those who came to him for it. Many would find him to be a splendid person of great intellect and big heart. In his career as a practising lawyer and partner of his firm, he worked with passion, integrity and energy. By his death, everyone who knew him will miss a highly intelligent, vibrant individual with a rare friendliness and charm of personality. Sivamohan was a genuinely warm character and wonderful individual; one we will miss greatly. Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege to know him. I end this eulogy with a heartfelt poem: Eternally resting in God’s arms, Burning brightly within our hearts, As two hands were laid to rest, God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best.

Augustine Christopher Nathan

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 10:53:37 +0000

Augustine was born on 25 June 1963. We were classmates in University Malaya, in the batch that commenced in 1983. In our student days, he was our resource person. Let me explain this. He was the person whom his fellow classmates would turn to borrow lecture notes when we were not able to make it for classes. We also borrowed his summary of case notes (which he industriously summarised after reading the full report), when we could not find the time or were plain lazy. There was something about the quality of his notes which struck me. They showcased a brilliant and a focus mind, a person who loved and understood the law well and a well organised person. I might also add he was a discipline and determined person to be able to complete time and again the endless list of authorities we were required to read after each lecture. Augustine would lend his notes to everyone cheerfully. Incidentally, amongst those who borrowed his notes are currently professors in the university. We are grateful to him for helping us through law school! We continued to keep in touch after law school. Later when he started legal practice, those qualities of Augustine that I mentioned above have never diminished. Of course by then, we ceased borrowing his summary of case notes. He was a one man firm. He chambered in Paul Chong & Kraal, which later became Paul Chong & Nathan, when Charles Kraal passed away. He became a partner in 1999. His love and knowledge of the law, his honesty, integrity, his discipline and right temperament, made him, in my respectful view - a judge material. However, as he was such an unassuming person, I felt his qualities were not fully appreciated. He loved his family dearly. He adored his parents. They were the most important persons in his life. His famous verse which appears below his name in each email that he sends out is, “The best sermons are lived; not preached.”. This is a reflection of his character. To those who are blessed to be his friends, we can testify that he has lived up to this verse. He is a person I would trust with my life. Augustine passed away on 15 December 2012. He is irreplaceable.

Lim Choon Wee

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:04:50 +0000

Lim Choon Wee was born on 5 March 1971 and the eldest child of Mr Lim Ching Seong and Madam Chen Kim Yan. He started his education at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Brickfields primary school before proceeding to complete his secondary education at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur. In 1991, he completed his A-Levels at Prime College Kuala Lumpur. After his pre-university studies, he enrolled in a twinning programme at Inti College to study law and obtained his Diploma in Law from the said college. In 1993, he left for the United Kingdom to complete his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) at Cardiff Law School. There, he obtained his LL.B Second Class Upper Honours in 1995. Upon his return to Malaysia in 1996, he undertook the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) studies at University Malaya and passed the CLP examination in the same year. He was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1997 after completing his pupillage at Paul Ong & Associates. He had several short stints in a number of law firms from 1997 to 2001 before joining Paul Cheah & Associates in 2002. In this legal firm, he worked for over 10 years before his sudden demise on 31 October 2012. Choon Wee had led a short but meaningful life. He is greatly missed by family members and friends.

Mohd Zahid Bin Abd Hamid

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:07:46 +0000

Allahyarham Mohd Zahid Bin Abd Hamid was born on 8 October 1966, in Seremban. After his secondary school, Allahyarham read law and graduated with LL.B (Hons) from UITM in 1990. Allahyarham was called to the Bar in 1992. From 1992 to 1997, Allahyarham was attached as a Legal Assistant, firstly with Messrs Andrew TS Goh in Melaka and then with Messrs Adlan YP Cheong & Leong in Kuala Lumpur. In 1998, Allahyarham set up and was a partner in the legal firm of Messrs Syed Barakbah & Co. in Kuala Lumpur.Allahyarham was a regular figure in the Courts at Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam and practised mainly in Civil and Commercial Litigation. Allahyarham was married to Razinah Mohd Zalman, a fellow member of the Bar, and they are blessed with seven lovely children, six boys and the youngest being a “princess” (in the words of Allahyarham). All the children are still school going. For those of us who have known Allahyarham, we would remember him as a man with not many words but with a lot of warmth and wisdom; and never a person not to extend a helping hand when his assistance is needed or to extend his ears to listen to anyone’s problems, however minor they may be. Allahyarham had always looked at things positively. In the words of his wife, Razinah, she has lost a “friend for fighting” who will always allow her to win the “fights” eventually. For me personally, I can never forget the smart ‘pony tail’ that Allahyarham always had hidden under the collars of his shirt whenever he appeared in the corridors of the Courts. True to the character and principles of Allahyarham, Razinah has requested me to seek forgiveness for Allahyarham from those who had known him, if in the slightest event Allahyarham had caused any hurt or done any wrong to anyone. May ALLAH bestow Rahmat to Allahyarham’s soul. AL FATIHAH

Mohd Alakhir Bin Brahim

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:10:34 +0000

Allahyarham Mohd Alakhir Bin Brahim berasal dari Melaka dan merupakan anak bongsu daripada tujuh orang adik-beradik. Beliau mendapat pendidikan awal di Sekolah Kebangsaan Peringgit Melaka, pendidikan menengah di Sekolah Muzaffar Syah Melaka, program A Level di Kolej MARA Banting, program Diploma Pentadbiran Awam di Universiti Teknologi MARA Melaka dan seterusnya program Ijazah Sarjana Muda Undang¬-Undang dengan Kepujian di Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam. Kehilangan bapanya ketika berusia dua tahun, ibunyalah yang menjadi tulang belakang menyara kehidupan dan membesarkan beliau adik-beradik, yang pada ketika itu masih belajar, dengan pendapatan sebagai pembantu rumah. Malang sekali, ibu yang dicintai pula pergi dijemput Ilahi ketika beliau masih menuntut ilmu untuk mengejar impian sebagai seorang peguam dan tidak sempat meraikan kejayaan beliau ketika menerima segulung ijazah. Tanpa kedua ibubapa disisi, beliau mendidik dirinya menjadi cekal dan bersemangat kental untuk menjalani hidup sendirian. Berbekalkan prinsip "Stand and Fight”, beliau telah menempuh segala cabaran, mencapai kejayaan, menghadapi kegagalan, jatuh dan bangun semula sehingga berjaya. Laluan yang beliau tempuhi penuh dengan cabaran dan dugaan. Namun begitu, kesusahan yang dihadapi tidak pernah melemahkan semangat beliau. Sebaliknya, beliau menjadi semakin tabah, cekal dan berani untuk menghadapi masa depan. Beliau percaya sesungguhnya untuk berjaya dalam apa jua bidang yang diceburi, seseorang itu harus bersikap positif, mempunyai semangat yang tinggi untuk berjaya, berani mencuba apa sahaja tugas yang diberi dengan bersungguh-sungguh, bersedia menerima teguran dan kritikan secara positif dan yang paling utama, meyakini kemampuan diri sendiri. Memiliki sikap merendah diri, baik-hati dan menghormati orang lain, beliau amat disenangi bukan sahaja oleh kaum keluarga, saudara-mara, sahabat-handai malahan orang yang tidak dikenali begitu mudah menerima dan menyayangi beliau. Memulakan langkah pertama dalam bidang guaman, beliau menjalani latihan di Dennis Nik & Wong pada tahun 2005 di bawah penyeliaan Master Wong Rhen Yen. Sepanjang tempoh latihan tersebut, beliau telah menerima ilmu pengetahuan, tunjuk ajar, nasihat serta pendedahan yang amat luas dan berharga untuk beliau mengorak langkah lebih jauh dalam bidang guaman. Pada tahun 2006 beliau diterima masuk dan didaftarkan sebagai seorang Peguambela dan Peguamcara Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya. Dengan berbekalkan iltizam dan integriti, beliau bersedia menghadapi cabaran untuk mencapai banyak lagi cita-citanya yang lain untuk menyumbangkan bakti kepada masyarakat dan negara. Pada penghujung tahun 2010 beliau melangkah setapak lagi dengan menjadi rakan kongsi apabila menyertai firma guaman Ong Ma & Partners. Malangnya beliau tidak sempat menyempurnakan semua cita-citanya kerana jatuh sakit ketika kerjaya beliau baru mula berkembang. Dalam waktu yang singkat beliau telah kembali ke rahmatullah pada 5 Mei 2012, tiga bulan sebelum usia beliau mencecah 36 tahun. Kehilangan beliau menjadi kejutan dan sangat dirasai kerana walaupun masih baru di dalam bidang guaman tetapi beliau seorang yang berpotensi untuk melangkah lebih jauh lagi sebagai seorang peguam yang berjaya. Merenung sejenak petikan kata-kata hikmah yang menjadi pegangan dan kekuatan diri beliau:- “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. The path to success is never easy. Sometimes in order to succeed, it matters not what others think and believe, but what matters most is your own thought and belief in yourself. Look at yourself from the outside and know yourself inside out, you will eventually find the one, whole and unbreakable you. Be strong, cling to your faith, never falter in what you believe and keep pressing on steadfastly. You will eventually make it through”. Beliau pergi meninggalkan adik-beradik dan rakan-rakan karib yang sangat menyayanginya. Apa yang pasti, kami tidak akan pernah berhenti merindui beliau. Semoga rohnya dicucuri rahmat. Amin.

Fauziah Binti Mustaffa

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:12:46 +0000

Allahyarhamah Puan Fauziah Binti Mustaffa, 38, passed away peacefully in the company of her family and friends on 27 April 2012. Fauziah graduated with Bachelor of Laws, (Second Class Upper Division) Honours, from MARA University of Technology. She was called to the Malaysia Bar in 1999. Fauziah was a Senior Associate in our firm of Abdul Raman Saad & Associates @ ARSA Lawyers. She possessed a diverse and considerable experience in civil litigation ranging from commercial, corporate, banking and general litigation. In the short time Fauziah was with us, she touched a great many lives. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and her very wide and varied circle of friends is a testament to this generosity of spirit. ARSA Lawyers express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Puan Fauziah Binti Mustaffa’s family and loved ones for their bereavement.

Henry Lee Yee Lian

klbar_editor — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:15:16 +0000

The late Henry Lee was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in the early 1970s. He graduated from Lincoln’s Inn. He married Madam Liew Mey Eng in 1974 and they have 3 children. Henry was in practice for 38 years; his former partner was Mr Ling Fook Hing who had passed away in 1976. In his early practice in the 1970s, Henry was involved in litigation matters but towards the later part he had concentrated on conveyancing matters. Henry had stood as a candidate in the general election on 3 occasions in the 1980s under the DAP but was unsuccessful. Apart from his legal practice, Henry was a legal adviser and consultant for the construction industries and several Chinese Associations for many years. Henry was also a keen guitarist and in fact had his own band of musicians. He just loved to play the guitar and had a good collection of guitars too. It was his hobby and at times he would hold a guitar even in his sleep. Henry worked until his last breath on 16 April 2012 when he suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away at the age of 65.

Dato’ Liew Teck Keong

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 06:31:47 +0000

The late Dato’ Liew Teck Keong (Dato’ Liew) was born on 10 September 1955 in Kuala Lumpur. He obtained his early education at Cochrane Secondary School. He then graduated from the Middle Temple in London and called to the Malaysian Bar in early 1980. Dato’ Liew began his early days in his legal profession by undergoing his period of pupillage in the firm of Shearn Delamore & Co. Upon completion of his pupillage, Dato’ Liew set up his own legal firm at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman known as Liew & Co. Dato’ Liew left behind his beloved wife, Datin Helen Lim Bee Wah and 4 lovely children. Dato’ Liew was a man of great charisma, jovial, friendly and ever ready to help anyone at all times. He had put everyone in his life before himself and had touched many hearts. He had never expected any recognition in return and will always be remembered and treasured. He was adored by his loved ones, his staff and people who knew him well. Dato’ Liew has left us with a lifetime of memories to cherish and he will always live on in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace. I would like to thank Datin Helen Lim Bee Wah for having given me this honour and privilege to pen down some words in memory of my respectful BOSS.

K S Narayanan

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 06:35:38 +0000

K S Narayanan was born in Malacca on the 9th of June 1946. His secondary schooling was at the Victoria Institution where he made a mark inter alia as a debater and as a thespian. I pause to note that in spite of his having been my pupil-in-Chambers in 1969 and in spite of the fact that he and I had worked together as colleagues at the Bar and as close friends for many years, from early 1970, I had not known where Narayanan had had his primary school education. All was revealed when I recently learnt, from his daughter Priya Narayanan, that which had been kept not surprisingly as a close secret, that his primary education was at the Doughton Quarry Girls School in Madras, India! Narayanan read law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Singapore. Among his contemporaries in Singapore who later reached eminence at the Bar in Malaysia were the likes of S Periasamy, Ninan Philip (of Johore Bahru), Tuan Haji Sulaiman Abdullah and Wong Chong Wah. After his graduation, Narayanan turned up in early 1969 at the Chambers of the legal firm, Ng Ek Teong and Partners, of which I was the Partner in charge of litigation work, seeking to be accepted to read in Chambers. We were a newly constituted firm which could be described as a breakaway from the old firm, Braddel & Ramani and we were not ready, not equipped, to take in pupils. But Narayanan threatened to do a sit-down until we took him in! And so perforce he became my pupil-in-Chambers. After his call to the Bar on 23rd December 1969, he went on to work with us as a Legal Assistant and when I became the Firm's Senior and Managing Partner, he became a Partner of the Firm, in about 1975. Ours was what could be described as a boutique firm restricting ourselves to serious Commercial Litigation and Corporate work. The late C Selvarajah, later Tan Sri, was in charge of the Corporate work and I was in charge of the Court work, mostly commercial cases appearing in all of our Superior Courts, almost every other day, usually with K S Narayanan and sometimes with our other Partner, Vincent Ponniah, as my junior. In the Law Reports of the 70's, there are a number of important judgments that places on record that I had appeared for one of the parties as Senior Counsel with Narayanan as my junior, with formidable opponents including respectively, the likes of Lim Kean Chye, the late M Sivalingam, Tan Sri Cecil Abraham, Michael Mustill Q.C., Wong Chong Wah and Dato' Dr Sir Peter Mooney, among others, leading for one or the other of the other sides. On the 1st of January 1980, I was appointed a Judge of the High Court. After continuing for a short while in Ng Ek Teong & Partners, after I had left the firm on my elevation to the Bench, Narayanan set up his own firm, K S Narayanan & Associates and rose in eminence as a Senior Advocate in serious commercial law cases. From the early 80s, we can see in the Law Reports, K S Narayanan featured as Lead Counsel in a legion of cases. I believe his practice by the late 80s consisted largely of appearing in one or the other of our Superior Courts as Senior Counsel on the instructions of other legal firms. In the days that we practised together, Narayanan and I, if I may say so, made a formidable team. We were in Court on most working days and I have pleasant recollections of working with Narayanan and other members of our team at Ng Ek Teong and Partners into the early hours, at least two or three nights a week! I and our clients had the benefit of Narayanan's acute, searching, disciplined, sharp, legal mind. Again and again he would discern in the problem at hand, an aspect nobody else had noticed, an aspect of the matter that could change and often did change a desperate situation into one that could and often did turn the tables in our favour! Narayanan had a formidable memory and such an ordered mind that he could address the Court in the most complicated of matters without the use of notes, dealing with each aspect of the submission in an ordered and comprehensive manner relying solely on his memory. As I had mentioned earlier, in school and in University, Narayanan had been very much involved in theater, as a thespian, as an actor, and no doubt his training in the mastering of his lines, must have contributed to that formidable ability to have the issues in the case he was involved in and the arguments in support thereof, in a preplanned order, without notes, at his finger tips. In the 70s, we were still using the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as our Apex Court. Narayanan and I were involved in a number of appeals from our Federal Court to the Privy Council. We normally instructed specialist Silks to appear before the Law Lords. Narayanan was very proud of his having appeared before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in respect of at least two matters, with the Silk appointed by us. By the 90s, Narayanan was riding high, in among the top echelons of the profession, highly respected by his fellow lawyers and by the Judges. What R R Chelliah, the then Chairman of the Bar Council said at the Reference in respect of one of our great advocates, S K Das and which I had said could be said of the late Khoo Eng Chin, can be repeated without fear of contradiction in respect of my friend, K S Narayanan:

He was not a showman who acted to the gallery. He never tried to bully witnesses or his opponent. He never raised his voice in Court. His advocacy was quiet and full of dignity.

K S Narayanan was very much a family man. He fell in love with the lovely and accomplished Tripat and ran into difficulties. While Tripat could not resist his charms, her father, Sardar Santokh Singh Godrei could and did! For a while. In spite of the training in the persuasive art of advocacy he received from me and the many years of successfully persuading Judges to agree with his submissions, it took Narayanan a good 7 years to persuade Tripat's father to accept him as a suitable son-in-law! As Narayanan's daughter, Priya put it, in her warm and moving speech, at the memorial luncheon organised by the family, Narayanan's perseverance paid off "and my father eventually married the love of his life in a 3 month celebration". Narayanan's best friend was his wife, Tripat and he was a chum to his 3 children, Priya, Asha and Ram. He was shamelessly and vocally proud of Tripat and the children, proud of what they are and of what they had accomplished. The vivacious and lovely Tripat obtained her basic degree from the University of Malaya, in English Literature, and her Masters in Mass Communication and went on to earn her Ph.D., in films, from North Western University of Chicago. Priya did her undergraduate degree at Durham, obtained her 1st Masters degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and her 2nd Masters degree from Columbia. She now works for Astro. Asha completed her undergraduate studies at the Australian National University, Canberra and is finalising her post graduate studies. Ram majored at Durham in Economics and now works for the Malaysian Transport Planning Committee. K S Narayanan was also the de-facto leader of the wider Karumathil family and he had a close relationship with his brothers and his only sister and her family. Narayanan was an amiable soft spoken charming person and had a whole host of close friends from within and from outside the profession. I respectfully offer our deepest condolences to Dr Tripat Narayanan, to Priya, Asha and Ram and to all the others near and dear to the late K S Narayanan. In concluding this eulogy let me say that K S Narayanan was a good man whose love and respect for the members of his immediate family were reciprocated many fold. He was one of our great advocates. He had led a full and useful life and has gone on, leaving good memories. It can be said of him,

And so dies another wave on the shores of life whispering its brief story into The sands of time And a gentle spirit has crossed the bar to land on a silent shore Where the billows break no more nor the tempest roar" Our individual faiths should help us believe that, "The souls of the righteous Are in the hands of God There shall no evil come to them There they are at peace

Nik Hashim Bin Nik Daud

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 06:40:25 +0000

Allahyarham Nik Hashim bin Nik Daud adalah seorang peguambela dan peguamcara dari Nik Hashim & Associates yang bertempat di Wisma Kraftangan, Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur. Beliau telah mendirikan rumahtangga dengan Hajah Jamiah bt Mat Dulop dan telah dikurniakan tiga orang anak perempuan iaitu Nik Adawiyah binti Nik Hashim, Nik Badriah binti Nik Hashim dan Nik Hidayah binti Nik Hashim. Dalam usaha meningkatkan kerjaya, beliau telah melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat sarjana muda pada tahun 1983 hingga 1987. Beliau berjaya menamatkan pengajiannya dan bergraduat dari Universiti Islam Antarabangsa, Gombak dan memiliki sijil Ijazah Sarjana Muda Undang-Undang (LLB Hons) . Dari segi kerjaya beliau telah bermula sebagai seorang pegawai polis berpangkat Inspektor pada tahun 1969 dan memegang jawatan terakhir sebagai DSP di Pulau Pinang dari tahun 1989-1992. Beliau kemudiannya bersara dan meneruskan kerjaya sebagai peguambela dan peguamcara di Kuala Lumpur dari 1992 hingga ke akhir hayat. Allahyarham meninggal dunia pada 9 September 2011 dan disemadikan di Tanah Perkuburan Masjid UPM, Serdang, Selangor. Amin.

Tan Tan Bok @ Chen Chanple

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:24:52 +0000

T.B.Tan passed away peacefully in the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 4th of August 2011 at the age of 70. The funeral was held in his hometown, Batu Pahat, Johore on 7th of August 2011. T.B.Tan graduated from Victoria University of Wellington and University of London with his Bachelor of Arts degree back in 1970s and started his career as a secondary school teacher, and then a family planning development officer. He then found his interest in law and pursued his education in Bachelor of Law and graduated from University of Buckingham in the year of 1987. He first set up his practice under the name and style of Messrs T.B.Tan & Co. in the late 1980s. For the past 20 over years as an advocate and solicitor, the late T.B.Tan has spent his time devotedly to his profession. He, a person at the age of late 60s, with the help of public transports and bare foot, all the way from KL city centre to Hulu Selangor which he barely knew of the exact location, paid a visit to the land office personally for the sake of moving his client’s case briskly. And yes, that was only one of the examples of what the late T.B.Tan did for his client. This simply proved the sense of responsibility and urgency he had. The very last time when he was admitted to the hospital due to his health condition, his family repeatedly advised him to retire from his profession as his condition was deteriorating. The immediate response gotten from him was a disagreement, not at least until he had finished off his outstanding cases. His devotion to his profession is definitely a point to respect. The late T.B.Tan was a humble person. With his friendly personality and sense of humor, it was comfortable to talk to him about anything. Even his clients regard him as a friend when seeking his professional advice. With the good karma he planted when he was around, until today we still receive condolences and sympathies for his demise. His kindness, voice, and love will always remain in our heart. May he rest in peace and have a restful mind in the next world he departed to. Adieu uncle!

Yap Wai Kit

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:27:18 +0000

Born on 8 September 1965 to the couple of Mr Yap Jee Fatt and Madam Chin Swee Chee in Kuala Lumpur, Yap Wai Kit or better known as Kit to his family and close friends, had always wanted to be a lawyer. His journey started when he enrolled himself in North London University (formerly known as Polytechnic of North London) and soon after graduated with a LL.B Honours. Kit decided to challenge himself into setting up his own practice, hence, the birth of his baby, Messrs W K Yap & Co. in the year 2006. Kit met his wife, Angie in the year 1985, and after years of romance, they decided to tie the knot in 1990. Their marriage was blessed with a bundle of joy, the adorable baby boy Kieron Yap, who brought happiness and completed Kit and Angie’s life. Kit was a man of high integrity and honesty. A decent, generous man, he loves travelling and reading and never stopped to satisfy his thirst for knowledge. He was a loving husband and father, and more importantly, a responsible man. It therefore should not be a surprise why he was such an interesting company and popular with all who knew him. Even those who have known him for a long time would not be bored thanks to his constantly fresh anecdotes and alternative points of view, always with a humorous twist. You knew you could always have a 'good conversation' with Kit. Kit was a man of great charisma, jovial, friendly and ever ready to help anyone at all times. He had put everyone in his life before himself and had touched many hearts. He had never expected any recognition in return and will always be remembered and treasured. He was adored by his loved ones, his staff and people who knew him well. He found his strength in God, especially when his health was severely deteriorating. He found solace in his wife Angie and son, Kieron who had always stood steadfastly by his side until his final day. Kit is survived by his wife, son and 3 beautiful dogs that he adored so much. Life was too short for Kit. He left without much as a goodbye. Kit’s passing made his family realise his good deeds, and how they should learn from it. That they should treat and respect people nicely, and love those who are important and care for them as it is not easy to find love in this world. Kit, Angie's husband of 21 years left without so much as a goodbye … when she was having lunch at home the day after Kit’s passing, she sat at the table for a long time with tears streaming down her face. It dawned on her that she would never have her husband sit beside her again … moments like this should make us all think and reflect on how we should treat and respect people … or even have the intention of getting even with them … life is too short … Kit’s passing was a reminder that we should let the smaller moments slide and treasure the relationship that we have. In the end, it’s the small things that one remembers. Little imperfections that made him perfect for you. It's my prayer that everyone would find someone as beautifully imperfect as Kit was to me. My message to Kit:

May God bless your soul. Rest in peace my dear. My tears will never dry …

Raja Aziz Addruse

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:30:58 +0000

Raja Aziz Addruse was born in Chemor, Perak on 10 February 1936. He went to Anderson School in Ipoh for his secondary school education. He won a scholarship to read law at University of Bristol and in 1954 set sail for England to further his studies. After completing his university studies at Bristol, he was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 1960. He then returned to Malaysia to join the Judicial and Legal Service as a deputy public prosecutor and later served as deputy parliamentary draftsman under Malaya’s first Parliamentary Draftsman, Reginald Hugh Hickling. Raja Aziz always remembered his days as a parliamentary draftsman with fondness, noting that it had instilled in him a discipline and rigour in the use of language. In 1966, Raja Aziz was called to the Malaysian Bar and shortly afterwards entered private practice and set up the firm, Rithauddeen & Aziz, with his close friend and colleague, Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen. Raja Aziz was absolute in his commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the role the Bar and the members of the legal profession had to play in maintaining that independence. He served as a member of the Bar Council of Malaysia for 21 years. He was first elected President of the Malaysian Bar and served in this office from 1976 to 1978. He served as President of the Malaysian Bar for a further two terms (by popular request) from 1988 to 1989 and 1992 to 1993. Raja Aziz or ’Ungku’ as he was affectionately known in legal circles was, during his lifetime of practice, a passionate advocate for justice, the rule of law and human rights. He did not hesitate to speak out when he thought it was necessary on the many issues he felt were wrong or contrary to the principles of justice and fairness. Notable cases he undertook included representing the former Lord President Tun Salleh Abas when he was suspended and later dismissed from office in the 1988 constitutional crisis. Raja Aziz was also the lead defence counsel in the Anwar Ibrahim corruption and the first sodomy trial. He acted as counsel for Chin Peng, the former leader of the Communist Party of Malaya in his attempt to return to Malaysia. One of his last notable cases was the challenge by Sultan Ismail Putra against his removal as the sovereign of the State of Kelantan. Raja Aziz was one of the founding members of the National Human Rights Society ‘HAKAM’ and served as HAKAM’s President from 1992 to 1997 and then again from 2000 to 2001. In May 2006, he was elected as a Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists, headquartered in Geneva. In April 2010, he was honoured with the Lifetime Professional Integrity Award by the Malaysian Professional Centre. Raja Aziz passed away on 12 July 2011 with his family and close friends by his side. He leaves behind his wife Catherine, his daughters Raja Azrine and Raja Adeline, his sons-in-law Jonathan Rogers and Craig Coggle and his grandson, Cassidy Coggle. In the words of his close friend L.C. Vohrah,

Aziz was ‘as true as they come’ and I would describe him as ‘ethics personified.

Dato’ Anpalagan Ramiah

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:37:54 +0000

Never Born Never Died - Only visited this planet earth between 18 December 1953 and 13 June 2011. Dato’ Anpalagan Ramiah was ultimately united with God in the evening of the 13th day of June 2011. For many, his sudden and untimely demise was a shock and a great loss because he was so much a part of so many people’s lives. He obtained his first degree in Applied Science from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia in 1985 and proceeded to do a business course in the same university and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration in 1988. He then obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honours) degree from University of East London in 1992 and another Bachelor’s degree in Law from Bond University in Queensland, Australia in 1993. Studying part time while practising law, he completed the Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Queensland in 1998. He had many years of experience in most areas of commercial and business and sat on the board of several listed companies in Australia. He was fortunate to do his pupilage with the late Mr. Jeffrey Fernandez in the chambers of Fernandez & Co. and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 11th April 1995. Thereafter, he became the partner of Ramiah, Mages & Partners (name changed to Ramiah, Moses & Partners) before this firm became A. Ramiah & Partners. Dato’ Anpalagan Ramiah was the only son in a family of four children. He came from humble beginnings but rose to be a man of substance. He was a filial son to his late father and mother. To his relatives, legal and business associates, he was a source of strength and his valuable advice was always eagerly sought and readily given. He had endured many a rocky and painful path on his journey of life to achieve his success. He always worked too hard, too much and too late. He always said “There is no royal road to learning. Nor is there only one to success in life.” Education, the ability to stand up and face the world’s challenges with courage and respect for one’s parents were amongst the important things in Dato’ Anpalagan Ramiah’s life. His unwavering mind, clear thoughts and simplicity are his life’s message and all those who were near and shared time with him are indeed blessed. Dato’ Anpalagan Ramiah was a man nobody can replace at least not in his family and friends’ hearts. He was a disciplinarian and he was very affectionate and loving towards his only daughter. He was well loved by all his family members and friends. He always smiled even in the most difficult of circumstances. He was such a kind soul, the type of person you can’t get enough of. He never spoke about his generosities and he never expected anything in return. His devotion and faith in Lord Siva was undying and he used to undergo various kinds of austerities. He did many things but he especially loved one thing very much, his Lord Siva temple, where he finished his last breath. Letting him go was so painful. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled.

Ng Yeong Lee

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:42:23 +0000

Mr. Ng Yeong Lee came from an illustrious family in Lumut, Perak, being the second son of the late Datuk Ng Kuok Thai. His early education was in Eng Ling Chinese Primary School in Lumut, junior high at Nan Hwa High School and senior high at Anglo Chinese School in Sitiawan. He then did his A-Levels in Penang before proceeding to the United Kingdom and obtained a diploma in business administration. He came back to Malaysia and worked in the family business for a few years before going back to the United Kingdom to read law at Lincoln’s Inn. In 1978, he was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. He returned and read in the chambers of the late Mr. Ronald Khoo of Messrs Shearn, Delamore & Co. After being called to the Malaysian Bar in 1979, he joined Messrs Chew & Co. as a legal assistant to commence his professional career. He was active in the affairs of the Bar, serving as a member of the Disciplinary Committee Panel from 26 February 1996 to 25 February, 2006, during which time, he willingly accepted all assignments without fail. It was fate that I was also chambering at Shearn Delamore & Co. a few months before he joined Shearn Delamore & Co. and the encounter with him unexpectedly took us into a long relationship which spanned 30 odd years till his demise in April this year. It was during that brief association in Shearn Delamore & Co. that prompted him to enlist me, a year after our short sojourn into our initial years of practice, to venture on our own under the name of Ng & Ong. It was him who financed the set-up cost and thereafter developed the clientele which deed I forever appreciate when looking back at the success record of the firm. Yeong Lee had always been in his flambuoyant style and was most friendly, generous and helpful with his circle of friends. To me as a partner of the firm, I value him more of his honesty, tireless effort and meticulousness in undertaking his assignment. We were often asked as to the secret of our ability of keeping together for these long years as partners. He would just laugh it off. But to me, I believe that it was the above element, in particular his honesty and our mutual realisation of having to share both the burden of work and the benefit derived which was the glue to our long relationship. His death brought shock not only to the firm’s staff, but also to his clients and friends both local and overseas. I reckon I would not be overstating my grief as a partner and personal friend as no less than that felt by his beloved wife, Madam How Yoong Yoong and their only daughter, Miss Ng Yi Wayn. May he rest in peace.

Datuk Hajjah Ilani Binti Dato’ Haji Isahak

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:44:57 +0000

Datuk Hajjah Ilani binti Dato’ Haji Isahak was born into a talented family in Kota Bahru, Kelantan on 18 March 1953. Her father was a lawyer. Her mother was active as a homemaker and also in social and welfare work. Datuk Hajjah Illani had her school education in the Zainab Primary School 1 in Kota Bharu and the Kolej Tunku Khursiah, Seremban. In 1972, she enrolled as a member of the first batch of law students in the University of Malaya, not knowing then that soon she would meet there her future husband Tuan Haji Adam bin Mohd Ibrahim. Tuan Haji Adam and Datuk Hajjah Ilani were to start a relationship of about four decades starting as fellow students, an item, husband and wife, lawyers in practice together, parents, partners in politics, and also as grandparents. Dato’ Hajjah Ilani quickly established herself as an outstanding student in the University and passed her examinations without difficulty. Following graduation in 1976, she served a short while as an Administrative Officer in Bank Negara Malaysia. She underwent pupillage under the distinguished Encik Zain Azahari bin Dato’ Zainal Abidin of Messrs Zain & Co. She was called to the Bar on 8 November 1976. She practised in Messrs Zain & Co. for about five years before joining the practice of her husband Messrs Adam & Co. in 1982. Early on, she showed an active interest in politics. She was Member of Parliament for Kota Bharu from 1990 till 1999. She worked tirelessly as a lawyer, as a wife and mother, and as a politician, frequently dividing her time between her home and office in Kuala Lumpur and another home and office in Kota Bahru and also travelling all over the country. She also found time to serve in the youth movement, rising to be the Vice-President of the Malaysian Youth Council from 1986 till 1990. And she was also active in the women’s movement. She held high office in her political party, including for some years as a member of the Wanita Umno Executive Council. And she found time to be active in social and charity work as well. Her duties as a lawyer, politician, Member of Parliament and youth leader also took her all over the world. She participated in many international conferences and meetings and served on various international bodies, particularly as regards parliamentary affairs and youth activities. Sadly, her long and distinguished career in various fields came to an untimely end when she passed away on 24 February 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Even in her last days, she kept herself busy with many things. One of her last appointments was as the Special Co-Ordinator for the Promotion of Interfaith Understanding and Harmony set up by the Government. Another of her last appointments was as a member of the Government’s National Unity Advisory Panel. She spent her life living, working tirelessly for the many causes that she believed in. For her distinguished services, she was awarded the Pingat Jasa Negara. She was also appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Sultan of Kelantan. Not surprisingly, she was amongst the recipients of the Outstanding Young Malaysians Award in 1986 and won the Tokoh Belia Wanita Negara award in 2002. She is survived by her husband Tuan Haji Adam, their daughter Farahnaz Sarinina, and their sons Adil Akbar, Aman Akbar and Amir Kahar. I was a fellow student of Datuk Hajjah Illani and Tuan Haji Adam in law school. We had kept in frequent contact with each other over the years. I feel sorrow at the loss of an old friend. But I take pride and feel great happiness in having been associated with her and her family over the years and also regarding the many experiences that we had shared. I pay tribute to a fellow student, a fellow lawyer, and a friend. She had led a life which was well-lived. May her soul rest in peace.

Ramasamy Shanmugam

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:49:36 +0000

In life we meet many people. Some we forget in a while and some we remember for a short time. Ramasamy Shanmugam was not one of those people. He was a man who stamped his mark on every life he touched. Originating from Kulim, Kedah, he was the eighth child among his siblings and also the youngest. He lost his mother at the age of 7 and lived with his father for most of his schooling years. When he began his secondary education, he enrolled at Sekolah Menengah Sultan Badlishah and he began to move around living with his sisters and brothers making him the most loved among them. He later moved to Sekolah Menengah St.Patricks, Kulim. Ramasamy Shanmugam never considered law in the early part of his life and went for training as a Laboratory Assistant at the Institute for Medical Research (I.M.R.) in Kuala Lumpur and once he received his G.C.E., he began working as a Laboratory Assistant in Jabatan Rancangan Pembasmi Malaria in Johor. During this time he was convinced by his late brother who was a Tamil school teacher to pursue a career in Law. Armed with nothing more than his bravery, Ramasamy Shanmugam left Malaysia to Manchester, England. He enrolled at Manchester Polytechnic to pursue and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in the field of Law. His time in England was filled with wonders and hardship. He worked in a Pub as a waiter/bartender to make ends meet. He was also the designated cook in the apartment that he shared with his friends. His Bulls Balls curry is still spoken about till this day by his friends. While all this was going on, he did not forget his sweetheart, Chandara Devi. Letters of love and concern were written and mailed in the old conventional method to each other to keep their fire burning. Before leaving, he made her a promise that once he was back on home soil she was going to be his lifelong companion. And true to his word, he married Chandara Devi a/p Ramasamy (yes, he and his father-in-law had the same name). He successfully completed his B.A (Law) and returned to Malaysia in 1983. He then completed his Certificate in Legal Practice (Malaysia) in University Malaya 1984. He chambered at Messrs Pasupathy & Co and was called to the Bar on 28 September 1985. He opened up his own firm Messrs Ramasamy & Co in 1986. He brought in his wife to be his secretary and to help him with the office work. He was a loving family man. He dedicated a room in his office just for his kids to be in and taken care of. This ensured that his family was by his side at all times. Even with a baby-sitter, he wanted the kids at the office. As a Husband, he made a point to make sure no matter where in the world he was at night, he would be home for dinner to eat what his wife had prepared. As his children grew up, never once did he lay his hands on them to discipline them. He always sat them down and spoke to them as if he was speaking to an adult. This was one of his policies in life, Never Hit the Kids. Because of his loving nature, his children loved him. While growing up, his children looked up to him as their hero. If there was any problem that they faced, he would smile and provide the comfort that one would never think existed. He never condemned his children or ever got angry at them. Whereas the world would not dare disobey him, his kids could get away with murder with him. His eldest would testify that when exams came around, his dad would just say do your best and just pass it. Never once did he pressure his kids or force them. He always told him that what you are as a person is never what you are on a paper. And he made sure all three of his children were streetwise. Understanding the world was important to him. He wanted his children to know what the world is like. He did his utmost best to shield them from harm and when they were in trouble he would walk in and the problem would just disappear. He was respected in his profession as a criminal lawyer. A darn good one at that. It was his passion and his playing field. When he was in Court, he was untouchable to his family. It was a majestic man fighting in a battle. He, without knowing, was moulding his children in his shape. Constructing the future by making examples. His passion rubbed off strongly on his youngest with her starting her first year in Law now. He was there every day till the day he left this world guiding her. Not many sons can say their dad would pour them a glass of beer and have conversations that would make even the best of friends seem second but Ramasamy Shanmugam did. He never introduced his son as his son but his friend. And in later years, people failed to recognise his son and assumed he was indeed with a friend! He was indeed his son’s best friend. His children could tell him anything and there would be no judgement from his part. Even his friends never understood the bond he shared with his kids and wife. He was so carefree and happy that he would light up the most mundane function with his antics. He would sing love songs to his wife in public making her blush and hide and he would dance and just show the world how to have fun. Even as a son-in-law, he made sure the kids visited the grandparents every week. He would take them there leaving them to play and do gardening for his in-laws and helping with other chores. He was never one to shy away from his responsibilities. When it came to his religion, he was a chameleon. He would blend into any crowd and you would notice him. He was so well read that he could spit the contents of any religious book and preach the preacher. Something many love about him. When the world crumbles, Ramasamy Shanmugam would have been the man sitting in his front lawn holding a can of cold beer saying “All good things come to an end, so let’s just enjoy it while we have it”. Everyone looked up to him because of how he carried himself. He could make the hardest of people melt and love the loveless. His memory was one of an elephant. He would go to Court with one piece of paper and recite 5 different books in Court. He could recollect precedents to the page they were printed in missing maybe one word. To his family, he was the marvel superhero for a lawyer. Even after meeting with an accident and losing his right leg, Ramasamy Shanmugam went to Court and walked the walk to do his job. Never deterred by misfortunes and never deterred by failure. He rose up over and over to show the world what a man he was. An ardent football fan, he instilled in his family the support for his favorite team Manchester United. Incidentally the night before he was admitted in the hospital, he watched his last ever United game while making Deepavali biscuits with his family. To many, this memory would be painful and sorrowful. But to his family, he thought not to look at the downside but to realise that it was one of his last moments with them and to remember he was with the people he loved the most doing what he loved the most.

Satish P.S. Nair

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:51:40 +0000

Mr Satish P.S. Nair (affectionately known as ‘Satish’ to family and friends) was called home to his rightful place to be with the Almighty in the early evening on 24 October 2010. His peaceful demise came as a sudden shock to his loved ones and friends, none of whom expected this jewel of a person to leave so suddenly and without saying goodbye. His loved ones, family and close friends are still trying to come to terms accepting that he no longer remains amongst us as none of us ever imagined a life without Satish in it. They say time heals all wounds but the pain of his loss will always be felt by those he left behind. Satish was born on 4 February 1961 in Petaling Jaya and is the third child of Mr P.S. Nair and Madam Gomathy Nair. He completed his primary education at the Vivekananda School, Brickfields, and later went on to La’Salle PJ where he completed his secondary education by sitting for the Malaysian Certificate of Education (M.C.E) in 1978. Satish then enrolled himself at the Stamford College PJ where he sat for the ‘A’ level Examination in 1979 before proceeding to read Law in London, England, where he graduated from the University of London with an Honours Degree in Law (LL.B) in 1986. Satish was later admitted as a Barrister at the prestigious Lincolns Inn, London in 1988, after which he returned home to Malaysia and completed his chambering and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 22 September 1989. Satish first set up a partnership under the name of Vincent and Satish, Kuala Lumpur but later preferred to be an Editor at the Malaysian Current Law Journal from 1993 to 1996. Satish then resumed his legal practice and joined the firm of S.N. Fong from 1997 to 2002, after which he set up his own firm under the name of Satish P.S. Nair, Kuala Lumpur until his untimely demise on 24 October 2010. I had the pleasure of having personally known Satish since 1998, after which we became so close that I looked upon him as my elder brother, whom I regularly turned to for advice and guidance. Satish left behind his beloved wife, Geeta Jothilingam of Matthew Thomas & Co. Kuala Lumpur and 3 lovely children, Laveen Nair, Taysher Nair and Kaeshini Nair. He met the love of his life, Geeta, in 1981 on a flight to London and there was no turning back on their romance which blossomed during their time together in London as students and which was later further strengthened when they tied the knot in January 1990. During the time I knew Satish, I always found him to be a devoted and loving husband and a dedicated and responsible father. Satish had the gift of being able to interact well with adults and children alike. Satish’s hobbies included reading, travelling, playing pool and collecting train sets. His strong command of the English Language and Shakespearean Literature and his witty nature were some of his admirable qualities, not to forget his romantic side where his poetic love letters combined with his persistence won over Geeta’s heart. Satish’s other notable quality was his frankness when asked about his opinion on issues ranging from current affairs to religion and politics. As a friend, Satish always believed in quality over quantity. He chose his friends very carefully and those who had the privilege of being close to him will attest to the fact that Satish treated his friends like family and that they could always count on him in times of need. Satish’s demise has left a void in the life of his close friends, and one particular gentleman by the name of Ravindran, who was Satish’s best friend, is still trying to come to terms with his loss. Such is the impact that Satish has had on the lives of his friends. Those who knew Satish will always remember him as a very likeable, kind, generous hearted and honest person. Satish was also a devoted son, a reliable brother and brother-in-law and a much adored uncle to his nephews and nieces. As an Advocate and Solicitor, Satish was an active litigator and his integrity is beyond reproach. His sense of commitment and duty to the Court and clients was unquestionable. Satish was well liked and earned the respect from fellow members of the Bar. The last time I met Satish was two weeks before his passing, and looking back, I wished I could have held on to that moment, for that was the last time I was ever going to see and talk to my best friend. I believe Satish led his life with no regrets. As much as I mourn his demise, I also celebrate the wonderful memories I had of him. Satish has left us with a lifetime of memories to cherish and he will always live on in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace. I would like to thank Ms. Geeta Jothilingam, for having given me this honour and privilege to pen down some words in memory of my beloved friend and brother.

Rajasingam A/L Ratnasingam

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:56:02 +0000

Rajasingam was born on 28 March 1961 in Kuala Lumpur. He obtained his early education at Pasar Road School and later at Cochrane Secondary School and College Tuanku Abdul Rahman. He then graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 1995. He is a Barrister at Law and was admitted to Lincoln’s Inn (London) in 1995 and called to the Malaysian Bar in early 1997. Rajasingam began his early days in his legal profession by chambering in the firm of Sidek Teoh Wong and Dennis under the guidance of Mr Dennis Appaduray. He worked closely with Mr Dennis and gained invaluable experience in all areas of major litigation matters and corporate work. He later joined the firm of Kitson Foong as a partner and in December 1998, he joined Syed Paul & Co. also as a partner before joining Zainudin Wan Nadzin Chua & Mazlinda, and forming the Kuala Lumpur Branch with Karminder Kaur. He worked very closely with the partner of his branch, partners of the other branches and also with his staff who had been with him since the formation of the branch. Rajasingam was a man of great charisma, jovial, friendly and ever ready to help anyone at all times. He had put everyone in his life before himself and had touched many hearts. He had never expected any recognition in return and will always be remembered and treasured. He was adored by his loved ones, his staff and people who knew him well.

Ngae Koh Hieng

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 08:58:31 +0000

Ngae Koh Hieng or Edwin Ngae as he was popularly known was born in Engkilo, Sibu Sarawak along the Rejang River on 8 January 1954. He had his primary education in Engkilo and would always reminisce about having gone to school barefooted. He then studied at the Methodist High School in Sibu and obtained the Sarawak Junior School Certificate with Distinction. He completed his Higher School Certificate in 1973. It was at the University of Malaya when I first met Edwin in 1974 when we both were pursuing a degree in Economics (Business Administration) at the Faculty of Economics and Administration. Edwin was a symbol of youth and vitality and had lots of passion for life and was always hungry for knowledge. After graduating with a Bachelor degree in Economics, Edwin started work with a developer. But soon after, his quest for further knowledge motivated him to read law as an external student of the University of London on a part-time basis, juggling time with his family and work. He completed his LL.B degree with Honours in 1989 and Certificate of Legal Practice in the year 1990. Soon after, he quit the commercial sector and commenced full time legal practice. Edwin was steadfast in his beliefs of right and wrong and he practised with zest and passion. Legal practice however was not his only passion in life. Edwin always a keen sportsman, soon discovered his love for running and began pursuing this hobby on a serious note. He took part in many marathons, triathlons, iron-man events and his biggest achievement was his participation in the Sahara desert run in the year 2007 which he successfully completed. I was informed that he was only one of the 3 men from Malaysia who completed this humanly difficult feat. His self-belief and determination knew no bounds and should be an example for the young ones to emulate. Illness struck Edwin in 2008 and after a short struggle Edwin passed away on15 May 2010 leaving behind his beloved wife Koh Pin Pin who is also a member of the Bar and three lovely children Min Yin, Min Sheng and Min Xian. Edwin will always be remembered by those who missed him.

Dr Stephen Goh Tyau Hin

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:02:36 +0000

The late Dr Stephen Goh was born in Malacca on 14 October 1941. He had distinguished himself in the academia early in life and carried this excellent quality throughout his years of studies as a scholar in England and in the United States of America. After attaining an LL.B (first class) law degree from the University of Hull (1964), he repeated this feat with another first from Cambridge University (1966). In between, he passed his Bar Finals and was called to the Middle Temple. In Cambridge, he won the Trinity Hall Law Prize 1965. He also qualified with a Diploma in International Law. He crossed over to Oxford University as a St John’s College Scholar for post-graduate research and was conferred the M. Litt degree in 1968. Another scholarship took Stephen to Harvard University and there he graduated in 1969 with an LL.M (honours). He returned to Cambridge University for doctoral research in the area of Labour and International Law and graduated with a PhD in 1972. His thesis entitled “The International Protection of Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise for Trade Union Purposes” was well regarded amongst experts in that circle. He received deserved recognition for his scholastic contribution and was invited to become a Fellow of the prestigious Council of Europe in 1973. Stephen returned to Malaysia and lectured in the Law Faculty of the University of Malaya from 1973 to 1974. He then worked as senior manager for Petronas until 1976. After that he practised law together with his dear wife Tiew Jee under the firm they founded together, Dr Stephen Goh and Partners, until they retired from active legal practice in 1995. Stephen was also an Arbitrator with the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration and the International Centre (Cairo) for Arbitration. In legal practice, Stephen was well sought after as a legal consultant and advisor. After retiring from legal practice, Stephen devoted much of his time to Christian Honorary work. Two of the organisations that benefited much from his generous dedication are International Outreach Limited and The Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship Malaysia. In his later years and sometimes in a fragile state (as his health was not the most robust), the intellectual life that had so singularly marked him out in his student and professional life never left him. Stephen’s last published work, “An Introduction to the FGBMF (Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship) in Malaysia 1978 - 2006 (Advancing God’s Kingdom in the Market Place)” was on an area of life and ministry he was passionate about since his conversion to faith in Christ, and it was befitting that he personally presented this paper at a conference held here before an august company of international scholars. On 18 January 2010 Stephen passed on to eternity. He is survived by his wife Tiew Jee, son Sian Loong and daughter Ming Loong.

Sng Kim Kuay

klbar_editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:04:45 +0000

Mr Sng Kim Kuay (KK Sng) was born on 27 September 1942 and the eldest of five brothers and two sisters. He studied in English College Johor Bahru. In 1962, he joined the Royal Malaysian Customs Department as an Assistant Superintendent and was soon promoted to Superintendent. KK Sng was married in 1967 and had three sons Sng Eu Jin, Sng Eu Kim and Sng Eu Sun. In 1968, he was transferred to join the newly formed Anti Corruption Agency and in 1973, he was transferred back to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. In 1974, with the recommendation of His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah (the Lord President at that time), he left for United Kingdom to pursue his law studies. He completed his law degree and Bar exams in 18 months which was an achievement no one else had done before. The reason he could do this was that at that time there was no need to complete the degree before enrolling for the Bar exams. That was a loop hole which was subsequently amended wherein one must finish one’s law degree before one could enroll for the Bar exams. Upon his return to Malaysia in 1976, KK Sng chambered in Shook Lin & Bok and thereafter started the firm of Sng & Mathew in 1978. He was a well respected practitioner in Kuala Lumpur and liked by everyone. In 1996, he helped his two sons Sng Eu Kim and Sng Eu Sun set up the firm of Sng & Co. KK Sng had led a full and lustrous life and is missed by family and friends. He passed away on 1 January 2010.

Thiruchelvasegaram Manickavasegar

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 02:34:55 +0000

An Inspirational Life Thiruchelvasegaram Manickavasegar, known to family friends and fellow lawyers as ‘Segaram’, was a member of the Inner Temple for 44 years, passed away on 30 October 2009. The life of Thiruchelvasegaram Manickavasegar provides inspiration to us all. From humble beginnings, through hard work, perseverance, intellect and strength of character and purpose, he overcame hardship and a lack of resources to complete his legal qualifications in Britain in record time, and became an advocate and solicitor who was greatly respected and admired within the Malaysian legal fraternity. He was born on 17 May 1939 — the seventh of ten children — to a family of modest means. His father, a Tamil migrant from Ceylon, initially settled in Malaya in 1916, although the family’s roots in Ceylon would remain. In his early years, his educational opportunities were extremely limited. After his eldest brother, Dato’ Dr Prof Balasegaram, brought him to Malaya in 1956, he attended school in Kuala Lumpur, and through a great deal of hard work and determination, he managed to bring himself up. He passed his Senior Cambridge exams with grades that enabled him to study law in London. His brother, Dato’ Dr Prof Balasegaram — himself a world-renowned surgeon — provided both the example and financial support for his younger brother to get the education he yearned for. He graduated with his law degree and was called to the Inner Temple as a Barrister on 9 February 1965, within a mere 18 months of completing his degree. Due to financial constraints on his family, and so as not to impose longer than necessary on his brother’s kindness in supporting him, he had requested, and been granted, permission to complete his qualifications in a shorter time frame in order to return to Malaysia to commence working. While in London, he lived frugally and worked single-mindedly with intensity and determination to achieve his goal. His wife, who met him while studying law in London (they later married in 1966), recounts that during this time, he studied “day and night, always with his nose in a book”. He also used some of his precious time to tutor other fellow students. After returning to Malaysia, he was called to the Bar on 7 September 1965, and then worked for the firm Yap & Yap in Ipoh. His own firm, M Segaram & Co, was established in 1967. After only 4 years in practice, he received a letter of commendation from the then Chief Justice of Malaya Tan Sri HT Ong dated 30 October 1969, wherein the Chief Justice said: “I should like to compliment you on your able conduct of the defence in the above case yesterday. I noticed you bore in mind only what was material and avoided all irrelevancies — the latter is a far too common failing among practitioners in cross-examination”. Another notable achievement was his appearance before the Privy Council in 1977, where he successfully argued his client’s appeal in the case of Menaka v Lum Kum Chum [1977] 1 MLJ 91, PC. During his wide and varied legal career in litigation he developed a particular expertise in commercial cases. However, he has been involved in a number of cases, in many other legal areas, which established useful and important legal precedents. He understood the value of hard work and there was nothing that he couldn’t do, once he put his mind to it. Many lawyers who worked with him will attest to his formidable skill at legal research and argument — that appearing on the opposite side from him in a case was a cause for concern and, conversely, having him work with you, was a sure way of having the most comprehensive and up-to-date legal authorities, and a much improved chance of winning the case. When asked for advice, he was known to cite the names of relevant legal authorities off the top of his head. His wife lamented that he would regularly disturb her sleep by getting up in the middle of the night to jot down an important legal point that had suddenly occurred to him, lest he forget it by the morning. His mind was always active and incisive. None would question that he was also a man of integrity — honest and forthright to the end. He believed in doing what was right and proper, and saw the best in people, even if it might have been undeserved. He treated everyone, including fellow counsel, with dignity and respect. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Vijayalakshmi, to whom he was devoted, his daughter Shanti and son Nad, his eldest brother Dato’ Dr Prof Balasegaram and other siblings Annamalar, Thirunesan, Retnamalar, Gnanasegaram, Selvarani, Tharmasegaram and Pushpam and their children. His close friends, staff and colleagues, are among the many others deeply grieving his passing. His death was sudden, but not in vain. His memory will always be with us, and his legacy will continue through his family and those who loved and stood by him, his good works, the many important legal authorities he had a hand in creating, and the inspiration he has left with those of us who remain. Thiruchelvasegaram Manickavasegar was born on 17 May 1939. He passed on 30 October 2009, aged 70.

Mohd Rezal bin Haron

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:01:20 +0000

Mohd Rezal Bin Haron was born on 30 December 1975 in Kelantan. However, Malacca was his home town. He received his primary education at SK Kesang Tua, Jasin and went to Sek Men Agama Al Ihsan, Kuantan for his secondary education. After his SPM, he went to the International Islamic University and graduated in 2000. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 17 May 2001. Allahyarham had started his practice at Messrs Zainul Rijal Talha & Amir. Allahyarham then joined Messrs Noorhuda & Partners in the year 2002 as a Partner until his demise on 9 September 2009. Allahyarham was very committed to his work. Allahyarham found his love in 1997 and tied the knot with Nur Haili Binti Mat Amin on 10 February 2002. He was blessed with 3 sons, Mohammad Daniel Iskandar (2003), Adam Harris (2005) and Ra'ees Nawfal (2008). Allahyarham was a very loving, caring and responsible husband and father. He was also funny, fun to be with, always knew what he wanted and what he was doing. He was an intelligent and ambitious man. He was also a family man. Although he was busy with work, he would always try to be home for dinner though at times he would have to cancel dinner at home to meet his clients' needs. However, weekends and holidays were always the time for family. Allahyarham was very close and attached to me (his wife) and our sons. Losing him is like losing a star in our hearts. As a wife, life without him is like having no life at first but for the sake of our children, I managed to wake myself up. There is no word to describe how much I miss him. We were always together. Before, although he was busy and at times, he was home late, but then I knew he would be coming home. We might have been married for seven years but I was always eagerly waiting for him to come home, just like our sons. Weekends and public holidays were the days I would always be looking forward to because I would have him for the entire day. It was always a relief when he was around, even if he was just sleeping on the couch. His very presence would make me feel safe and secure. It is different now. Sometimes I just wish that this was only a bad dream. But when I wake up in the morning, he is not there in bed by my side. I felt like I am losing the other part of me. My life is incomplete, like something is missing. Of course, he was the other part of me. He makes my life complete but he was now no longer here. The feeling of losing him is unbearable. It is very hard for me and also the children. Sometimes my children would cry calling his name. There are times they would just stare at their father's photographs and watch video of him with tears. Watching my children cry makes me cry. And when they see me cry, they will stop crying. I think they are stronger than me. I have invited Encik Mohd Shamikhairul Fadlly Samsudin, one of the lawyers from Noorhuda & Partners Kuala Lumpur, to write a few words about Allahyarham:

When I woke up from my sleep on Thursday (10.09.2009) morning, I realised that I have just lost my boss whom I have always regarded as my brother. He was the best example that I have ever met; a very hardworking and friendly person and sometimes people would not even realise that they were having a chit chat with the boss (managing partner) whom they thought was a legal assistant. He had never taught me how to become a successful lawyer but from his conduct in dealing with clients, the way he had managed the firm of Noorhuda & Partners (Kuala Lumpur) at the young age of 27 (in the year of 2002), it was more than enough to be my first move in continuing with what that have been left by him. I have never cried in my life, not even when I lost my grandfather, but this time, his demise had made me cried a lot; I do not know why, but I believe it is what we call true friendship. To me, Encik Mohd Rezal Bin Haron's demise is a great loss to our firm. May Allah bless his soul. We will always miss you, Boss...

Govin Sreedharan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:31:35 +0000

On the 17th of October 1973, a child was born. Accompanied by the usual frenzy that ushers in a new birth, he arrived, this tiny package, into a world complete with two loving parents and a slightly jealous sibling. Story has it that in the early days, there were some concerted efforts at homicide, by the said sibling, usually armed with the ineffective weapon that was a tin of Cuticura powder. Nevertheless, our newborn survived the onslaught and proceeded to grow apace. This at least was the story narrated to me of my brother's birth and my alleged attempts to be rid of him. I for one am really glad that I failed. For over the years there grew between us a bond of brotherhood and shared experiences. Things were never always rosy, as it never is amongst young boys growing up together. We had our fair share of fights but through it all, we were brothers! Govin was always a determined person and even in childhood, this was evident. He always had a sense of what he wanted to achieve in life and what was important to him. He was a kind child, loving, giving and full of joy. He had as well a deep sense of what was right and wrong and a devout streak. He believed that God had a plan for all of us. As Govin embarked into adulthood, he always kept his sights on these beliefs and maybe it propelled him to choose a career in law, where he had the possibility to apply those beliefs and help those in need. Govin was also a keen traveller, eager to see new places and he had a fine appreciation for the finer things in life. He was a great purveyor of antiquities and found the greatest joy in browsing exotic objects in far off places, looking for those treasure that called out to his artistic soul. He is now free to wander and explore even further than realms of our mortal bonds and I wish him joy in all his travels and adventures that are now open to him. Govin had many dreams as well. He wanted to help the less fortunate and he did as much as he could when alive by visiting orphanages and old folk homes and contributing to charities. I know that he would have done more if he had been with us still, but perhaps he will continue to do so now in ways that defies our understanding. For I truly believe that he may now number among God's helpers as he was such a good person. On the home front, Govin has always been a blessing to my parents. He was a wonderful son, who always looked after them and made sure that they had no wants. He was always on hand, calling them every day to make sure that they were fine, taking them on trips abroad, ensuring that they had all that they needed at home and being their constant comfort and companion. A son such as he was to them, is hard to come by. As an uncle, he adored my daughter, his only niece and was kind and fun to be with. It's a pity that I live abroad, as this reduced the amount of contact they had, but my daughter has fond memories of him and how he played with her and the wonderful parties he threw for her. My wife too has known Govin for a long time. The two of them had a bond of friendship that stretches back to when we were kids (my wife and I were 11 when we met and Govin was 9). She has many memories of Govin and her sense of loss cannot be expressed by words. We are each in our own way, trying to rationalise and deal with our loss. Not just the family, but also his many close and dear friends, whose lives, he had touched. Govin had the huge capacity to affect your life and he often did. None of us could have imagined a life without Govin in it, because somehow, he was such a solid fixture in our lives and we always took for granted that he was always going to be there. To not be able to pick up the phone and hear his voice any more, to not be able to see him any more… it's so unreal and has yet to sink in. Yet time they say heals all wounds, though too little time has actually passed for us to be able to verify that. I suspect that it's not true and that the pain of his loss will be with us always, but the edge wears off with time and so we will not feel the pain as sharply. Nevertheless, we need to see the beauty that was his life and appreciate the time that God has allowed us to be with him. I for one thank God that I had the privilege of being his brother and I know that my parents could not have asked for a better son. Thus, on the 29th of July 2009, a much beloved brother and son, returned home to his rightful place at the feet of God. To all his friends and colleagues from the Malaysian Bar, we, his family would like to thank you for this honour done in Govin's memory. Uruthra Kumar Sreedharan *** Losing my dear friend, Govin Sreedharan It has been about two months since the passing of my dear friend, Govin, and I can't help but wonder whether the passage of time can ease the sorrow of losing one so dear to me. I have yet to come to terms with his passing, which was swift and quite sudden. The tears have not stopped flowing and as the reality of losing him slowly sinks in, it is apparent that he has left a void in our lives and hearts. There is now a sense of emptiness and sorrow, where once I could see the humour in life. Recovering from Govin's death will be one of the greatest challenges of my life. It was some 18 years ago when I happened to sit beside this quiet and reserved boy during our A-Levels class. Little did I know that as we spent the next 4 years together as college mates during law school, practically sharing every meal and tea break together, that this young boy would become an important figure in my life. What was it about this charming young man that we will miss so deeply and remember the most? Was it his quiet and soft spoken manner? Or was it his sensitivity and compassion towards the less fortunate? Govin was a remarkable person. He was my confidant and my best friend! Govin was a person whom you could turn to, at any time of the day, to lend you his ears. In his 35 years here, though short, Govin had achieved so much more professionally and personally than most of his peers. He was an achiever who would not settle for second best in any endeavour. Already a successful partner in a reputable law firm, he was ready to take his career to the next level by pursuing the mediation course at the Bar Council. And he achieved all this without sacrificing his principles and beliefs. Though he was soft spoken and courteous, he was combative and tough in Court. I will surely miss running into him in the hallways at Court. Despite his success and material wealth, he remained a humble, compassionate and warm hearted person. He was also a very religious person who would faithfully fulfill his annual pilgrimage in India. Those of you who knew him well, will certainly agree with me that his two greatest passions in life were his quest for antiques and artefacts and his love for travel. And mind you, his collection of antiques and artefacts were not your ordinary souvenir shop purchases. These were pieces dating back some centuries and came with a hefty price tag. They were a source of great pride for him and I'd often tease him about his home being more of an art gallery than a residence. His travel took him on excursions to ancient temples and countries rich in history, tradition and culture. And he spoke of his travels and artefacts like a child in a toy store which I found very captivating. Not only was Govin a devoted son and a reliable brother and brother in law, he was a much adored uncle to his only niece. He was such a sweet and considerate child. Having lived on his own for some time, he was always concerned about the well being of his parents. A son any mother would have been proud to have. I think the sweetest thing Govin had ever done was to treat his mother to a getaway at a resort in Bali for her birthday last year. And when he related his plans to me, I had teased him about being the perfect son! Moments after being diagnosed with cancer, Govin called me to relate this news to me. As I received this in disbelief, he told me “Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I have years to live”. And yet, within months he was gone. I admire his strength and courage in the face of such adversity. I had bumped into Govin a week before this devastating discovery, and looking back, I wish that I could've held on to that moment, for it was the last time I saw him healthy and carefree. There is a saying: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right”. I know Govin led his life with no regrets. And as much as I mourn his loss, I also celebrate his colourful life. For indeed, my dear friend had a good life. He has now left me and all those around with a lifetime of memories to cherish. He has gone, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of the people he has touched and his spirit shall shine eternally. Farewell Govin… may you rest in peace. Jane Pereira, September 2009

Noeline Lei Lin Cheah

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:37:11 +0000

Noeline Lei Lin Cheah was educated at the Anglo-Chinese Primary and Secondary Schools in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia. Noeline obtained her M.C.E. in 1977 in Sitiawan and completed her A Levels, secondary education at St James and The Abbey at Malvern, Worcestershire, England in 1980. Noeline graduated in Law, B.A (Hons) at North Staffordshire Polytechnic at Stoke on Trent in 1983, was admitted into the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the Degree of an Utter Barrister on 26 July 1984. Noeline’s legal career began in the office of Messrs V.P. Nathan and Partners where she worked as a legal assistant for 3 years, specialising in civil litigation. In 1988, she joined the firm of Messrs Soo Thien Ming and Shahrizat. Her portfolio included litigation, conveyancing, insurance and banking. Noeline later joined Chong and Harcharan in 1991 for 2 years. Noeline set up her own practice in the name of Noeline Cheah and Partners prior to setting up the Law Office of Cheah, Yap and Partners. In the year 2001, PN Wong, Tan and Partners amalgamated with Cheah, Yap and Partners. Noeline left an indelible mark in her career as a litigation lawyer and earned the utmost respect from fellow members of the Bar. Noeline was an active leader in the Wesley Methodist Church in Kuala Lumpur. Her commitment to her faith was reflected in her involvement in many church projects and charities. She was a member of the Local Church Executive Committee in 2006 and 2007 and Chairman of the Church Food and Fun Fair in 2007. Noeline represented the Church on missionary trips to Nepal under unfriendly political and environmental conditions. Noeline was a competent sportswoman and on many occasions represented the Bar in Netball. Her passion for performing arts was reflected in the Selangor Philharmonic Society Church Choir, Methodist Minstrels and the musical “Mikado”. Noeline was well loved by her family and friends who will sadly miss her generosity, kindness and girlish charm. Noeline is survived by her parents, sister and family.

Au Yeong Khuen

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 07:59:38 +0000

Mr. Au Yeong Khuen was born in Batu Gajah, Perak on 1 October 1939. He was a Bachelor of Law and Letters Honours graduate of the University of Singapore and was called to the Malaysian Bar in April 1965. He had since then been practising law. Mr. Au Yeong was attached to K.L. Devaser and Co. between 1966 and 1967. Thereafter he joined Lovelace and Hastings as a partner and practised in the said firm between 1968 and 1974. He left Lovelace and Hastings in 1974 and was attached to E.Lim and Co. between 1974 and 1977, K.S. Tan and Co. between 1978 and 1981 and Adlan and Haji Suhaimi between 1982 and 1992. From 1 May 1992, Mr. Au Yeong practised as a legal assistant with Harun Idris, Yeoh & Partners until he passed away peacefully after a short illness on 16 June 2009 at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Foong Suet Har. News of his demise on 16 June 2009 impacted heavily not only on the lives of his beloved family but friends, partners, staff and all those who knew him as Au Yeong was such a carefree, wonderful, cheerful and helpful person.

Leong See Ming

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:02:47 +0000

Mr Leong See Ming graduated with a 2nd Class Honours LL.B from the University of London in 1999. He completed his CLP (Certificate on Legal) from the Legal Qualifying Board of Malaysia in 2001. See Ming pursued his chambering and later practised at Lopez & Woon-Chee between 2002-2003. He later joined Peter Goh & Nor Jaswa between 2003-2005. His last employment was with Tee, Tan & Partners from 2005 to 2008. In his course of work, See Ming had acquired experiences in banking, general and criminal litigations, conveyancing and corporate works. He had translated affidavits and statements of claims from Bahasa Malaysia to English and vice-versa. He had also conducted a seminar on "Execution Proceedings". See Ming was a resourceful team player, conscientious and diligent with lots of initiatives. He believed in courteous and considerate approach towards fellow colleagues. See Ming enjoyed a variety of sports which included jogging, martial arts and squash. He was a holder of the Bronze Medal in life saving (swimming) and a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed all spicy food especially curry fish head and Thai food. See Ming is survived by his parents, his brother See Keong, his wife Cassy and son Ian Leong. He is now resting peacefully at Nirwana Memorial Park Shah Alam, Selangor.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Yusoff Bin Haji Mohamed

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:08:22 +0000

Born on 6 June 1927 in Kuala Terengganu, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Yusoff had a long and illustrious career in the judicial and legal service. He started work during the last years of the British Colonial era in the Terengganu Civil Service in 1949 as an Assistant District Officer and later as District Officer until 1956 when he was seconded to the judicial and legal service as a magistrate. In 1958, Tan Sri was awarded a scholarship to read law at Lincoln’s Inn and qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in 1960. He returned to Malaysia and was appointed as President, Sessions Court, Raub. In 1962, he was called upon by the State of Terengganu to serve as the State Secretary, Terengganu. In 1965, he returned to the judicial and legal service and served as President, Sessions Court, Johor Bahru. In 1968, Tan Sri was promoted to the post of Senior President, Sessions Court, Kuala Lumpur from where he was transferred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers where he served as Acting Senior Counsel, Deputy Parliamentary Draftsman and later on as Senior Federal Counsel heading the Advisory Section. In 1971, he was appointed as State Legal Advisor, Selangor and held the post from 21 June 1971 until his elevation to the Bench of the High Court on 16 January 1974. Between 1974 and 1992, Tan Sri served as Judge of the High Court of Borneo/East Malaysia at Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. He subsequently served as Judge of the High Court of Malaya at Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Following a long and distinguished career on the Bench at the High Court, Tan Sri was elevated to the Supreme Court of Malaysia on 29 October 1988 where he retired at the pinnacle of the judicial profession in September 1992. Not content to slide into a well-earned rest and spend time with his children, grand children and hobbies, Tan Sri instead plunged into the corporate world. He served as Chairman and Director for several companies both in Malaysia and Singapore including NTI International Ltd. (a Singapore Stock Exchange SESDAQ listed company), Dataprep Holdings Berhad, Dunham-Bush Berhad, Hwa Tai Industries Berhad and Berjaya Sports Toto Berhad (companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange). He was also the Executive Chairman of Zenecon-Kumagai Sdn Bhd, a joint venture Japanese-Malaysian construction company, and Chairman of New Technology & Innovations Sdn. Bhd. (an MSC Status) IT based company. Tan Sri was also an active member of The Royal Lake Club (Kelab Taman Perdana DiRaja) Kuala Lumpur and the Royal Selangor Golf Club Kuala Lumpur. His principal hobbies were travelling, writing, trap-shooting, fishing and golf. Tan Sri had always wanted to be called to the Malaysian Bar but his total commitment and dedication to the service had prevented him from making an application earlier. On 9 August 1997, he had his wish fulfilled - he was called to the Malaysian Bar. It was a day of double joy, as on the very same day and before the very Court, his son, Harmy Yusoff was also called to the Malaysian Bar together with him. Tan Sri was married to Puan Sri Datin Hajjah Rosita Harisun Binti Haji Daud and was blessed with eight children. Tan Sri passed away peacefully on 4 March 2009 with his children and wife at his bedside. He was 81. Rita Hartini Yusoff, Advocate & Solicitor, High Court Malaya and in part taken from the Speech by the late Dato' Ronald Khoo Teng Swee, Esq. moving the Petition of the late Tan Sri Dato' Seri for Admission to the Rolls of Advocates & Solicitors on 9 August 1997

Amir bin Nordin

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:11:56 +0000

Amir bin Nordin was born on 28 October 1956 in Alor Gajah, Melaka. He moved to Singapore at a very young age when his father was transferred there. Amir received his early education at Sembawang Hills Estate School, Singapore from 1963 to 1968 and then at the Raffles Institution, Singapore from 1969 to 1974. He read law at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London and was called to the English Bar in November 1982. He was subsequently admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 5 November 1983 upon completing his pupillage with the firm of Tunku Zuhri, Manan & Abdullah. Amir set up his practice under the name of Amir, Toh & Francis. He had over 20 years of extensive legal experience, particularly in the area of litigation. He was formerly a lecturer with Institute of Technology MARA where he taught both Company Law and Commercial Law. In 1989, he joined the firm of Khairuddin, Ngiam & Tan as a partner and had remained so until his demise at the age of 52. Amir was also the Legal Adviser for Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM) at the time of his demise. Amir is survived by his wife, Puan Zainab bte Mat Said, and 4 children; 2 boys and 2 girls, the eldest being 24 years old and the youngest, 14 years old. His eldest daughter, Sharizah Hanim, in keeping with the tradition set by her late father, is reading Law and has just completed her attachment with the High Court at Kuala Lumpur. She is currently undergoing her final year at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Amir’s passing was sudden and totally unexpected and is a great loss to his family and friends. As a friend of more than 20 years, I have known Amir to be a devoted and faithful husband to his wife and a loving father to his children. He placed great value in spending quality time with his family. Amir had certainly been a very good role model to his children all these years. Though he is no longer around, I know they will cherish his memories and be guided by them. I also know Amir to be a very good cook. As a lawyer and a senior member of the Bar, I can attest to Amir’s integrity, courteousness and fairness in his dealings with other lawyers. He would never dream of taking advantage of anyone, especially his opponents. He was always well prepared and compassionate and fair in his dealings with clients and was never driven by fees alone. He was popular and had many friends. I have never heard anyone utter a bad word about him. In all the years I had known him, I had never heard Amir swear or use coarse language. He was a religious and morally upright man without displaying the outward sign of religiosity. He was patient, always calm and did not get angry easily. He did not engage in gossip nor did he have anything bad to say about another person. He was also very tolerant and liberal in his approach to any issue. I look back with fond memories of the discussions we used to have on various topics where Amir would always be very rational and free of emotion. As a friend, I have learnt a lot from him. It certainly has been a privilege to have known Amir and I know the Bar also shares a sense of loss in his passing. To Puan Zainab and the children, our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ganesan Govindasamy

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:15:25 +0000

Mr. G. Ganesan, a partner with Messrs G.S. MANI GANESH, passed away suddenly at Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya on 26 November 2008 at the age of 66. His sudden demise was a great shock and loss to his family, friends and all those who had come to know him during his many years in the Government Service and Legal Practice. Mr. G. Ganesan who was in charge of the Kuala Lumpur Branch of Messrs G.S. MANI GANESH, Brickfields, leaves behind his wife and four children. He began his career as an Administrative Officer in University Malaya and later became a tutor in the same University. In 1974, he joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service of the Malaysian Government, where he served till June 1994. During his years of service with the Government, he held positions with the Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Defence and the Public Service Department. He had also been a member of the Malaysian Delegation to a number of International Conferences. I had the great pleasure of having personally known Mr. G. Ganesan since 1972, from the days we were studying at University Malaya and residing at the PPN hostel in Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya. Our association continued during our years in the Government Service and when we were pursuing the Law Degree and finally in Legal Practice. Mr. G. Ganesan was a person who truly valued education and had great passion for knowledge. Being of humble origin, his determination to improve himself and his family led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree at University Malaya. He then went on to obtain Masters in Public Administration Degree. After which he proceeded to the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom to obtain a Diploma in Management. He then decided to switch track to pursue a Law Degree. Through sheer determination, he was conferred a Bachelor and thereon Masters in Law Degree by the University of London. In 1994, Mr. G. Ganesan retired from the Government Service and in April 1995 he was admitted to the Malaysian Bar. He then began his second career by joining his brother’s law firm of Messrs G.S. MANI & CO., Klang and later became a partner in the firm. As an Advocate and Solicitor he was an active litigator in both civil and criminal matters. His strong academic credence and varied experience enabled him to quickly adapt to Court work and thrive in the new environment. He had sound knowledge of the law over a wide area of specialisation. He was also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators. In all the years I had known Mr. G. Ganesan, I remember him as a very humble and simple person. I have never seen him ever losing his temper or even raising his voice. Those who know him will always remember him as a very likeable, kind, helpful and honest person. The sad part of his mild mannerism is that he sometimes goes unnoticed. As an Advocate and Solicitor his integrity is beyond reproach. His sense of duty to the Court and clients cannot be questioned. He had a deep sense of commitment towards his clients and sought tirelessly to advance their causes. All those who knew Mr. G. Ganesan will sadly miss him. Let me on behalf of all of them convey our deepest sorrow and sense of loss to his wife, children and all other members of his family.

Mohamed Bin Dato’ Mahbob

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:18:08 +0000

Mohamed Dato' Mahbob, popularly known by his friends and family as 'Bob' was born on 23 January 1947. He was the only son of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dato' Mahbob Bin Dato' Ahmad, for a time Aide de Camp to several Yang DiPertuan Agong namely Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan; and Datin Maimunah binti Said, a renown educationalist. His father served in several States, Kedah and Pahang to mention a few, bringing his young family, Bob and his sister 'Mai' Datin Maznah Mahbob with him. Being educated throughout Malaya, Bob finally settled in the Royal Military College in 1960 and on completion he went to London, United Kingdom to pursue his law studies where he graduated as a Barrister at Law from the Inner Temple in 1975. Bob met his wife, Siti Amira Binti Haji Ahmad in London in 1968 and they married in 1972. She survives him, as does his four sons and one daughter who followed his footsteps in law by graduating with a LL.B (Honours) from Aberystwyth University, Wales in 2008. Bob returned to Kuala Lumpur in 1975 to set up practice in the name of Bahari, Mohamed and Yong. Leaving practice in 1986, he turned to entrepreneurship for a couple of years. Bob delved into a variety of businesses including a theme park in Johore and property development. His love for the Law marked a return to practice with Mohamed Jargit & Partners in 2003. Bob kept to his two passions in law, litigation and conveyancing. Bob was a man of integrity and humour, who would brush aside adversity with humour. He was an avid reader satisfying his thirst for knowledge through non-fiction books in wide ranging subjects from history, physics, religion, philosophy, psychology, economics and politics. It therefore should not be a surprise why he was such an interesting company and popular with all who knew him. Even those who have known him for a long time would not be bored thanks to his constantly fresh anecdotes and alternative points of view, always with a humourous twist. You knew you could always have a 'good conversation' with Bob. His numerous weekly luncheon groups, from Old Puteras to fellow lawyers, would testify to his ability to 'spin a good yarn' with luncheons marked by uproarious laughter. This trait was shared with his late brother-in-law, Justice Tan Sri Abdul Malek Haji Ahmad. Both alumni of the Inner Temple, they would best be remembered for the 'very British wit'. Reputed for his enthusiasm, gusto and great love for food, Bob was a connoisseur of everything from Nasi Bryani Gam (which was his own speciality as a Chef) to a 'good steak'. Bob was a kind and decent man, generous to a fault, often misunderstood but never one to hold a grudge. His strength came from the Almighty, and even as his health deteriorated, he found solace in the message of his Maker. Within a few months his health worsened and he passed away surrounded by those who loved him. He was greatly loved by friends and family, in evidence by the sizeable turnout at his funeral. So the next time you are laughing at a joke or enjoying a plate of rich Nasi Bryani Gam, remember Bob, who would gladly join you if he could. May the Almighty bless his soul.

Kuhanandan Thananayagam

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:34:15 +0000

Lawyer, husband, father, friend. Born to Mr and Mrs M. Thananayagam on 19 September 1957, Kuhanandan, also known as T. Kuhan amongst the legal fraternity of Malaysia, was the youngest of seven children. Kuhan received his primary education at Batu Road School in Kuala Lumpur, followed by his secondary education at Bukit Bintang Boys School, Petaling Jaya. He graduated with a Law degree in 1982 from Thames Valley University and was a member of Lincoln’s Inn, eventually to be admitted as an Utter Barrister in 1983. His caring and conscientious nature endeared him to all his friends and peers at University and he was eventually elected to become the first President of the University’s overseas alumni in Malaysia. Kuhan served his pupillage under Gopal Sri Ram (as he then was, now Justice Dato’ Gopal Sri Ram, Judge of the Court of Appeal) in the chambers of Sri Ram and Co. and in 1984, was admitted to the High Court of Malaya as an Advocate & Solicitor. He was subsequently admitted to the High Court of Singapore in 1995. In 1987, Kuhan commenced practice in a partnership together with 3 other well known lawyers and continued as the principal partner until his demise. His other contributions in the various organisations, institutions were as follows:-

President of Malaysian Intellectual Property Association (MIPA) (2008 until his demise).
Past President of Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), Malaysia Group (2000 - 2006).
Councillor of ASEAN Intellectual Property Association (ASEAN IPA) (1989 until his demise).
Councillor of Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) Malaysia Group (2006 until his demise).
Selected to attend the International Visitor’s Programme in the U.S. predominantly on IP at the invitation of the US State Department.
Founder of an Educational Programme for the less fortunate children called “Didik Muda” - whereby extra classes were being provided in Bahasa Malaysia, English Language, Mathematics and Computer literacy for less fortunate primary school students in order to provide them with a firm foundation in their studies.
Protem President of the Malaysian-American Friendship Alumni Association (MAFAA).
Appointed by Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MAICCI) as nominee to sit on the National Development Committee of the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI).
His greatest contribution, in the words of the current Vice President of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Association, Mr Desmond Wee, was through Kuhan’s efforts during his tenure as President of APAA Malaysia Group, jointly with MIPA to organise and manage an international conference held in Kota Kinabalu in 2003, which earned a substantial amount of more than RM600,000 which was used to purchase two units of office premises at Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, Petaling Jaya in cash - one hosting MIPA’s own secretariat and the other being rented out.

Through the various posts that he had held and the several conferences as well as seminars that he had attended over the years, Kuhan was always a familiar figure in the Malaysian IP field. He was very keen to promote and develop Intellectual Property awareness in Malaysia. A tireless worker, he dedicated his time to his legal practice, various causes as well as to his family. He was always there for “his girls” as he referred to his family, his daughters’ first day at kindergarten, primary school, first outing to a shopping mall with friends etc. His prime concern as far as his two daughters were concerned, was that they receive a well balanced education and hence, in early 2008, his wife and daughters left for Melbourne with a view to fulfilling this intention. His family is devastated by his sudden departure but he will not be forgotten for his larger than life zest for life, fun, hard work, charity and warmth.

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years. ~Abraham Lincoln~

Khoo Eng Chin

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:37:37 +0000

Khoo Eng Chin was born on 22 May 1932 in Penang. He received his early education at the Penang Free School. A Barrister from the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, Khoo Eng Chin was called to the Malaysian Bar on 30 September 1955. He practised as a partner in the firm of George & Khoo, before setting up Khoo & Sidhu with the late Mr GTS Sidhu in the early 1960’s. He specialised in general insurance law, representing insurance companies. A former State Bar Committee Chairman, Khoo Eng Chin was also active in the Bar Council in the 1960’s and 1970’s and had served on the Inquiry and Disciplinary Committees of the Bar Council. His last held position was a member of the Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee 2006/07. Khoo Eng Chin was also a member of the special sub-committee set up in 1968 comprising the then Bar Chairman, Mr RR Chelliah, Raja Aziz Addruse and Mr John Skrine to draft the Bar Council’s memorandum for submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee opposing the Bill intended to abolish the right of appeal to the Privy Council in criminal cases and also appeals in any case in which the Federation or any State was a Party and the validity of any law passed by Parliament or the legislature of any State was challenged. In the 1970’s, Khoo Eng Chin was appointed and served as a temporary Judicial Commissioner. Khoo Eng Chin was also a sportsman, actively involved in badminton until his mid 50’s, regularly representing the Malaysian Bar in the Annual Bench & Bar Games against Singapore. Married to Chooi Kut Chan, they have two sons, Andrew and Mark. Khoo Eng Chin was joined at Khoo & Sidhu by both his sons who are Advocates & Solicitors; Andrew in 1986 and Mark in 1988.

Khalid Bin Mohamad

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:40:45 +0000

Born in Terengganu on 27th April 1938, he was the eldest of a large family of 11 siblings. He had his primary education in Kuala Terengganu where he excelled in his studies and was also a tennis champion for his State. He was a Terengganu State scholar since his primary school. In 1956, he was given the opportunity by the Terengganu State to train as a teacher at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College in Brinsford Lodge in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, England. During his time in England, he became the Queen’s Scout and met HM Queen Elizabeth II when he represented Malaya at the Word Jamboree in Windsor. In 1959, he returned to Malaysia as a trained teacher and began his teaching career at the Sultan Sulaiman Secondary School in Kuala Terengganu. He continued teaching in Muar High School and Pei Hwa Chinese School and ended his teaching career as a headmaster. In 1968, he went on to England to read law at Inner Temple and qualified as a Barrister-at-Law. After being called to the Malaysian Bar, he then went into the corporate world and was the Legal Affairs Manager at Malaysian Airline System during early 70s until early 80s. However, his love for the law continued and he felt he could practise law and help the community especially in smaller towns. He therefore decided to set up his own practice back in his hometown of Kuala Terengganu and he mainly championed the cause of the community. Many years later, he was offered a partnership in Messrs Allen & Gledhill, Kuala Lumpur and was there for a few years until he joined Messrs Rithauddin & Azlin, which his son Azlin Khalid was a co-founding partner with Rithauddin Jamaluddin. He was the precedent partner of the firm until the day he passed away due to cancer. He was always full of life and loves the law. His favourite past time was reading especially the various law reports and books. Some would refer to him as a walking MLJ. He was much liked by his peers for his willingness, humour and joyful self being. He never failed to put a smile on our faces. He was also a wonderful husband, father and friend. He will be very much missed. Al-Fatihah.

Dato' Haji Abu Mansor Bin Ali

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:44:22 +0000

Dato’ Haji Abu Mansor bin Ali was born on 3 January 1936. He has had a distinguished career with the public legal service and the judiciary for more than 37 years prior to joining the legal practice. Having been called to the English Bar (Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn) in 1963, Dato’ Haji Abu Mansor began his career as a Cadet Magistrate and became the Circuit Magistrate and subsequently the President of the Sessions Court (1968). He then served the public legal service as a Deputy Public Prosecutor in Penang, State Legal Adviser for the States of Penang (1969), Terengganu (1970-1976) and Selangor (1977). While still in services of the Federal Government, he was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1981, at the same time he was the Head of Advisory Division and Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers (1980-1984). In 1984, he was elevated as a High Court Judge (Borneo and Malaya) and served at the High Court in Kota Kinabalu. His Lordship was later transferred to Johor Bahru and then Kuala Lumpur sitting in the Commercial/Appellate & Special Powers Division. In 1994, His Lordship was elevated as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and in May 1999, as a Judge of the Federal Court, the Apex Court in Malaysia. Many of His Lordship’s judgments on election petitions are referred and quoted. Up to his retirement, His Lordship represented The Right Honourable Chief Justice on the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia. Upon His Lordship’s retirement in January 2001, he joined the firm of Azlan & Loh in June 2001 as a partner and subsequently as a consultant to CW Loh & Associates in September 2003. Dato’ Haji Abu Mansor was also registered on the Panel of Arbitrators for domestic and international cases with the Regional Centre for Arbitration Kuala Lumpur and a Commissioner for Oaths. In 2007, he was appointed as a member of the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal. Dato’ Haji Abu Mansor was also the Chairman of Concrete Engineering Products Berhad and the Ethical Adviser to Philip Mutual Berhad. Dato’ Haji Abu Mansor departed on 2 April 2008 leaving behind his wife, To’ Puan Hajah Faridah Mansor, his son and daughter-in-law and a grandson.

Vinod Roshan Nathan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:48:27 +0000

March 12th, 2008 will be a date which will be indelibly etched on our memories and that is the day when a very true and dear friend, Vinod Roshan Nathan, left us. Vinod left us so unexpectedly and his loss is something which hurts deeply until today. However, whilst Vinod may no longer be with us physically, his memory will always continue to be cherished in all our minds and hearts and it would be good of us to remember the effusive warmth, the ebullience of this kind and generous person. Vinod read law at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in the United Kingdom and graduated in 1996. He was admitted to Lincoln’s Inn and called to the English Bar in 1997. He returned to Malaysia and chambered in his father’s firm, Messrs Nathan & Associates. He was subsequently called to the Malaysian Bar. Whilst this is a sad occasion being a reference to remember members of the Bar who have passed away, I am confident that Vinod would want us to move ahead. He would want us to forge ahead and be a support to his Mother, Mrs Kumari Nathan and his younger sister, Jyotsna. We shall nevertheless use this occasion to remember the numerous acts of kindness which Vinod carried out; his dedication to the legal profession and his service to the cause of justice. We shall remember his many appearances in Court and the camaraderie that we enjoyed with him as a Member of the Bar. He will be sadly missed by Members of the Bar, Clients and opponents alike. He was always a gentleman and a man for all seasons. He was an exceptionally hardworking and intelligent young man and a person who was unfortunately taken away from us too early in life. We shall always remember the larger than life character that he was. He would bound into a room and immediately fill the room up with his warmth and personality. The room would reverberate with the sounds of his laughter and he would gladden the hearts of many with his infectious smile. Vinod was a great raconteur of stories and would regale all of us with his exploits either in Court, or of his varied travels in England, Europe and Asia. Life will certainly be less colourful and dramatic without these unique anecdotes which will be irreplaceable. Vinod’s untimely departure from this world marks the end of an era or chapter in our lives. His untimely demise brings home to our minds the cruel fragility of human life. It brings us to a realisation that life is ever so precious and we need to live it gently but with passion and always with hope. It teaches us to value our friendship and the people we love and to always make sure that they know how much they mean to us as we may not always have the chance to say goodbye. It is in this life that we need to communicate our feelings and sentiments to those whom we love and care about. We shall miss you dear friend. We shall miss you dearly Vinod and until we meet again we hope that you will find the eternal peace and rest that you deserve. We would like to dedicate a poem to Vinod which was read at his Memorial service at home. An African Elegy

We are the miracles that God made To taste the bitter fruit of Time. We are precious. And one day our suffering Will turn into the wonders of the earth. There are things that burn me now Which turn golden when I am happy. Do you see the mystery of our pain? That we bear the poverty And are able to sing and dream sweet things. And that we never curse the air when it is warm Or the fruit when it tastes so good Or the lights that bounce gently on the waters? We bless the things even in our pain. We bless them in silence. That is why our music is so sweet. It makes the air remember. There are secret miracles at work That only Time will bring forth. I too have heard the dead singing. And they tell me that This life is good They tell me to live it gently With fire, and always with hope. There is wonder here. And there is surprise In everything the unseen moves. The ocean is full of songs. The sky is not an enemy. Destiny is our friend. ~ Ben Okri ~

Nik Mariah Binti Tan Sri Nik Ahmad Kamil

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:52:16 +0000

Nik Mariah was the youngest child of the late Yang Bhg Tan Sri Nik Ahmad Kamil, the former Kelantan Menteri Besar and speaker of the Dewan Rakyat. She was also the sister-in-law of the late Justice Tan Sri Harun M. Hashim. Nik Mariah read law at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London and was called to the English Bar in July 1971. After completing three months of post practical training in London, she returned to Malaysia and chambered at Messrs Shook Lin & Bok, Kuala Lumpur. She was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1972 and thereafter practised with Messrs Zain & Co in Kuala Lumpur until 1976. In November 1976, she married John Eyton, a Scotsman. In February 1977, Nik Mariah and John moved to London. In 1981, they relocated to Newcastle on Tyne. Nik Mariah worked in the Legal & Administration Department of North Housing Association. Later she joined the Legal Department of Newcastle City Council. During this period she qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1994. Nik Mariah was a pioneer of sorts because not only did she pass her Bar exams first, she subsequently obtained a degree in LL.B Hons and also the Certificate of Legal Education whilst she was staying and working in the UK. Usually this would be done the other way around. She was also not only the 2nd generation lawyer of her family but also the first Malay woman private practitioner at Zain & Co. in 1972. On her return to Malaysia in August 1995, Nik Mariah commenced legal practice at Messrs Abdullah A. Rahman & Co in Kuala Lumpur from September 1995 until December 1997. In March 1998, Nik Mariah joined Messrs S G Lingam & Co as a partner. She left this firm in September 1999 and in October 1999, set up the firm of Messrs Kamil Hashim as a partner with Hisham Harun Hashim. This firm later merged with Messrs V. Pury & Bala and Messrs Lim & Tan in November 2006 to form Messrs Kamil Hashim Pury & Lim. Her practice in Malaysia was essentially conveyancing, corporate and advisory work. Nik Mariah was attached with Messrs Kamil Hashim Pury & Lim until her untimely demise. Nik Mariah was especially blessed because not only was she born into a privileged family but she herself was part of a special family of her own with her husband John and children Suzanne and Alex. As a wife and mother, her family doted and fussed about and adored her. This was evident as during her long illness they tended to her every need without hesitation and full of compassion and love. She was a quiet and dignified person, never prone to utterances or sensationalism. Anyone who dealt with her would have been impressed not only by her professionalism but her warmth as a human being. Nik Mariah was a class act. She brought a touch of dignity and decorum in her dealings with not only fellow members of the Bar but also with clients and her staff. Her easy manner and soft smile will be especially missed. Nik Mariah was from the old school. Giving courtesy to your opponents, clients and fellow human beings was second nature to her. She was always conscious that being a good lawyer was not enough if you were also not a good human being. All of these traits she exhibited during her practice. The Bar may have lost a wonderful member of its association, however her family has lost an irreplaceable wife, mother, aunt and sister. We pray that her soul will rest in peace as she was a wonderful person who touched our lives especially with her smile and gentleness.

Vijayaram Krishnan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:56:54 +0000

The late Vijayaram Krishnan was born on 15 May 1943. A barrister-at-law from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, he was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 29 June 1970. He was a consultant in the firm of Ranjit Ooi & Robert Low at the time of his demise on 17 September 2007. VK, as he was fondly known, was elected and served as a Bar Council member for the following terms: 1975/76 right up to 1988/89 and subsequently for the 2 terms of 1992/93 and 1993/94. When he was elected to the Bar Council in 1975, he was the youngest Bar member to be so elected, being only in practice for 4 years; at that time, the 7-year ruling had not been introduced. He was also elected as the Secretary of the Bar Council for 2 terms: 1978/79 and 1979/80. In 1981, VK was elected as the Chairman of the Selangor & Federal Territory Bar Committee and he held the position for 4 terms. When the KL Bar was established on 1 July 1992, he became its first Representative to the Bar Council and held the position for 2 terms.

Mah Teck Chong

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:58:59 +0000

The late Mah Teck Chong was born on 14 January 1967. He graduated from the University of London (External) in 1992 and obtained his CLP in 1994. He served his pupillage under Mr Chin Tee Fut and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 15 February 1995. The late Mah Teck Chong had since 2003 practised as a sole-proprietor under the name of Mah Teck Chong & Co. until his demise on 17 August 2007. He was known to many as a quiet person, but who was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. His friendship and company will always be kept, loved and cherished.

Selvarani Paneerselvam

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:02:23 +0000

Selvarani Paneerselvam was born on 27 September 1978 in Kuala Lumpur. She completed her secondary education at Taman Petaling School PJ. She then proceeded to England in 1995 to Malvern Girls College to do her A levels. After one term, she moved to Cherwell College in Oxford city to continue her A levels. She completed her A levels and enrolled with Oxford Brooke University to do her foundation followed by a law degree course. She did her degree from 1999-2002 and qualified in Law with 2nd class honours. She then proceeded to Lincoln’s Inn, London, to do her Bar Vocational Course from 2003-2004 where she got very competent results. Selvarani was accepted to King’s College to do her Masters in Public International Law from 2004-2005. Her work experience included working at the United Nations HQs New York from June - September 2003 as a legal intern officer. She did research on international treaties and conventions ratified by the UK. She attended and reported on meetings and deliberations of the special committee on decolonisation during 2003 General Assembly session. She also attended meetings of the Security Council and General Assembly. She came back to Malaysia in October 2005 and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2006. She last worked for Kumar Hashimah and Co, until she left it on 12 June 2007 in anticipation of joining ICRC Malaysia. From January - March 2003, she worked with United Nations HQs in Geneva as a part time monitoring and research interns officer. She attended and summarised reports presented by member states of the International Committee on Elimination of Racism and Discrimination. She worked as a part time legal interns officer with Human Rights Watch in Geneva from November 2002 - February 2003. From September 2002 - January 2003, she worked as an interns claims officer with the United Nations Claims Commission Geneva. She travelled to Peru in March 2002 to work with cross cultural solutions Organisation as an international volunteer work placement participant. Selvarani has travelled extensively to many countries with her father who works for the United Nations. She enjoyed working in the International Organisations and was very concerned about human values, especially as it affected women and children who were being displaced due to conflicts. She liked her legal work and was selected by ICRC Malaysia to be recruited as a legal officer from 2 July, before this tragedy happened to her on Sunday 24 June 2007. She leaves behind her father who was her main motivator, as he is a diplomat with the United Nations. Her mother Thavamani Ponniah (Rani) died in 1997. She has two brothers. Her ambition was to complete her Phd in USA and subsequently join the United Nations HQs in New York like her father. God bless her soul.

Manjit Singh a/l Gurcharan Singh

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:05:27 +0000

Manjit Singh was born on March 29th, 1948 in Kuala Lumpur. His father, the late Gurcharan Singh was a Chief Clerk in the Royal Malaysian Police Force and an active member and Executive Secretary of C.U.E.P.A.C.S. His mother, Madam Satwant Kaur was a housewife. Manjit Singh grew up in the Cochrane Road Government Quarters and attended primary education in Cochrane Road School. Thereafter he pursued his secondary education in Methodist Boys School. In 1969 he was enrolled into the National University of Singapore wherein he read law at Raffles College and graduated in the class of 1972. Thereafter he returned to Malaysia and undertook a period of tutelage in the chambers of Dato’ Balwant Singh. He was called to the Malaysian Bar on February 21st, 1973. From the outset, Manjit Singh displayed an extraordinary acumen in advocacy. His master, Dato Balwant Singh remarked that he had the makings of an exemplary advocate. Naturally, Manjit Singh was drawn to the arena of litigation and initially practised in both civil and criminal litigation. In 1985, he was offered employment in Sri Ram & Co (now known as Messrs Kumar Partnership) as a Legal Assistant. In Sri Ram & Co, he developed his practice and specialised in all aspects of Civil Litigation. He was made Partner in 1994 and thereafter became Senior Partner in 1996. It was during his tenure in Sri Ram & Co that Manjit Singh gained standing as distinguished litigator. In 2002, he left Sri Ram & Co and joined Messrs A. Zahari & Co as a Partner. In 2004 he was made Senior Partner in Messrs Chin Hin Lum, Anthonysamy & Manjit where he continued to practise till his demise. No member of the Bar whose privilege it was to have met him is likely to forget the candour of his speech, the vivacity of his advocacy and the courage he employed to advance his cases. He has been labelled a formidable, intrepid and redoubtable opponent who had a remarkable ability to present even the most complex argument with simplicity and ease. He practised with honour and integrity and is generally recognised as one whose skills are worthy of emulation. In his 34 years at the Bar, over 70 of his cases have been reported in the Malayan Law Journal alone including the celebrated Kluang Wood Products Sdn Bhd & Anor v Hong Leong Finance Bhd & Anor [1999] MLJ 193 (FC) and Fulcrum Capital Sdn Bhd v Dato’ Samsudin Abu Hassan & Ors [2001] 5 CLJ 73. The sheer volume of these reported cases is an apparent attestation to the respect he commanded from both the Bar and the Bench. During the early 90’s Manjit Singh also served in elected posts in the Royal Selangor Club. Whilst serving in the General Committee, he brought about a welcomed change through the introduction of air-conditioning in the Verandah that looks over the Dataran Merdeka. He was elected as Vice President of the Club from 1994 to 1996 and thereafter served as President for 2 consecutive terms from 1996 to 1998. During his premiership of the Club, he was the champion of the employees of the establishment and till today is credited for the many employment benefits he introduced for the Club. It was also during his Presidency that the Club opened its Bukit Kiara Sports Annexe. Apart from his professional life, Manjit Singh was an extremely affable extrovert whose friends will always remember his ‘unending thirst for life’ the pleasure of his company. Though, many equally knew of his straightforwardness and his lack of reluctance to put anyone in their place when deserved. He was also an avid golfer and could often be spotted on the 18 hole course and on the 19th ‘watering’ hole of the Subang Golf Club. Those who regard Manjit Singh as a friend will never forget the brightness of his friendship. To his family, he was the rock of Gibraltar personified. A constant source of guidance, support and inspiration. He was a kind and generous man, who ensured his family received all which they desired. Even through all his other commitments, Manjit Singh never forgot to put family first. He was a loving and caring person and his wife of 35 years, Madam Pragash Kaur will attest that he provided his family with nothing less than the ‘good life’. His son Harvinderjit Singh and daughter Ravena Kaur keep with them fond memories from the many family vacations, outings and Sunday ‘Chinese’ dinners which they all spent together. Alas, the Bar has suffered another loss… his stature is marked only by the aching void of his demise… a void that never can be filled… only the silent grief and joyous memories of his family, friends and colleagues can reflect their personal loss for this giant amongst men.

Vong Poh Fah

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:09:27 +0000

Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it - Cicero

A man of integrity and determination, Vong Poh Fah was a friend to many, and to the many he lightened their burdens and brought cheer to their lives. Poh Fah, as he is known to all, made friends easily partly because of his affable nature and partly because of his transparency. You could see to the core of the man and always liked what you saw. Some aspiring or budding lawyers see the profession as a means to make a good living and an opportunity to acquire social standing, and some see the profession as a calling - a means to make the lives of others better and an opportunity to serve society. Poh Fah fell into the latter category. Some of us knew Poh Fah for longer than others, but everyone who came to know him knew him as unassuming, affable, humble (except when it came to golf) and humorous. Those who knew him better would know that he was passionate about the law and was considerably pained by injustice. Injustice was not merely something he read about but was something that he felt. In his more serious moments, Poh Fah displayed a steadfast belief that lawyers have a duty to apply their knowledge and skill towards a better good. That made him a true lawyer and he won many friends and admirers by it. Poh Fah was born on 11 December 1962. He was one of three children born to Yap Moi Ying and Vong Mook Sam. His siblings are Vong Kean Fah and Pearly Vong Pui Fah. His early schooling was at Sekolah Rendah La Salle (1) Jinjang, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangasaan Batu (Forms 1 - 3), Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Jinjang (Forms 4 – 5) and Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Maxwell (Lower & Upper Six). In 1982, Poh Fah was offered a place at the University of Malaya to read Law and was also offered a place at the National University of Singapore to do Engineering. He chose Law because there was then already a desire in him to contribute and play a role in society in a manner which he believed only a grounding in Law would allow him to do. He graduated with LL.B Honours Class II (Upper Division) in 1986. He later read for and was conferred a Master of Laws in 2003. In the meantime, he undertook pupillage in 1986 under the guidance of Kadir Kassim in the law firm, Kadir Tan & Ramli, and was called as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 14 February 1987. With the formalities accomplished, Poh Fah then embarked upon his mission to right wrongs and to prosecute crime. He joined the Attorney General's Chambers, but alas he was assigned to the Civil Division and it would be many years later before he would be assigned to the Criminal Division. Poh Fah served enthusiastically, diligently and in an exemplary manner in various capacities and Divisions/Departments of Chambers, including a stint in Bosnia-Herzegovinia to represent the Malaysian government in a trial defending Malaysian peace-keeping troops who had killed a citizen of that country in a road accident, essentially an international 'running down' case. The law reports carry many of his reported cases and he was awarded the Sijil Perkhidmatan Cemerlang in 2003 by the Attorney General of Malaysia. Throughout his service with the Attorney General's Chambers, Poh Fah never really lost touch with the Bar. Poh Fah was a sportsman. He swung a pretty mean tennis racquet and golf club and could kick a football pretty well. His excellence in the sporting arena was evident from his school days. The numerous trophies in his house stand as testimony to his sporting prowess. It was through sports that he had continued to forge a bond with the Bar. He played tennis, football and golf for the Bar whilst serving with the Attorney General's Chambers. In a sense, he was one of us even then, and he made many friends that way. He eventually retired from service with the Attorney General's Chambers and rejoined the Bar in 2004. I suspect that the Bar was the place he had always wanted to be. He was one of us and he had come home. Many of us at the Bar who knew him from having him as opposing counsel whilst he was a Senior Federal Counsel or Deputy Public Prosecutor, or from having played sport with or against him or from having been tutored by him, or from having met him at social events were happy and proud that he rejoined the Bar. Poh Fah joined the firm of Chooi & Company on 2 September 2004 and immediately became at home. He was made a partner of Chooi & Company on 30 June 2005. Poh Fah took to practice at the Bar and in Chooi & Company with ease. His presence strengthened the Bar. His absence has diminished us. Poh Fah had always fought the good fight and fought it well. In Chambers and at the Bar, Poh Fah was one of our best. Poh Fah had in his early days with the Attorney General's Chambers met, fell in love with and married Aimee Liew. Aimee was then a pupil reading in chambers in a law firm that was located in the same building as the AG's Chambers, that is, Bangunan Bank Rakyat. They are blessed with two wonderful children, Ryan Vong Junying and Samantha Vong Jun Mei. He gave to his family his love and devotion, and met the different demands and responsibilities of a father, husband, friend and advocate in the only way he knew how: giving his very best.

We don't like to say goodbye to those whom we love. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here. They have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took them home. But they don’t. They are at this moment at peace in the presence of God. - Max Lucado

Dato’ S. Palaniveloo

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:13:01 +0000

Dato’ S. Palaniveloo or S.P. Veloo as he was fondly known to friends was nature’s gentlemen. He had the gift of eternal youth and looked the part. His spontaneity and gaiety was infectious and laughter seemed always to surround him. His loss is deeply felt by his children, brothers, sister and friends, a void that still remains unfilled. His guiding light and lodestar was his elder brother, Y.B. Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu to whom he remained devoted till the last. He had very humble beginnings born to a lorry driver at Batu Arang on 23 July 1939. He lost both his parents at a young age. At 6 years of age he began working as a newspaper delivery boy and never stopped working till his death at the age of 68. Schooling came in between guided by his elder brother. Upon completing his initial education, he went on to teacher’s training and was a teacher at the La Salle schools for about 10 years. That was when I first met him as my primary school teacher at St. John’s Primary. We were later to be classmates at law school in the University of Singapore about a decade later. We remained fast friends since. He had a quiet determination about him never allowing setbacks to pull him down. He was extremely disciplined, and with his deep religious commitments, saw success and happiness in his legal career. His abiding commitment was to his family, the late Datin A. Jayamanie and his three children. He rejoiced in the success of his children, the eldest S.P. Muthu Veloo who later became his law firm partner at Messrs S.P. Veloo & Co. His other son Dr. S.P. Sakthi Veloo and daughter Dr. S.P. Sivaghami were sources of great pride to him. But tragedy struck with the demise of his beloved wife in June 2003. He was never to recover from her loss. He became deeply religious and was easily spotted in Court as the man with the 3 stripes of the holy ashes on his forehead. He quietly went about his work managing the branch office in Klang and lunching daily with a regular group of friends before returning home by late afternoon to an evening of meditation and prayers. It was a routine he was to keep till his demise. His untimely departure from this world has left a deep vacuum. It can only be filled with the cherished memories of him dearly held by his children, beloved brother Y.B. Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu, relatives and friends. In the end there is realisation that it was a life well lived and served. In the immortal words of the poet Rabindranath Tagore ‘What was grief once, has now turned to peace’ (Lipika).

Mohammad Nasir bin Abdul Khalid

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:16:53 +0000

Mohammad Nasir bin Abdul Khalid who has passed away age 59 was a generous “bon viveur” who had an easy style about him but was never one to procrastinate when at work or in dealings he had outside his practice. He abhorred tardiness. Naturally, many endeared to him with ease. A product of Penang, he received his early education at the Methodist Boys School. He then attended University Malaya to read Economics and Business Administration but after a fashion, decided it wasn't for him. He left for London to read law at Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the Bar here in 1974. Nasir's career in the law wasn't confined to legal practice only. Having chambered and then worked for Allen & Gledhill in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang, he then did short stints in Kuantan with Messrs Au Ah Wah & Co and back in Kuala Lumpur with Messrs Megat Najmuddin & Leong before seeking wider legal experience in the corporate arena by joining Diethlem, the well known Swiss trading house and then Antah Holdings as legal advisor. Eventually, Nasir was to return to private practice in 1983 by taking up partnership with Tay & Tee ( as they were then known ) at Wisma Shen in the Masjid India area of Kuala Lumpur. Later, having acquired a substantial interest in Ban Hin Lee Bank, he was appointed its Executive Director in 1990, working half the week in Kuala Lumpur and the other half in Penang. After disposing his shares in the bank, he returned to practice with Tay, Tee & Nasir in Brickfields in 1993. Unbeknownst to most of his colleagues, he was appointed Chairman of the Industrial Court early last year. What would have been a fitting tribute that would have seen out his legal career, alas was not meant to be. Sadly, before he could report for duty, he lost his life to haemorrhagic fever. Nasir had been admitted to hospital for heart surgery, and there whilst recovering after a successful operation, had the singular misfortune to contract dengue. A larger than life figure, Nasir made a wonderful impression on all who met him and his jovial manner never failed to gladden the hearts of those who cared to listen to his hilarious tales; and they were many! He was an affable character who always had time for his friends and did not hesitate to lend a hand to whoever was in need be they family, friends or strangers. Away from the Law, Nasir maintained a lifelong interest in motor sports and had participated in car rallying in the mid seventies and eighties. Sometime in the early nineties, he helped revive the dormant Superbikers Club Malaysia. It became his passion. He owned several bikes. From charging around the streets of Penang on his Uncle Husseini's Norton during his secondary schooldays, Nasir graduated to organising and participating with members of the Club, super bike rides around the whole of Bali, Java, Sumatera, Sulawesi, Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak into Kalimantan, Thailand and even from Kuala Lumpur right through to Vientienne in Laos. Nasir was actively involved in organising the 3 Nation Charity Ride, an event held annually in either Thailand or Malaysia whereby Superbikers from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand as well a further afield gathered and raised money for charity. It was quite a sight on the occasion in Ipoh to witness one thousand five hundred superbikes in one gathering, a feat for which he must have felt justifiably proud. That he could seek the cooperation of many for a single cause, or persuade several parties to be 'ad idem' on matters where consensus was often difficult, was a skill that held him in good stead towards the latter part of his legal practice. He was often able to broker a solution without parties needing to go to Court. Nasir came from a large extended family of twenty one siblings, many of them are successful in their own fields. He was especially fond of his father Encik Abdul Khalid and his Uncle Husseini S.M both of whom are now octogenarians. Often, he would seek their wisdom. Nasir was a man of many friends, from the highest echelons of society to the least distinguished of people. He was liked by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues within the legal and business fraternity and the many ordinary friends with whom he was happiest. He leaves behind four children Johan, Aishah, Laila and Jihan; their mother Noryah and Rosalind Kamis his widow.

Lim Chor Pee

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:19:48 +0000

Lim Chor Pee (b. Penang) attended the Penang Free School. In 1955, he went up to Cambridge where he read law at St. John's College. His Queen's Scholar father Lim Kheng Kooi had a double-first in law at the same college. Chor Pee was a member of the Inner Temple and was called to the Bar in 1959. Chor Pee joined the Singapore legal service in 1959, served as a Crown Counsel and DPP in the A-G’s Chambers, as a District Judge, and the first legal adviser to the Tax Department. In the 1960s, Chor Pee was very active in local theatre in Singapore. He founded the Experimental Theatre Club to create “Malayan theatre” and to encourage local playwrights by staging their plays in a scene dominated by expatriates. He produced many plays including “Mimi Fan” and “A White Rose at Midnight” he wrote himself. Chor Pee has been acclaimed as having kick-started the local theatre scene in Singapore and galvanised locals to follow suit. On 2 November 1964, Chor Pee started a legal practice which was the first legal firm to use their first names “Chor Pee & Hin Hiong”. He subsequently founded “Chor Pee & Company” and later on “Chor Pee & Partners”, which was a sole proprietorship. Several noted Singapore lawyers chambered or worked at these firms. In Malaysia, Chor Pee also practised under “Albar Zulkifly & Yap” and later “Chor Pee Anwarul & Company” with offices in K.L. and Johor. Chor Pee had a high reputation as a commercial and corporate litigation lawyer. He had a flair for handling extremely difficult clients. After representing them, they would usually end up holding him with high regard. Chor Pee’s endurance as a lawyer can be seen in four decades of cases reported in the Law Reports. His talent and skill as an advocate has been etched in the memories of many Singapore and Malaysian lawyers. Even while battling cancer very bravely, he continued with his legal practice with admirable and unsurpassed dedication until his final days. Chor Pee leaves his Swiss-born wife Silvia, daughter Michele, a son Marc who practised law as a consultant with him, and President's Scholar daughter Claudine, mother Khong Kam Chee and sister Yoon Lin.

David Chai Kai Wooi

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:25:06 +0000

The late David Chai Kai Wooi was born on 26 May 1935. He read law at Lincoln’s Inn and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 28 November 1969. The late David Chai Kai Wooi practised in the firm of Chai & Partners until his demise on 11 August 2006. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Phang Ah Hee

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:30:33 +0000

Phang Ah Hee was born on 27 August 1956 and received his primary and secondary education at the St Michael’s Institution, Ipoh. He did his sixth form at Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman and excelled as the top scorer in the Art Stream in 1976. He studied law at the University of Malaya and being a brilliant student, was awarded the book prizes for the years 1978 and 1979. He graduated and was awarded a Honours Class II (Upper Division) for the degree of the Bachelor of Law in 1981. Upon graduation, from May 1981 to August 1984, he worked as a Deputy Public Prosecutor for the Judicial and Legal Service, Government of Malaysia and during this time he also tutored part-time at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. He chambered under Manjit Singh Sachdev from September 1984 to March 1985. On 30 March 1985, he was called to the Malaysian Bar. Thereafter, he started his own practice under the name and style of Messrs Phang & Co. He was basically a criminal lawyer but have a fair share of conveyancing and litigation matters. In 1988, he was charged under the Official Secret Act and was imprisoned for four months. After his release, he was suspended from practice for 15 months and thereafter he applied to be reinstated and had since practice until June 2006. He was admired and respected by all who knows him for being very well read, his rich knowledge of law, sincere and humble attitude, but most of all, his guts in fighting cases all the way. He always goes to Court fully prepared. He unselfishly shared his knowledge of law whenever he was approached by his fellow lawyers or anyone else. Being able to speak the Thai language, he was approached by the Thai Embassy to represent the Thais whenever required. Phang, as he was fondly referred to, was a hot-headed man and loud spoken in Court but in real fact, was a quiet and loving father and husband to his sons and wife. He cared and provided well for his family and instill in his eldest son a strong interest in law. Unfortunately, he did not live to see or he would have been extremely happy that his son is now studying law in the University of Malaya. On 23 June 2006, Phang was involved in a freak accident which injured and broke his spinal cord. He underwent a surgery three weeks after the accident but died five days later of complications. He passed away on 12 July 2006 at the age of 49 survived by his wife and two sons. His death shocked his clients and friends. His passing is a great loss and his memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends. He is sadly missed.

Anandan Ganesan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:33:34 +0000

I first met Anandan Ganesan or Anand as commonly known, at the Roof situated in Bangsar. The objective was an interview. The procedure included several beers. I had invited him there to be interviewed for the position of Corporate Lawyer. I suspected he was interviewing me too, as a prospective employer. Whether judgments were mutually impaired by nights-end or not, from then onwards began our friendship and working relationship. Anand joined Messrs Cheah Teh & Su on 1 September 2000. He was exemplary and took pride in his workmanship. His draftsmanship was meticulous. He read extensively and was knowledgeable in law and its application. This ability, he successfully married to his commercial acumen, a trait so necessary for lawyers. His meteoric career advancement, unparalleled in the Firm’s history, speaks for itself. He became Partner within four years, a process which would have taken others seven years if not more. Anand, born on 7 November 1972 in Kuala Lumpur, was one lawyer in a family of doctors - Dr.S.Ganesan his father, mother Dr.Jeyanayagy and sister, Dr.Vijeya. From St. John’s Institution, Kuala Lumpur he left for England to pursue his A-levels. A straight A’s student, he proceeded to earn his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Bristol. He read at the Middle Temple, became a Barrister-at-Law and upon his return to Malaysia, was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor on 16 August 1997. Amongst colleagues, Anand was known for his penchant towards helpfulness and sharing of knowledge. His recourses, often given voluntarily with patience, replete with explanations and lengthy legal reasoning will be missed by many in the Firm. With friends, Anand personified warmth and laughter. He drew upon an unending cache of jokes, unhesitating to make himself the object of his wit. Anand’s last get-together with the Firm was at Hard Rock Café. True to form, surrounded by chambering students, a colleague challenged him to name those students. It was then common knowledge that Anand’s engrossment in work made him oblivious to all else happening around him. Anand’s repartee, true lawyer thinking on his feet, was: “but of course I know all their names, this is ‘Sweetheart’, she is ‘Darling’ and this is ‘Babe’ ”. We applauded and laughed. That was the Anand we knew and will always remember by. Anand made his very own hearth and home when on 15 September 2002 he married Menaka Rajasegaran, another lawyer. He departed when she was pregnant with his unborn child of five months. Their daughter, Anoshka Anandan was born on 10 November 2006. A good husband, he would likewise have made a good father. Anand was especially close to his in-laws Y.A. N.Rajasegaran, former Chairman, Industrial Court of Malaysia and his wife Bindi. Anand departed his life on 28 June 2006 at the youthful age of 34 years. For family, memories of Anand will remain forever. For friends, his companionship will be sadly missed. For those who knew him not, they will do so when they read of him at page 1534 of Lilly Industries (M) Sdn Bhd vs. Billy Wayne Selsor (2006)3 ILR 1507. To my friend Anand - Rest in Peace.

Hira Singh a/l Ishar Singh

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:36:36 +0000

As a man and a lawyer, Hira’s demise is a great loss not only to the Bar but to his family and friends as well. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him well. Hira was born in the village of Dhunda, Punjab in India on 21 September 1938 and came to Malaya in 1939. He had a difficult childhood as he lost his father at a tender age and had to support himself and his widowed mother by working part time at various odd jobs such as petrol pump attendant, watchman and junior laboratory assistant while still pursuing his studies. After completing Form Six he left for the United Kingdom for teachers’ training in Brinsford Lodge in 1960 and obtained his certificate in Education from the University of Birmingham in 1962. Upon his return, he taught at Anderson School Ipoh till he left for England as a Federal scholar to read law at the College of Law, Chancery Lane, London. On 13 October 1969, Hira was admitted to the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. He was an active scholar while he was in England and together with other progressive law students formed the Kesatuan Penuntut Undang-Undang Malaysia in Britain and EIRE in September 1970, a multiracial, non-political law society which is still active till today. Hira was the inaugural president. On 18 July 1974, Hira was called to the English Bar and later joined the Judicial and Legal Service when he returned to Malaysia. I first got to know Hira when I was serving as a Magistrate in the Magistrates’ Courts in Ipoh. On my transfer to Teluk Intan, Hira was appointed to take over my position. From then on Hira and I became good friends and later colleagues at the Bar. In 1975, Hira married Asbir Kaur, who is also a fellow member of the Bar. Hira left the Judicial and Legal Service in 1982 and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 27 February 1982. He then joined his wife and became a partner in Asbir, Hira Singh & Co. Hira was the proud father of 2 daughters and a son. Both daughters, Anit and Navit are also Advocates & Solicitors and are now practising in Asbir, Hira Singh & Co. while his son, Hanmol is an investment banker with Rothschild. During his career as a legal practitioner, Hira had appeared and argued before the Malaysian Courts at all levels and also at the Privy Council. Besides that, Hira was also consulted on several international trade disputes in the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany. No point of law was too small and no jurisdiction was too remote to be researched and he knew his library well. To start his research on the law applicable, he would look into his “core” books behind his desk. Some of Hira’s prominent cases were reported in the Malayan Law Journal. These cases include Keng Soon Finance Bhd v MK Retnam Holdings Sdn Bhd & Bhagat Singh s/o Surain Singh, a Privy Council’s case; Raja Letchumi d/o Ramarajoo v The Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corp Bhd, Commonwealth of Australia v Midford (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd & Anor, The Co-Operative Central Bank Ltd v Feyen Development Sdn Bhd, and United Malayan Banking Corp Bhd v Richland Trade & Development Sdn Bhd all of which were argued before the Federal Court. There were also reports on Hira’s cases in the Current Law Journal and these include Dial Kaur d/o Tara Singh v Mann Foong Realty Sdn Bhd and Asiah bte Kamsah v Dr. Awtar Singh & 2 Ors. Further, one of Hira’s cases, Che Wan Development Sdn Bhd v Co-Operative Central Bank Ltd has been reported in the Australian Corporation Law and Securities Reports for the year 1990 and was reviewed in the Australian Corporation Law Bulletin for the month of June 1990 and the Halsbury Laws of England Monthly Review for the month of September 1990. Hira had always insisted that all bundles of documents and authorities be well prepared. He appreciated good work by his associates and was quick to compliment when satisfied. He always had time for members of the Bar who wanted to discuss the law or had a problem to bounce off him. Sadly, Hira’s health began to deteriorate after mid 2000. Despite his ailing health, he continued to practise and fought for his clients till May 2001 and continued coming to the office till May 2002. I believe Hira had enjoyed his life to the fullest practising as a lawyer. Law was his passion and he demonstrated his love for it in his outstanding performances in the Courts. Hira was man who did not know the meaning of the word “impossible” as everything to him was possible and could be achieved. Mr Hira Singh, you have left your footprints in our lives. They will not be erased but shall be cherished always by your family and friends.

Datin Roquaiya Hanim Hussein

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:39:11 +0000

The late Datin Roquaiya Hanim was born in Johor on 2 February 1949. She was the eldest sibling of the six children of the late Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Suhailah Mohd Noah. Datin Roquaiya Hanim received her early education in Johor Bahru and in Kuala Lumpur and later went to Lincoln’s Inn, London. She was called to the English Bar in 1973 and to the Malaysian Bar in 1974. Initially, she chambered and practised in Kuala Lumpur at Skrine & Co (now known as Skrine). In 1975, Datin Roquaiya Hanim moved to Penang with her husband, Dato’ Ghazi Ishak, whom was appointed to be the Deputy Public Prosecutor in Penang at the time. She joined Presgrave & Matthews and later became a partner in the said firm from 1980 until 1992. She then left Presgrave & Matthews and co-founded Ghazi & Lim. She was a very dedicated lawyer who had more than 28 years of experience in the areas of banking, property and corporate law. Datin Roquaiya Hanim always had a soft spot for worthy causes and was involved in many charitable, social and welfare activities, with involvement with organisations such as National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM), Penang Children’s Library, Tadika Perkim Pulau Pinang, Noah Foundation and Haqqani Foundation Malaysia. She also served as Councillor with the Local Authority in Penang (Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang) for 5 years. On 17 September 2005, Datin Roquiaya passed away at the age of 56 from breast cancer. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Dato’ Ghazi Ishak, also a lawyer, three sons and three grandchildren.

KA Karpaya a/l Andiappan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:42:04 +0000

Our late comrade, Karpaya Andiappan, constantly battled poor health, to stay true to this noble profession. He thereby left a legacy that challenges and inspires those who are able and more so, those who are not, to rise above whatever obstacles to achieve excellence in all our endeavours. His uphill battle began 20 years ago when he was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis. Despite this, he persisted and pursued his higher education, graduating in law from the University of Wolverhampton in 1995, and a little later, obtained his CLP. Being called to the Malaysian Bar in December 2000, made him the first lawyer in his family circle. His family was very proud of him and he pledged to excel. Ambition driven and eager to constantly improve his skills in the legal profession, he served 2 years in legal firms to learn the ropes of the trade and then began his own practice, KA Karpaya & Associates in 2002. Our late learned Karpaya held to the principles of Human Rights; that no one should be wronged by those in authority. This made him always ready to represent the wronged party. His advice and directions effectively solved numerous legal issues. Thus, attracting clients and friends alike to him for guidance. He took his work seriously, and himself lightly, paying less attention to his poor health. Many a time he said that he just needed 10 years to carve a niche as an outstanding lawyer. A mere 10 years. But his appeal failed at the highest court of universal life…THE SUPREME COURT OF GOD. Looks like GOD had other plans. Our late Karpaya, as we know, was soft spoken, well mannered and even tempered in all situations. But this highly ambitious man also had an adventurous and very sociable side. During his student days, Karpaya has cycled from KL all the way up to Cameron Highlands. In 2002, he climbed Gunung Kinabalu (the highest peak in South East Asia), despite his ill health. As we all know, he had the gift and passion to talk on any topic for hours. Karpaya's charitable heart and readiness to help, had at times put him in tight situations. But that did not deter him from actively reaching out to the needy and the underprivileged through The Lions Club of Bangsar and The Tamil Foundation which reflect some of his lifelong social work. We would have lost a fine person in our profession had Karpaya been successful in his pursuance of a medical ambition prior to his legal career. In the early 70's, he enrolled at the Arumugam Pillai College, India, for Pre University studies enroute to a medical degree. Poor health landed him in a provincial hospital, where he found cure for his ailment and also a soothing heart full of love. Yes, he met his beloved wife, Pappathy, a nursing sister there. She became his unwavering pillar of strength, support, encouragement and inspiration behind his successes. After the setback in medicine, the insurance industry and business ventures were other options that attracted him, yet in the corner of his heart he always wanted to become an Advocate and Solicitor. His attention was turned to legal studies. On many occasions he was too ill to continue, but, he persevered and ultimately succeeded. He valued higher education and encouraged others to do likewise. His two sons have inherited this exemplary drive. The elder is a successful engineer with Siemens. The younger is a 4th year Medical Under-Graduate in Russia. Born as the 4th son to Mr. Andiappan and Palaniayee on 23 September 1948, he was fondly called Alagendra. On 9 July 2005, at age 56, Karpaya begun the 'mahaprasthana' (the great journey) to the divine feet of Lord Shiva. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pappathy; sons, Runesh and Prakesh; mother, Palaniayee; brothers, Nannimuthu, Kamalasegaran and Gunalan, and their wives, nephews and nieces. Dearest learned brother Karpaya, although you may not be here, you will always be fondly remembered and remain an inspiration to us all.

Mohamad Halim bin Ismail

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:44:49 +0000

The late Mohamad Halim bin Ismail was born in Mersing, Johor on 5 June 1938. Orphaned at a very young age, he lived with his sister in Johor Bahru in his younger years. Mohamad Halim continued to live in Johor Bahru during his schooling years. He obtained his primary education at Ngee Heng Primary School and subsequently the English College for his secondary years. Mohamad Halim started his career in the teaching line, as a temporary teacher at the English College. After a short tenure, he obtained employment with the Government’s Co-operative Department as a Co-operative Officer, first in Johor Bahru, and later in Taiping. While in service at the Co-operative Department, He received the ‘Hadiah Biasiswa Perundangan Persekutuan’, a scholarship to study for the bar legal course in England. As a result, he went to pursue his studies at the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple, London, in January 1968. Having spent three years in England, he returned to Malaysia in 1971. On his return, he started his legal career at the Attorney General’s Chambers for a short period before becoming a legal advisor for the Ministry of Health. He went on to become a Deputy Public Prosecutor in Alor Setar and Kedah and then a Magistrate in Johor Bahru and Yang Dipertua Mahkamah Sesyen in Kuala Lumpur. Mohamad Halim opened his own firm, Halim Ismail & Company at Wisma Yakin in Kuala Lumpur in 1975. Halim Ismail & Company mainly focused on conveyancing work largely for housing developers and the finance sector. Mohamad Halim was a person who was constantly a knowledge seeker. Being very knowledgeable in many fields, especially history, he was always a source of knowledge for family members and friends. Having a jovial and reassuring character, he was certainly a loving husband and father, and a good company at all times.

Kum Chee Mon

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:47:14 +0000

The late Kum Chee Mon was born on 5 February 1936. He read law at the University of Singapore and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 22 February 1966. The late Kum Chee Mon practised as a Sole Proprietor under the name of Kum Chee Mon & Co. until his demise on 9 March 2005. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mok Li Za

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:49:32 +0000

The late Mok Li Za was born on 7 August 1970. She graduated from the University of London (External) in 1995 and obtained her CLP in 1997. She served her pupillage in the firm of Yeo Ainie Rubiah under Margaret Yeo and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 13 April 2001. The late Mok Li Za practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of YM Chin & Lee until her demise on 2 March 2005. She is greatly missed by her family and friends.

Pertaf Singh a/l Hajara Singh

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:52:03 +0000

Pertaf Singh was born on 7 January 1955 in Tapah, Ipoh and received his primary education in Ipoh and Cameron Highlands followed by secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Tengku Ahmad Cameron Highlands. Pertaf obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from the Polytechnic, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. He pursued the Certificate in Legal Practice and obtained his CLP in 1987. Thereafter, he proceeded to read in Chambers at Chong Thian Fook & Partners and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 26 January 1989. In 1991, he set up his own law firm under the name and style of Pertaf & Associates. Pertaf was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2003 and passed away a year later on 16 October 2004 at the age of 49. He leaves behind his beloved wife and two children, 12 years old Elisha who is totally disabled and Bhaalhesh, 6 years old.

Low Beow Kheng

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:55:03 +0000

Lynda Low Beow Kheng was born in 1961 and had her early education in Marian Convent, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. After completing her Higher School Certificate at Sekolah Menengah Tinggi, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur she joined Malayan Banking Berhad in 1982. It was during her time at the bank that she gained valuable experience in the various aspects of banking. In 1983, the bank rewarded her with a monetary award for attaining the Stage One of the A.I.B.M. examinations. Again in 1984, in recognition of her dedication to her job and hardwork, she was given a merit increment by the bank. While in the bank she was active and much liked. Being a member of the National Union of Bank Employees, she was elected as Treasurer of the Inter Relations Committee in her office. After about six years, she left the bank for England to pursue her law studies. In 1990, she was awarded the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) by the University of London. She was admitted to the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 1989 and called to the degree of an Utter Barrister in 1991. Upon her return to Malaysia, she served her pupillage in the law firm of Gulam & Wong and after her admission to the Malaysian Bar on 16 October 1992, joined the said firm as a legal assistant. In 1995, she and two other partners set up their own law practice of Naimah Chan & Low in Kuala Lumpur. During her years of practice, she specialised in conveyancing, corporate and banking law and had gained due recognition by the legal fraternity and the banking industry. Her legal opinions on difficult points of law were often sought after by banks, developers and clients. On 31 August 2004, she succumbed to cancer after a long and courageous fight and passed away at the age of 44. Her demise has been a great loss to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues. She has always been a source of inspiration to others and will always be remembered as a caring, generous, cheerful and strong person.

Datuk Sivalingam Munusamy

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:59:18 +0000

Sivalingam (Siva to his friends) was born in Ipoh on 18 October 1939. His primary and secondary education was in the Anglo-Chinese School there. His teachers had the highest praise for his scholastic abilities, the distinction he achieved both in the Inter-School Debates and as a lead character in the Shakespearean plays especially in his most memorable role as Henry the Fifth. He joined the Faculty of Law in the University of Singapore in 1960. As a Committee member of the Raffles Residential Hall he saw to the welfare of its residents. He took an active part in the affairs of the University Law Society of which he became the President in 1963/1964. He was the first winner of the B.A.Mallal Moot Prize when it was inaugurated in 1963. And he was also the winner of the Leow Chia Heng Prize which he shared with Elizabeth Albyn Eber who soon after married his close friend and contemporary Chan Sek Keong who eventually became the Attorney General of Singapore. Another notable contemporary Dato’ Karam Chand Vohrah graduated with Siva in June 1964. After admission to the Malaysian Bar in December 1964 he became the resident partner of Lim Kean Chye and Sivalingam in Ipoh. His rise to fame as an Advocate was truly meteoric. Early on in his legal career he had already begun to lock horns with the giants of the Bar - Fred Arulanandom by then the doyen of the Perak Bar, N.H. Chan then already regarded as one of the better legal minds in the country, V.C. George then already the Chairman of the Bar Council, all of whom went on to become Judges and even D.R. Seenivasagam then already the President of the Ipoh Municipal Council. Running alongside from the time he started were other legal luminaries like P.P. Dharmananda, N.T. Rajah, Lal Harcharan Singh, Hector Sankey, V. Moganasundram, and Rahim Noor to name but a few. Ipoh those days was a colourful town not just for its highly-charged legal battles but also for the liberal consumption of spirits at the other Bars in the Ipoh Club and elsewhere which made their dents in those who did not have an iron Constitution or a Spartan discipline. 38 major cases in which Siva participated are reported in the Malayan Law Journals from 1968 to 2002. Each one sign-posts a significant clarification of the issue debated. Chang Min Tat J. (as he then was) paid some tribute to his advocacy when he said in Government of Malaysia v Gurcharan Singh (1971) 1 MLJ 211: -

If I have taken more time and space than I should have in setting out in such detail the arguments of learned counsel for the defence, it is because these are not without persuasion and force especially as there appeared to be some decisions, admittedly American, that a boarding school education, a higher education in a college……………… a five year course of instruction at a correspondence school had been held not to be necessaries.

Three decades later His Lordship Tan Sri Chang Min Tat reminiscing in a letter to Datin Chelvi said: -

I feel Siva's demise as a personal loss. I had come to regard Siva not as a member of the Bar who appeared before me but as a friend. He had sought my opinion in one or two personal matters. And I had always looked forward to his appearances in Court. I don' t believe I had given any guidance as such, it was only reply to his arguments. And so complete were his arguments that I was compelled to think, look up references and give what I hoped was a sensible answer. No client of his could ever say that his case was not fully represented and argued.

The climax of Siva's early career at the Bar was surely his appeal to the Privy Council in Mahan Singh v Government of Malaysia [see (1978) 2 MLJ 133]. He was not daunted by the powerful judgements of Suffian L.P., Lee Hun Hoe C.J.(Borneo) and Ong Hock Sim F.J., who unanimously had held against him in the Federal Court [see (1975) 2 MLJ 155]. His final victory served his client but the law was amended to prevent the effect of the decision becoming a binding precedent. The dismay with which Siva viewed the increasing politicisation of the Judiciary after August 1988 and his ruminations on the maxim, “Cessante ratione legis, cessat lex ipsa” contributed in no small measure to his departure from legal practice into the commercial world. From his vantage point as director of several public companies including Mega First he moved into the heart of the corporate world when he became the in-house counsel to the K.L. Stock Exchange. As legal counsel for Multi-Purpose Bank he also oversaw its merger with several other banks. He also involved himself in social work for the under-privileged both in his capacity as a Central Working Committee member of the Malaysian Indian Congress and as an active Rotarian. Siva could easily have continued to live the life of unencumbered ease by remaining where he was but the anguish he felt at the loss of public confidence in the due process of the law drove him back into the rough and tumble of litigation. One of the first cases he took upon himself after his return to legal practice as a consultant at Messrs Chellam and Wong was the case of MGG Pillai, a journalist against whom the first of what were to be many large awards of damages in respect of defamation had been made. It was apparent that the case would be conducted on a pro bono basis, and that a necessary precursor to any challenge to the sum of damages imposed would be persuading the Federal Court to revisit one of its existing decisions: a step which was, at that time, literally without precedent in Malaysia. The Pinochet decision in England provided the impetus for taking such a step here. Sivalingam was also of the view that the original decision was tainted by an apparent bias on the part of one of the Judges who appeared to have had an extraordinary relationship with counsel for the successful party who was himself a plaintiff in another defamation case and stood to gain by a precedent recognising absurdly exorbitant damages awards. He thus saw the matter in terms of an injustice which needed to be set right and thus devoted his not inconsiderable energies to achieve this. Thanks in no small measure to the force of Sivalingam's character, a diverse team of lawyers was assembled, and work began, which was ultimately to lead to the setting-aside of the Federal Court's original dismissal of Mr Pillai's appeal. Throughout the course of the work Sivalingam's energy, commitment and legal knowledge were essential to progress and success. His constant awareness that all members of the team should be fully involved, and his openness to input from any source, regardless of seniority, was an exemplar of the principle that all members of the Bar stand as equals, and remains an inspiration to those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him. For all the members of the team, it was an all too fleeting an illustration of what the Bar has lost. For his services to God, King and Country, Sivalingam was conferred the award of Datuk by His Majesty the Yang di Pertuan Agong on 5 June 2004. Datuk Sivalingam may not have known that he had not much longer to live whilst awaiting judgement in what became his last effort to restore lustre to the image of Justice for Boonsom Boonyant who had died heart-broken in her battle against Adorna Properties Sdn Bhd when the High Court in Penang found against her. Alas Datuk Sivalingam also failed despite his most valiant efforts to get the Federal Court to re-visit its decision which effectively divested the true owner of two pieces of land which had been stolen from her by an impostor and then subsequently sold to a developer whose claim to have bought them in good faith without notice of the fraud was upheld by the Courts. Mercifully Datuk Sivalingam did not live to hear the startling words of the Federal Court on the 27 August 2004 to the effect that the Court's judgement though harsh, served no great injustice. Exactly a month before that on 26 July 2004, Datuk Sivalingam Munusamy had already passed on from life into legend. Sic transit gloria mundi. Datuk Sivalingam is survived by his widow Datin Chelvi Sivalingam, his son Sanjeev who is an Accounts Manager in the Multimedia Development Corporation in Cyberjaya, his daughters Shireen who is a Human Resource Consultant in the UK and Varsha presently aged fourteen who is in the midst of her secondary education.

T. Selvarasan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 10:02:05 +0000

The late T. Selvarasan was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka on 15 July 1928. He began his primary education at the Batu Road Boys School in Kuala Lumpur. His early education was interrupted by the Second World War, but a strong thirst for knowledge saw him resume his studies at Victoria Institution. It is this very quest that laid the foundation of a brilliant and illustrious legal career spanning over some 43 years. After finishing his secondary education, he dabbled in the teaching profession briefly before leaving for Gray's Inn, England to pursue law in 1955. He was called to the English Bar in 1958 and was subsequently admitted to the Malayan Bar in January 1959. Selvarasan's interests ranged from horse racing to tennis. He also had an affinity for languages, which saw him speak French and Japanese fluently. Selvarasan was awarded a scholarship in International Law by the Government of France in 1959. On his return in 1960, he opened his own firm, rapidly establishing himself as a leading criminal lawyer. A successful practice was thus built, based on a strong sense of justice, integrity and honour. He was the epitome of humility and integrity, and encouraged this among the younger generation of lawyers. In early 2004, as age and ill health caught up with him, Selvarasan contemplated retirement, and began working from home. He instilled in his 3 daughters the importance of education and having pride in their chosen professions. It is with this belief that his three daughters are now successful individuals in their own right. One of his children has chosen to follow in her father's legal footsteps, which gave him immense pride and joy. Mr. T. Selvarasan passed away peacefully on 9 July, 2004 a couple of days before he would have turned 76 leaving behind his beloved wife and three daughters. At the time of his death in July 2004, he was also attached to Messrs Suria Kumar & Co. as a consultant and was still attending Court whenever his health permitted him.

Loo Han Keang

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:30:54 +0000

Loo Han Keang was a very successful businessman in the oil and gas industry before he became a lawyer. He studied for his first degree in Business and Finance in England. His experiences in life was wide ranging which saw him working as an accounts manager and even as a postman in England while he was a student. As a talented young man, he was hand-picked to be an MBf Finance Manager at a very young age. However, he left MBf Finance Bhd for more challenges in the oil and gas industry. Even though he already had a degree in Business & Finance and qualified as a Company Secretary, he felt a thirst for the pursuit of more knowledge. His interest in legal studies led him to take up law as an external student for LL.B, University of London. As an external law student, Loo Han Keang was a very determined student, a trait which his partner in his law firm soon came to realise as his hallmark. He met his future partner Ooi Tze Kean while studying law together in an evening class. The chemistry between them were as natural as petrol catches on fire. Upon finishing his Bar Finals, he chambered in the legal firm of Messrs Cheang & Ariff. He joined the legal firm of T. K. Ooi & Rakan-Rakan as a partner and the firm's name was changed to T. K. Ooi, Loo & Partners. In the early days as a lawyer, Loo Han Keang was very actively participating in the Bar Council’s activities including taking part in the Bar Mini Marathons. Like many other lawyers, he attended Court and shared with his friends and partner(s) on his experiences and encounters in Court. He was a good storyteller and had many originally created jokes to share. As a lawyer and friend, he was very much liked by everyone. He was approachable and understanding. He met his sweetheart Sally Ooi Lye Choon in London while studying for his first degree. His wife is a very enterprising lady who runs a thriving trading business and is also a devoted and loving wife. He was blessed with 4 children from his marriage, the eldest of whom a bright girl, Loo Joanne, is currently studying for her Law Finals. The second child, also a beautiful girl is in a Secondary School doing her Form Five. His 2 youngest children is a pair of intelligent twin boys who are studying in Form One. Loo Han Keang has always been a loving husband and a caring father who take the studies of his children seriously. He encouraged his children to study hard and to have fear in God. As a devout Christian, he attended church regularly with his family. Loo Han Keang is a man of many talents which only his wife and his law partner has the rare privilege to witness. He always emphasises the theory of street-wise for the safety of everyone. As a man who believes in the value of time, he worked very hard and was one who never waste any time. Throughout his life, he never knew that there was a time bomb ticking inside him until he discovered in the middle of the year 2003 that his liver was ravaged by cancer. In October, 2003, Loo Han Keang went for a liver transplant in Singapore. The transplant was a successful one after having received a part of a new liver from a donor who is a member of his Christian group. He returned from Singapore after the successful transplant and recuperated at home. In less than 5 months, he yearned to return to office despite persuasion not to do so. The workaholic in him saw him working as though nothing had happened until he suffered a liver rejection symptom in late May 2004. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his relatives and family members on 20 June 2004 at the age of 51 years old. His closest friend and partner, Ooi Tze Kean, remembers him “as a man of fine distinction, determined, accommodating, a companion par excellence, an entertainer, an actor in his own right and the number one in public relation”. Ooi Tze Kean feels that it is indeed a privilege and an honour to be his partner. The partnership of his legal firm had lived up to the maxim “Till death do us apart” for a full 14 years. His demise is a great loss to the firm and to all who had come in touch with him in one way or another. May he rests in peace and the beautiful memory of him remains forever.

Divakaran Mathavan Nair

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:33:26 +0000

Divakaran (Diva as he is fondly known as) obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from the University Of London in 1991, upon completion of his secondary education at La Salle Secondary School in Petaling Jaya. He pursued the Certificate in Legal Practice at University Malaya and obtained his CLP in 1994. Thereafter, he proceeded to read in chambers at Paul Ang & Co in Petaling Jaya, and was enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in August 1995. Born in a small town from the east coast, his father was with the government service and Diva grew up steadfast and sturdy in character. For many, his sudden passing was a shock, because Diva was so much a part of so many people's lives. He gave comfort to those who were wary or insecure of themselves and the world we lived in. His 6-foot presence belied his pacifying demeanour, always brandishing a smile even in the most difficult of circumstances. Diva was a loving man and father, and he spoke freely and fondly of his immediate family to all and sundry. An upright gentleman, he loved his ale, like any other stouthearted man of his age. He never boasted of his accomplishments and he never regaled of his successes, eventhough there were many in his short time with us on this earth. As a lawyer, he carved a niche in the legal fraternity for taking on cases which seemed lost causes and turned them into a personal portfolio of noteworthy achievements. In 2001, he took on the case of a remisier charged with contravening the Industrial Securities Act, and turned it around on a well researched technicality. The following year, he defended a youth charged with the murder of a fellow student, a controversial case having racial undertones. His uncanny ability to look into the finer details of a case and leaving no stones unturned, coupled with his firm and aggressive pursuit of the truth, earned him respect from his peers and Judges alike. Amongst his closest friends, Diva always personified the traits of a true friend; one who could turn any unpleasant experience into an occasion to laugh about. In all his simplicity, he preached the uncommon wisdom of being able to laugh at one’s self, for only then would one be able to appreciate the true nature of others. Professing that life was a wondrous journey of experiences, he firmly believed that we receive from life what we were prepared to put into it. Perhaps this is how Diva will always be remembered. Only after his passing did one realise the enormity of the burden and responsibility he carried for many around him, in his unflinching quest for justice and compassion. He is best spoken of by those he has left behind and the deeds he has done to change the lives of those who sought his refuge and counsel. Diva will remain a man of miracles to many. Born on 14 October 1968, Divakaran Nair passed away on 16 May 2004, in an accident. He leaves behind his parents, his beloved wife and two children.

Zainoon Binti Zakariah

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:36:06 +0000

Puan Zainoon Binti Zakariah passed away just after noon on 12 May 2004 from leukemia at the age of 31 after a short but painful battle with the disease, leaving behind her beloved husband, family and friends. Zainoon was born on 24 October 1972. Having completed high school at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur in 1991, she read law at the University of Malaya and graduated from the same in 1996 with a Second Class (Upper) Degree. She was an outstanding student who was bright and enthusiastic and always ready to share her knowledge with her peers. She was also active in the Law Students’ Society of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya and was appointed Honorary Treasurer for the term 1994-1995. Upon graduation, she commenced her pupillage at Messrs Thevin Chandran & Associates and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 6 March 1997. Thereafter, she practised as a Legal Assistant at Messrs Onn & Partners and Messrs Nazri Aziz & Wong until her demise. She enjoyed the ups and downs of being an Advocate and Solicitor and worked hard to meet the constant challenges that came with being an esteemed Member of the Bar. Those who knew her well saw that beneath her tough exterior was a kind and caring heart. Zainoon was extremely warm-hearted but to describe her this way does not, by any measure, tell of her strength of character. One cannot help but feel great admiration for her courage and resolve in times of difficulty. She remained this way throughout her illness and continued to uplift her family and friends even in her time of pain and great suffering. Zainoon was truly tolerant of the faults of others and will always be remembered for her generous care and concern for family and friends, her fun-loving spirit and her kindness and loyalty. She was a trusted friend and a great companion and her demise has left a great void in the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and will continue to live in the hearts and memories of her family and friends. May her soul find eternal peace now that labour has ceased.

Murugavell Arumugam

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:39:49 +0000

The late Murugavell Arumugam or “Muru” as he was fondly referred to was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of all those who had the chance of knowing him in his well-lived 62 years. Muru possessed a very strong character, keen intellect, sharp perception, high integrity, good sense of humor and most of all abundant compassion. He lived to be true to himself and all that he believed in and cared about. This included his family, friends, workmen and their trade unions, his students and all those he employed. Muru graduated from University of Malaya in 1964 at the age of 21+ due to several “express promotions”, during his school days. He then served in the government sector for almost three decades. Muru’s first posting was as a Labour Officer in the then Ministry of Labour. After 8 years, Muru was appointed as a conciliator in the Industrial Relations Department. For the next 20 years, Muru had a distinguished career in the Ministry of Human Resources, during which time, he set standards that others strived to follow. In 1966, Muru married Usha Bhoumick and the loving couple is blessed with 2 sons and a daughter. Muru had pursued law on his own amidst his work as civil servant and part-time lecturer to students at the Mara Institute of Technology (ITM). In his usual seemingly effortless style, Muru earned an Honours Degree in Law from the Univesity of London in the shortest time possible. Muru then went on to do his CLP and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1992. That same year, Muru voluntarily retired as Deputy Director of Industrial Relations and started his own legal practice under the name and style of Messrs Murugavell Arumugam & Co. In the following 12 years, Muru became well-known employees’ and union lawyer in the Industrial Relations field. Muru was respected both by the bench and his opponent counsel for his sound knowledge of Industrial Law and his persuasive skills of argument, which he displayed with courtesy and kindness. Muru cared for his clients and did many cases for free. His integrity in dealing with clients was admirable and in return he earned his clients’ esteem and affection. Many clients were known to call Muru as “uncle”. Muru was a captivating speaker who enjoyed imparting his knowledge to all who sought to learn from him. Knowing Muru was an enriching experience as he was ever ready to help even on personal matters. His generosity was legendary. Muru was a source of strength, joy and comfort to his friends. He believed in the goodness of man and saw no evil in anyone. Muru departed peacefully from this earth on 30 January 2004 leaving behind his wife, children, four grandchildren, innumerable friends, many fond memories and legacies.

Warm weather fosters growth; cold weather destroys it. Thus a man with an unsympathetic temperament has scant joy; but a man with a warm and friendly heart overflowing blessings, and his beneficence will extend to posterity. - Hung Tzu Cheng

Dato’ Seri Harun bin Hj Idris

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:42:43 +0000

Dato’ Harun bin Haji Idris was born on 21 July 1924 and passed away on 19 October 2003. He leaves behind his wife Datin Seri Salmah Sulaiman, 3 sons, 3 daughters, 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. I first knew the late Dato’ Harun in 1958 when he was a young Deputy Public Prosecutor. He became the Selangor Legal Adviser in 1960. The late Dato’ Harun had also been Director and Chairman of various private and public listed companies as well as had his own legal practice. Dato’ Harun later entered politics and in 1964 he was appointed as Menteri Besar Selangor and held the post for 14 years. His term as Menteri Besar Selangor saw many important events that not only made history politically and nationally but also created landmark legal cases in criminal and civil matters. He was Vice President of UMNO and UMNO Youth leader. As Menteri Besar Selangor he made Selangor the most developed commercial and industrial state of Malaysia. He helped a lot of Bumiputeras in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan and elevated their economic status. He was Chairman of PKNS, Selangor which built the most houses for the poor in Selangor at that time and Chairman of Bank Rakyat which was then the biggest Bumiputera commercial institution wholly owned by Bumiputeras which gave hundreds of millions as loans to farmers, fishermen and rural people to help their economic progress. His contributions in the field of sports were well known and outstanding. He was the President of the Football Association Selangor and also the Vice President and Manager of the Football Association Malaysia. Under his charge Malaysian football achieved great heights and Malaysia played in the Olympics. He brought the world heavyweight boxing champion, Mohamed A1i to Malaysia. In doing so Dato’ Harun had made Malaysia better known worldwide at a time when Malaysia was hardly known by the rest of the world. Dato’ Harun also started the first car-racing track in Malaysia at Batu Tiga, Selangor . The late Dato’ Harun was a controversial but popular public figure. He was known to be a leader and a friend of the people and had helped many members of the public of whatever creed, culture or religion. His friendly disposition had gained him many friends and acquaintances. His absence is dearly missed but will never be forgotten by those whose life he had touched.

S. Selvanathan a/l Selvaduray

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:45:26 +0000

The late S. Selvanathan, a Barrister-at-Law of the Middle Temple was called to the Malaysian Bar on 17 June 1971. He started his career at the Bar as a Legal Assistant with the firm of Stanley Ponniah Ng & Soo in Seremban before moving on to Johor Bahru where he practised with Keith Sellar Tennakoon & Pillay before setting up his own practice in Johor Bahru. In 1980, Selva moved to Kuala Lumpur and was attached to Tunku Zuhri Manan & Abdullah before moving to Thevin Chandran & Associates where he was a partner at the time of his passing away. Selva was an involved and dedicated member of the Bar. He attended all Bar functions and gatherings. He was vociferous at AGMs and EGMs and did not mince words or hide his feelings when allowed to voice his views. He was notorious for his cutting comments and biting words. Many will recollect Selva’s valiant stand for the Doberman “Le Roc” which was to be put down because it had attacked an old lady. He applied for an injunction to injunct the putting away of the poor animal. Selva passed away a few days after his 67th birthday leaving behind his beloved wife, Thana Sinnathamby. Selva was a gregarious man who loved life and had his fair share of the good times. May his soul rest in peace.

Wan Azlan bin Tan Sri Dato’ Wan Adnan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:49:17 +0000

It is impossible, especially on this occasion of irreparable personal loss and sorrow to summarise the life philosophy, talents and accomplishments of my late brother Wan Azlan. Please bear with me in this flawed attempt at covering the many aspects and attributes of this wonderful and profound man, who so personally touched our hearts and our minds. His has been a most valuable, rich, and wonderful life. Wan Azlan was born in Kuala Terengganu on 10 December 1972 to the late Tan Sri Dato' Wan Adnan's family who himself was a well-known figure in the legal and judicial community. As a young child often accompanying his father to work, Wan Azlan developed an eye for, and eventually became a practising lawyer. In July 1995, Wan Azlan followed in his father's footsteps to be a great lawyer, and obtained a law degree at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Thereafter, in order to continue his legal career in Malaysia, he pursued and obtained his Certificate in Legal Practice with 2nd Class Upper in December 1996, which at that time only a few managed to get that achievement. He then went to serve his pupillage in the chambers of Mr. Ranjit Singh s/o Harbinder Singh at Messrs. Cheang & Ariff from January to September 1997. After nine months of intensive chambering in every aspect of legal practice, he was called to the Malaysian Bar on 13 November 1997. Immediately thereafter, he started his legal career at the Bar as a Legal Assistant at Messrs. Shook Lin & Bok from 1998 till 2000. Wan Azlan was an ambitious, independent and foresighted person and he always knew that in order to be a great practitioner at the Bar, he must have his own practice. Therefore in 2000, he set up his own practice in Kuala Lumpur under the name of Messrs. Azlan & Loh. He was mainly involved in contentious matters and he loved litigation work. Wan Azlan had a rich and exemplary life, cemented with deep faith in God, hard work and remarkable talents. He was very bright, interested in politics and history, and had many interests. He loved travelling, reading, doing charitable work and also enjoyed spending time conversing with his family. Those in need around him could count on Wan Azlan at any time, day or night, notwithstanding distances, time zones, or his many other pressing engagements. He was known to his family, friends and colleagues as a man who loved a good laugh, kind, gentle, generous, friendly and always ready to provide a helping hand. He was also a generous source of advice, of teaching, of practical help to his family and friends. Wan Azlan passed away on 27 April 2003 and was buried beside his beloved father at Kiara Burial Park. Wan Azlan is survived by his younger brother, Wan Azrain and younger sister, Wan Azliana. May his soul rest in peace - Al Fatihah.

Lee Siew Kee

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:53:28 +0000

The late Lee Siew Kee was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1966 and practised as a partner in the firm of Messrs Chung & Huang until 1990. Thereafter, he practised under the name of Messrs Lee, Ling & Partners until his untimely demised on 21 February 2003. He is well-known amongst the members of the Bar as a conveyancing practitioner. He is unassuming and have a zest for life. Unfortunately, it ended much too early. He left a legacy that

A lawyer never dies but only loses its appeals... ...

Yong Ban Fatt

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 11:58:11 +0000

My friendship with Ban dated back to 1977 when we started our lower secondary education in SM Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur. We then lived in the same village, ie Salak South New Village. Ban’s house was located at mid hill whereas mine was at the lower plain. Then life was truly worry-free. On our way to school together in the school bus, we would do all the mischievous things a 13-year-old would do like singing along the music played from the cassette player. Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music” and Eagle’s “Hotel California” were Ban’s favourite. But the most memorable one was our attempts to impress a girl, of course the most popular and pretty one, who lived in the same village and also our bus mate. Well, the girl, of course, was more mature than us and looking back, we were really happy fools. Another memorable one was our misadventure in tailing a sweet looking girl from the school nearby to find out where she stayed. The end result was that we missed our school bus and then attempted to walk back from Jalan Cochrane to Salak South New Village because we had spent all our pocket money for the day. We only managed to walk a quarter of the way. One of our friends forked out ten sen to make a call to the bus driver and pleaded with him to fetch us. We all got our fair share of scolding from the bus driver and for me, a generous caning from my father. I did not tell Ban of the beating and neither did Ban mention anything about his parents’ “reward”. Ban left SM Jalan Cochrane after finishing SRP and continues his upper secondary in Shah Alam. Thereafter, we had not contacted each other until 1984 when out of the blue Ban appeared one evening in front of my house and invited me for a drink and commenced our adulthood phrase of misadventure. Together with a few new comrades, Ban was the de facto leader and the rest followed obediently because we know that Ban would swim and sink with us, the hallmark of Ban’s character. And by now, Ban had acquired his superior driving skill and zooming us every highway available then, with Madonna and Duran Duran’s music blasted out from his imported turbo-charged Mazda 323. In the wee hours of the morning, Ban would dispatch us home and make sure that we locked our gates before he went off. By 1990, we began to mature and started to think of our future. By then also Ban was my family’s close friend, acquainted well with not only my immediate family but most of my relatives. One day, I told Ban that I wanted to pursue further studies in law. By then Ban’s sister, Lai Ling, was already an advocate & solicitor and another sister, Siat Ling, was about to finish her law degree. Ban challenged me, “If you could show me your discipline and result, I shall consider too.” True enough, by the time I completed my second year, Ban rang me up one day and told me that he would follow suite. Both of us re-invented ourselves and laboured through a good part of the nineties. After Ban was called to the Bar, we had a dinner together in Subang Jaya wherein we congratulated each other and thankful that we both have made it. And I would cherish all these, a substantial part of Ban and my sojourn in this physical plain and wish that my comrade, Ban is progressing well in the astral world. Yap Pow Soo *** A Good Man In memory of Yong Ban Fatt You were a friend for everybody as you were nice to everybody, I mean, everybody Everybody who knew you liked you and we all became your friends as we all need a friend like you You were never fussy about picking and choosing with whom you wanted to be a friend You were just always there, availing yourself as a friend with a smile and a pair of willing and able hands, I knew only one occasion that you distanced yourself away from being further exploited You were also a man of independence and solitude You could play cards on your own for hours You were a man of thoughts You spoke only after thinking You acted as you had said Your word was your bond A man of honour indeed You were a generous man to all your friends and on all occasions of charity with your wallet and with your time where a man's heart is And you lived a simple life with no indulgence or extravagance You were a man of humour You were a happy man Your smile was a permanent feature in my memory of you You were happy by nature, I guess Tolerant certainly by character You were a learned man Years of reading of law You were on your path of excellence Being a honourable member of the legal profession as you were in Tasmanian Law School You knew the legal principles, the cases and the statutes You had the meticulous laws notes You would take time to search answers for others even one day before examination while leaving your own confusion unclarified You would always contribute more in your study group Semester by semester, year by year You knew the law and you could have done better in the examinations or our examiners could have marked with more care You were a good sportsman and a very strong man in the fields of squash and badminton You were a good table tennis player too a better President of the University TT Club (1997) indeed You were always the first to set up the tables for the members You loved life You enjoyed cooking with others the best non-restaurant cook I know You said you learned your tricks by watching your mother She has certainly cultivated a good taste in your life Yon loved the abalones Abalone soup and stir-fry of abalone with celery the magic from the above You enjoyed good company of friends You enjoyed late nights, studying or just being with friends only having to struggle to be awake the morning after You were no gambler or clubber We went to Wrest Point to see others losing it and had a few drinks but always in moderation You might have gifted away more Chivas Regal than you cheered You liked Hey Hey Saturday that was one thing you would prefer not to miss at 6:30 You smoked, quit and smoked again, but to no excess But you consumed coffee by the largest containers available You liked motor cars, Mercedes Benz and Toyota were good and you could drive cars, a damn good driver You enjoyed the winding turns in Tasmania You knew Melbourne like a cab driver You were a polite man, a man of manners Truly a gentleman and scholar you were You were respected by all who knew you as you treated others with due respect and courtesy You were the youngest to all your siblings under an umbrella of love, support and obligation You held uttermost respect for your mother You were a dutiful son, brother and an uncle Gratefully you received Gracefully you lived to exceed all expectations You were a tall dark and handsome young man and the girls in the university all liked you Australian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Malays, Pacific Islanders…. You were a popular guy to say the least You had your own criteria and your own discipline You never took advantage of others In June 2000 Your smile was wider Your steps were quicker Your mind was more alert You were more confident and happier as you fell in love with a good girl after years of waiting and abstaining Patience has always been a rare commodity in this world And you were excited this time You were eager to work and earn a living You were ready to settle down A brave man you were A man of courage In the darkness of night In face of unspeakable horror In middle of unendurable suffering In the pain of hope and hopelessness Ban, you always had a smile on your face Ban, you never complained, not once Ban, you were everybody' s friend without exaggeration by any means Ban, you were a good man In your prime Somehow, you left us with our own memories of you and a legacy about life To live is to live an honourable life You lived quietly without boasting about it See you in heaven, Ban And I have to do my best One of your many friends Zhou Ming

Anandarajah Ponnudurai

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:03:24 +0000

The late P. Anandarajah, or “Andy” as he was popularly known and affectionately called, was a Partner in the Industrial Relations practice group of Messrs Zul Rafique & Partners. In his youth, Andy was a keen sportsman. He was active in cricket, football, badminton and boxing. He was nicknamed the “Cobra Kid” because of the way he hissed like a snake as he delivered his punches! Throughout his life, he retained his interest in games, especially cricket and football. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree from University of Malaya at 23 years of age, Andy joined the Ministry of Human Resources as a Labour Officer. The next 30 years witnessed his illustrious career in government service. With the dedication he displayed in all his undertaking he rose in the service to be promoted as the Director of Legal Affairs and Enforcement at the Labour Department. Andy was sent to the UK for a training session in legislative drafting and was instrumental in drafting many important labour legislations including amendments to the Employment Act 1955, Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 and Workers' Minimum Standard of Housing Act 1990. In 1994, Andy earned the honour of being appointed the Chairman of the 10th Session of the Committee on Work on Plantations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Apart from representing the Government of Malaysia at international forums, Andy was a prolific speaker at local seminars and conferences. His intimate understanding of the history of labour legislation coupled with his genuine interest in the humanity and his gift of being an entertaining and engaging speaker made him a much sought after expert in his field, whose views was often solicited. With his warm personality and ready smile, he was very approachable. His exposure to the legal aspects of industrial legislations and practices inculcated an interest in law. In 1989 Andy obtained a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the University of London. A year later he obtained the CLP. He was called to the Bar in 1993. Thereafter, he took a voluntary retirement and joined our fraternity. In recognition of his services, the Government honoured him by awarding the Pingat Ahli Mangku Negara ( “AMN” ). Andy married Peggy Yeoh Siew Hong in 1975. They have a daughter, Sharmayne who is 8 years old now. Andy passed away on 12 January 2003 at the age of 57. Andy will be mostly remembered by those who knew him as a gentle and kind soul. He was always a good friend with a comforting and ready smile, a warm heart, a reassuring voice, a ready pair of ears and broad shoulders. Andy was not known to have used harsh words and he was a compassionate man. The obituary inserted by his partners at Zul Rafique & Partners, borrowed from the words of Shakespeare, which aptly described Andy:

His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man!'

Ramid Khan bin Rahman Khan

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:07:07 +0000

In the middle of the night on 26 October 2002, I received a phone call, which has altered my life and created a pocket of vacuum, ever since. That phone call from Paramjit, Ramid’s wife, not only woke me up from my sleep, but shook me down to my bones. Her voice and message still rings in my ear. Paramjit informed me, to my utter horror, shock and disbelief that Ramid had passed away. Ramid passed away at 35. A massive heart attack, the cause. After the news had sunk in, I went over to Akbar’s house in Bangsar. Ramid, Akbar and I had read law together. Funeral arrangements had to be made. I knew nothing about a Muslim burial and had to get hold of someone who knew how to attend to it. I broke the sad news to Akbar and Vazeer. Together we set about to make the final arrangements. The great number of kith and kin who subsequently gathered for the funeral was a reflection of Ramid’s standing among friends and relatives. Ramid had the natural gift of touching the hearts and minds of everyone whom he came into contact with. I first met Ramid one cold winter’s morning in Aberystwyth, Wales. We had just enrolled at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, to read law. The warmth he exuded was a refreshing cheer to the drab Welsh weather. Immediately, Ramid struck me as a very intelligent young man. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. Rightly so for a young man who had taken his first step towards fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming an accomplished lawyer. Ramid’s intelligence was evident from a very young age. He obtained double promotion in his primary school days and completed his primary education in five years. Those days they used to call it the “Express Class”. Express he may have been academically, but he took life in his stride. He went on to finish his law degree with Second Class Upper Honours. Ramid worked hard; he partied hard as well. Ramid loved live and lived it to its fullest, always making friends in the process. In recognition of his academic excellence, the British Council awarded him the British High Commissioner’s Award which enabled him to complete his Masters of Laws Degree at Kings College, University of London. I ended up being Ramid’s housemate in London, where I was doing my Bar Finals. We had a great time. Ramid’s affinity to attract friends was amazing. Nine out of ten times when there was a knock on the door, you can be rest assured that it was Ramid’s friends calling on him. Some of Ramid’s friends became my friends and my pool of friends increased, thanks to Ramid. Some of them are still my closest friends. Ramid got through his Masters with flying colours. I had come to expect it, in spite of his partying. Upon our return to Malaysia, thanks to Ramid, we ended up sharing a house again. We ended up in some dubious quarters of Jalan Alor/Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. Ramid probably didn’t know his geography of Kuala Lumpur well. We became the butt of many a joke. Nevertheless, the location did not damper the spirit. Friends still came by in throngs to call on Ramid. Sometime later, we moved to a more acceptable residence on the fringes of Bangsar and shared an apartment with Stanley and Sri. Vazeer called it the stud farm. We ate together, partied together, holidayed together and slept together. The last of it, in separate rooms. We were the proverbial fraternity boys. It was here that I first met Ramid’s family. Ramid is the product of cross culture, and I must add, two great living cultures. His late father, En. Rahman Khan, a Pakistani gentleman, was a wonderful person. He used to come and stay with us in our Bangsar flat and easily blended in to become one of the boys. Ramid was a chip of the old block. His mother, a very gentle and warm Chinese lady, who was and still is Aunty to all of us, was always pampering Ramid. They were both very proud of their son. Ramid was a wonderful brother to his sister, Sarina. He was a source of joy not only to them but to everyone who was around him. Ramid married his childhood sweetheart, Paramjit who is also a member of the Bar, in a quiet ceremony in Alor Setar, Kedah. They were a perfect match. A match made in heaven. After, the marriage, Ramid became a changed man. He became a very responsible family man. Ramid and Paramjit did not spare any time to usher in parenthood. They have been blessed with three wonderful children. Javed Amir Khan, Sophiya Dhillon Khan and Leia Dhillon Khan will always be a part of my family. They also have lots of uncles and aunties to be always around them. These are Ramid’s true friends. In his career, Ramid was extremely hardworking. In his early days as a lawyer, he took on part-time teaching positions. He was and still is regarded as a fine teacher of law by his students and staff members. Ramid read in the Chambers of Cik Faizah Noor in the firm of Zain & Co. As fate would have it, I had also chambered in the same firm. Upon being called to the Bar, Ramid worked successively in the firms of AI Nathan & Co., Harcharan Peters and Zainur Zakaria & Co, as a Legal Assistant and moved to Tay & Partners, as a Partner. Ramid was never one to seek publicity or prominence. As a core member of the Anwar Ibrahim defence team, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Never to allow an injustice to go unnoticed, Ramid organised the protest march by lawyers following the arrest of Zainur Zakaria for contempt. Ramid was also a part of the defence team in Zainur’s contempt proceedings. In the midst of all this, Ramid selflessly found the time to actively participate in Legal Aid work in general and in particular, Ramid was the co-ordinator of the Legal Aid defence team for the Reformasi trial of the 173 accused. Ramid had always immersed himself in work and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ramid was a formidable opponent in Court. He always prepared his case well and presented it forcefully, yet courteously. He commanded high respect from the members of the Bar as well as the Bench. Ramid was on the threshold of a brilliant career as a lawyer. Success was beckoning. I have no doubt that if God had given Ramid a little more time, he would have etched his name in our country’s legal history. All his hard work was finally paying off. He talked of buying a bigger house for the growing family. He started planning for Paramjit’s and the children’s future. This was another remarkable trait of Ramid. He was able to change his focus and identify his priorities in accordance with his station of life and prevailing circumstances. Ramid was also a very good sportsman. Hockey was his passion. He played hockey for his school and university. As a member of the Bar, he was a regular on the Bar’s hockey team. He also took interest in a variety of sports and excelled in them. After games, we often gathered to down a few drinks, to chat and unwind. This became a regular Friday evening gathering. Friends still gather on Friday evenings, but it is never the same without his laughter, his unique language and his friendship. Ramid’s empty seat forever saddens us. We miss him. Ramid’s passing is a great loss to the profession. I am sure that friends and family members will whole-heartedly agree that we have the passing of a great man. His greatness was in his ordinariness. His greatness was in his excellence. His greatness was in his kindness. His greatness was in the manner he touched people’s hearts. His greatness was in the man he was. Ramid has certainly left a legacy that deserves to be celebrated and preserved forever.

Wan Abdul Majid bin Wan Hamid

klbar_editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:04:19 +0000

Born in the year 1938, the late Wan Abdul Majid B. Wan Hamid was brought up in Kelantan. He had his early education in an English school and obtained a first grade in the Overseas School Certificate in 1957. His first employment was with the Education Department, Kelantan where he worked as a General Clerk in 1957. Thereafter, he applied for a post in the Kelantan Civil Service and in 1960 was appointed as an Assistant District Officer, Bachok where he served for 3 years. He was then transferred to Pasir Mas, where he served for another 2 years. His last posting was in Tumpat before he was seconded to the Legal Department. It was here that he developed a keen interest in law and decided to pursue the subject further. In 1966, he secured a scholarship to read Law in the United Kingdom. He was there for 3 years. Upon being called to the Bar at Middle Temple, the late Wan Majid returned to Malaysia. Upon his return, he joined the Judicial & Legal Service where he held several positions, he was a Magistrate, a DPP and a Sessions Court Judge in Kuantan. Due to health reasons, he was retired in 1980. However, due to his passion for the subject and equipped with his experience, he decided that it was still too early for him to retire. He then went into private practice with another partner forming the firm of Wan Majid & Mano. As an advocate & solicitor, he was well respected by his colleagues and peers. This was largely attributed to his natural ability to analyse problems and to resolve them. To him, everything he took on was not a "problem". Instead it was a challenge and he always found a solution to everything. He seemed to love these challenges and that was what kept him going even when his health took a toll for the worse. He took his work seriously, was overly concerned for details and was orderly and very organised. On a more personal note, he was a very jovial and well read person, keeping in touch with current developments. His reading interest would include politics, fitness, golf and medicine. If someone had met him for the first time on a golf course or a hospital, he would probably mistake him for a professional golfer or a medical doctor based on the knowledge he had acquired in these two fields. This trait of his also filtered to his family. As head of the family, he was fun, loving, caring and a disciplinarian. He always gave his children guidance and support. He would always tell his children to do the best they can. As a father, he had provided and prepared his children well to face the real world. He passed away on 12 July 2002 and his legacy will continue.

Panneer Selvam Punandy

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:48:43 +0000

The late Panneer Selvam Punandy was born on 12 March 1961 in Teluk Anson to Punandy Subramaniam and Letchumy Karuppiah. Having schooled at the Sekolah Rendah St Mark Butterworth, he continued his education at the Sekolah Menengah Kampung Kastam Butterworth. He spent most of his youth with a book in his hand and his favourite game was rugby, which he used to play with his friends in the evenings and whenever possible. Panneer Selvam also devoted his time in social work, such as giving free tuition to younger pupils, and was also active in youth movements. He graduated with a LL.B degree from the University of London. Prior to this he worked with the Administration Division of the Department of Water Works for 9 years. Later, he worked as a lecturer and administrator at a language institution in Kepong. Upon his call to the Malaysian Bar on 12 April 1996, he joined Nordin Hamid & Co. in Klang as a legal assistant for approximately two years. In 1997, he went into partnership under the name of Hakem Arabi & P.P. Selvam in Kajang. The following year, he took over the firm of Kumari Palany P.P. Selvam & S. Mohan. In March 1999, he established his own firm of Panneer & Co. in Kuala Lumpur. He was an articulate lawyer in both litigation and conveyancing and had appeared in the Court of Appeal. He married Amutha Perumal and was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Monica Lakshmi Sri, four years old and Shereka Meenakshi Sri, two years old. He was a good family man who despite having a heavy workload, would always spend time with his family especially with his two adorable children. He was also a good friend which made him popular among those who knew him; a friend and a brother who was ever ready to offer his help and assistance to those who needed his guidance. One of his dreams was to open a branch in Kulim, Kedah. Unfortunately due to ill health, he was forced to take a long absence from the job he loved. He leaves behind his family and friends. We shall miss this good person, Panneer Selvam. His simplicity, his humility and his generosity will be missed by all. We pray that his soul rests in peace in knowing that we loved him dearly.

Mohd Akhir Bin Mohd Desa

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:51:42 +0000

Mohd Akhir bin Mohd Desa was born in Changloon, Kedah on 6 June 1945. He received his primary education in Ibrahim School, Sungai Petani, Kedah. After completing his primary education, he proceeded to the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Perak where he entered Form One and left seven years later with a Higher School Certificate after completing Sixth Form. While at the Malay College, he excelled in many sports, particularly in cricket where he represented the school in the inter-school games and Perak Malays in national cricket competitions. With the Higher School Certificate, he entered the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur where he was conferred Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Malay Studies. While in university, he represented the university and the Malaysian Malays in cricket. After leaving the university, he tried his hand at a few jobs. Immediately upon graduation, he worked as an assistant manager in the French plantation company SOCFIN: first in its rubber plantation in Kuala Selangor and then in its oil palm plantation in Slim River. It was during this time that he married his wife Puan Ungku Hanim Mohamad. She was to remain his lifelong partner. They were blessed with two children: Mohamad Ariff, born in 1978 and Arisha Hanim, born in 1984. Plantation life did not suit him. After leaving SOCFIN, he enrolled with the Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants and articled with the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse with a view to qualifying as a Certified Public Accountant. After 3 years, he found the law more attractive than accountancy and in 1974, proceeded with his wife to London to study for the English Bar at the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn. He was called to the English Bar in 1978 and returned to Malaysia the same year. He served his pupillage in the firm of Zain & Co. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 29 January 1980. After working for a while as a legal assistant in Kadir, Tan & Ramli, he left to start his own firm Mohd Akhir & Partners. As his experience as a lawyer grew, he became more active in the corporate world and sat on the board of many companies including public listed companies. Recognising this, the Kedah State Government invited him to sit on the Board of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah and many of its subsidiaries. Even the busy practice did not keep him from his love for sports, especially cricket where he represented the Royal Selangor Club and the Kuala Lumpur Bar. When his eyesight began to fail, he decided to give up cricket for a more sedate sport: golf. Being a natural sportsman he also excelled in golf. He represented, among others, the Kuala Lumpur Bar in golf in its annual games. In early 2001, at the prime of his life, he discovered he had cancer. After surgery to remove the cancer in April 2001, he endured many follow-up treatments but remained optimistic and cheerful. He fought the illness valiantly. He always had a very positive outlook on life. Sadly, he succumbed to his illness and was called to his Maker on the Ramadan evening of 13 December 2001. He is sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

A.M. Kandasamy

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:54:26 +0000

The late A.M. Kandasamy was born on 26 December 1933. He obtained his LL.B. degree from the Ealing College of Higher Education, Ealing. He read in the Chambers of Mr R Arunachalam and Mr S Krishnan and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 26 June 1992. The late A.M. Kandasamy practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of A.M. Kanda & Associates until his demise on 19 September 2001. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mohd Maydien bin Tapil Ahmad

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 01:57:51 +0000

The late Mohd Maydien was born on 16 February 1952. He was admitted as a Barrister at Gray's Inn in 1978. He read in the Chambers of Yang Mulia Raja Aziz Addruse and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 15 February 1979. The late Mohd Maydien started practice as a legal assistant in the firm of Zain & Co. He was with the firm for about a year before joining Encik Zainur Zakaria to form the partnership of Zainur & Maydien. When the said partnership dissolved in 1991, he set up his own firm under the name and style of Maydien & Associates where he practised as a sole proprietor until his demise on 12 August 2001. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Sharifah Aloyah Bte. Syed Mohd Alsagoff

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:00:51 +0000

It would be too easy to reduce a life's achievement by a simple recounting of what is stated in a person's curriculum vitae. And for the record, the firm of Sharifah & Associates was established in 1992 by Sharifah Aloyah Bte. Syed Mohd Alsagoff after leaving Zaid Ibrahim & Co. She gained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (1982-1985) and was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln's Inn in 1986. In April 2001, Sharifah passed away at the age of 38, due to complications arising out of a second coronary bypass surgery . All this is known and documented. But a life is so much more than the sum of one's CV and a collection of dates. How do we convey those qualities that are the essence of a person? Her career as a lawyer not only defined her professionally, but also brought out her best personal qualities. At times, her law firm may have resembled more of a clinic than a law practice, with the only missing element being the proverbial couch. She was part counselor, part psychologist, part disciplinarian, part mother, confessor and problem-solver to her clients who but for her counsel, may have found themselves with contractual problems (often the result of misguided commercial decisions). Of course, many of her friends were often her clients. But the reverse was also true. Her clients often became her friends. When she knew of her heart condition she lived life at a rather hurried pace - not out of a morbid sense of foreboding - but as if on being handed a shorter lease of life, she discovered the gift of life. For those who loved her, her presence in death will be as vital as her presence in life. Her legacy continues in the firm, which continues with the same staff that she trained and relied upon, and in her children, who will try to honour her life in remembrance of her spirit, which was always positive, even in the face of adversity. She leaves an indescribable gap in the lives of her husband, her three children and her friends. We shall her miss her warmth, her humour and most of all, her counsel.

To' Puan Noraini Kassim

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:32:17 +0000

I have known the late To' Puan Noraini Kassim from 1974 when we were both enrolled as law students in the University of Singapore. She graduated with a LL.B Honours in 1978 and thereafter chambered as a pupil in the chambers of Yang Mulia Raja Aziz Addruse, a distinguished Advocate and Solicitor. She was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1979 and continued working as a legal assistant in the firm of Rithauddin & Aziz till 1980. From 1981 to 1982 she practised as a legal assistant in the firm of Onn Hussein & Yee and thereafter took a very long maternity leave till 1990 to care for her daughter who was born in 1983. She returned to the practice of law in 1990 and joined the firm of Shahrom & Co. and then set up her own firm of N. Kassim & Co. in 1992. In 1994 she joined the firm of Anad & Noraini as a partner and continued with the firm until her demise at a very young age of 45. From my association with her, I found the late To' Puan Noraini Kassim to be a person of very high moral caliber and extremely courageous. She had such a lot of character, strength and was an excellent listener. While she pursued excellence in the tasks that she performed, it was never coupled with a desire for the acquisition of material things. She rejoiced in the simple things in life and was always looking for the deeper meaning to life itself. Even though she was afflicted with a dreadful disease much earlier on, she never allowed that to affect her dealings with her friends, colleagues, employees and clients. She led as much a normal life as she possibly could within the confines placed on her by the disease. Sometime during the course of her practice she decided that she should give back to society as much as she possibly could. In pursuit of this, she embarked on a course of counselling and qualified as a trained counselor. In the last couple of years of her life, she devoted lesser time to the practice of law and much more time in counselling cancer patients and their families and helping them cope with the additional stress brought on by this disease. It was only in the couple of months before her demise when she became unable to perform these duties that she gave them up. She was always there for people who needed her and tried to give as much of herself as she possible could. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Y.B. Dato' Salehuddin Hashim and her 19 year old daughter, Teja. She is much missed by her family and her friends and colleagues and will always be remembered with love.

Philip Adolphus a/l Cruz Philip Fernandez

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:35:42 +0000

The late Philip Adolphus was born on 30 July 1937 and was the eldest son in a family of five. After completing his education here in Malaysia, he went to India to the University of Madras and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. He returned to Malaysia and did a one-year course in University of Malaya and obtained a diploma in Education in 1966. Philip started his career as a teacher in the Methodist School SentuI in 1963 before joining Setapak High School in 1966. He was a very successful school football coach taking his team to numerous State Championships during a span of 22 years until his optional retirement in 1988. He went on to pursue his lifelong ambition to be a lawyer and obtained his LL.B degree in 1990 and his CLP in December 1993. He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 7 February 1995. He started his own firm under the name and style of Philip Adolphus & Co. in March 1995. On 1 August 1997, he went into a partnership under the name of Norhayati Philip & Associates, but the partnership was dissolved in June 1999. Nevertheless, he continued to practise as sole proprietor until his untimely demise on 22 November 2000. Philip was awarded the AMN in 1988 and was the Chairman of the Jalan Haji Hussein MIC Branch for almost 15 years. He was also a pioneer in private education and started the MIC law classes before founding Institute Philip, a private law college that has produced a good number of practising lawyers to date. Philip is survived by his wife, Madam Elizabeth Mary and son, George Gerald A Philip.

Hoh Pau Yu

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:39:55 +0000

Beloved Wife of Dennis Lee Thian Poh Loving Mother to Kyra Lee ShanYi & Sasha Lee PauYu Affectionately known by all as "PY", she would light up a room when she walked in. Third born in a family of five, graduating from the University of London in 1984 with a Second Class Upper degree and a convocation prize-winning scholar, she reflected the leadership traits of a first born throughout her legal career. No one argued about her brains, everyone acknowledged she had lots, but PY was never selfish in sharing her many talents. She had an uncanny ability to befriend all, and in her time reading in the chambers of Tommy Thomas at Skrine, she would be the one to make newcomers to the world of legal practice feel welcome, a kind of "big sister". Not surprisingly, she had a flourishing reputation amongst clients and potential clients when she set up her own legal practice, and impressed many particularly with her skills in the specialised area of construction dispute arbitration. Her friends had a deep appreciation of her ability to be a good friend, and when she married Dennis Lee in 1998, everyone concurred that there could be no more perfect a pair. PY's boundless energy was something admired, and her reputation as a hardworker did not wane after marriage. With the birth of their first born, Kyra Lee ShanYi, one could detect the same kind of perfection in her caring and bringing up of Kyra as in every other aspect of PY's life. She brought her legal practice home, maintained a perfect balance between motherhood and legal practice, and raised a secure and happy child. She was always ahead of us, dear PY, but in the one respect where we did not wish her to be ahead, we had no choice. Everything about her was about living life to its fullest, and though we wish not, she left, having brought in a new life, her beautiful baby, Sasha Lee PauYu, but leaving her family and all her friends missing her. Janet Looi Lai Heng Pau Yu read in the chambers of Tommy Thomas and from very early on, gained exposure to complex principles of corporate and commercial law. She was of great assistance to Tommy and John Chadwick QC in the case of Lian Keow S/B (in liquidation) & Anor v Overseas Credit Finance (M) S/B & Ors (1988) 2 MLJ 450 getting her name into law reports on a Supreme Court appeal at a very early stage of her career. After a year or so dealing with corporate and commercial matters, she ventured into the troubled areas of building and civil engineering dispute resolution, working with me in the construction unit of Skrine, which was then in its infancy. She provided her mettle very quickly, getting involved in two major arbitrations as soon as she joined the unit. One of these was a matter involving French clients against a local power supply company before a foreign arbitrator. Her ability to work long hours, including Cinderella stretches, on a trot and at the same time keeping her cheerful disposition was remarkable both to her colleagues as well as her clients. Indeed, Pau Yu's cheerful disposition is a constant memory. She was always smiling whatever the pressure, whatever the stresses. Her sense of humour manifested itself on various occasions, including one, when she and I were tramping around a hilly and cleared construction site where work had been abandoned and loose debris was abundant. She speculated on her new high heeled shoes being damaged during the traipse as being part of the loss and expense claim to be made against the defaulting party. It was of some regret to me when Pau Yu left Skrine for Singapore but she carried with her the best wishes from all who had had occasion to know her at Skrine for her eventual successful career which saw her forming the firm of P.Y. Hoh and Tai. The news of her passing was shattering. Vinayak Pradhan I met Hoh Pau Yu around January 1986 at a netball court. She was a pupil with Skrine & Co., and had dutifully come for her first practice. To our surprise, she not only made the team that played against the Singapore Bar & Bench team that year, but came back year after year to play for the Malaysian Bar & Bench team. She was invaluable to the team. She came for all practices, often earlier than others, and stayed even after sundown, practising her shooting, realising the crucial role she played as a Goal Shooter. She knew the team depended on her accurately putting into the net, every ball passed to her. She won most, if not all the games she played in, and many with wide margins. She also excelled in golf and emerged as the Nett Champion in the K.L. Bar Golf Closed Competition in 1994. I knew Pau Yu also outside of netball. She was always, as she was at netball, supportive of her friends, focused, and completely unselfish. I would say that the Bar has lost an outstanding member with Pau Yu's untimely demise. But I am confident that her record and reputation will survive her, and that all of those who have had contact with Pau Yu - whether it be playing or working or just being with her, will remember her quiet strength, her consideration for others, and her generosity of self. Letitia Gaw Cheng Yien Pau Yu was a well-known legal personality in the construction industry. More importantly, well respected for her skills and her integrity. The industry mourns the loss of her contribution. Pau Yu is best remembered as a vivacious lawyer in an industry steeped in mud and dominated by men. I think that most who knew and worked with her will agree that she was a breath of fresh air. But sadly for all, despite her skills and personality she was not to be with us long enough. Her departure was as much a shock for her family as for her colleagues. Tan Swee Im Pau Yu was more than just a partner to me, she was foremost a friend. Never during the tenure of our partnership of eight years was there any mistrust between us and we conducted ourselves with mutual respect. She was a dedicated worker, always giving her 100% in any endeavour that she embarked on and was much admired and well liked by clients and friends alike. Being a true professional and never compromising on her principles of justice and fair play, she upheld her integrity and sense of morality fiercely and independently. However she never lacked patience in listening to what others had to say and would accommodate another, albeit always never compromising on her principles. It is her sense of dedication, her honesty, her sense of fairness and most of all, her kindness that I will cherish always. I miss my partner and my dear friend dearly. Tai Lai Choy

Peter Yeoh Keat Choon

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:43:05 +0000

Peter Yeoh Keat Choon was born on 27 June 1942 in Kuala Lumpur and was one of seven brothers. Having obtained his primary and secondary education at St. John's Institution Kuala Lumpur, he went on to study law at the University of Singapore and after graduation, he chambered at Skrine & Co. (as it was then known). He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 22 December 1965. Thereafter he joined his brother Ronald Yeo at the law firm of Yeo & Yeo and at the time of his demise on 20 October 2000, he was the senior partner of the said firm. Peter had an unorthodox way of looking at things and when so roused would draft colourful letters and affidavits. His incisive mind and ability to dissect a problem and turn it inside out is, until today, sorely missed. His legal acumen won him and his practice, clients ranging from the man in the street to large corporations and foreign governments Whilst he could be demanding as a boss, he was never tyrannical and he inspired loyalty among his employees, some of whom are still with the firm after 20 years. He was unstinting in his guidance to all those who sought it. His ability to remain calm and confident at the most stressful of periods can best be illustrated by his taking a 30 minute nap at the office in between appearances in Federal Court while his clients paced up and down the office wearing a hole in the carpet. He is fondly remembered for his jovial and expansive personality. Friends from near and far remember his happy smiling face and the constant jokes and stories pouring forth from him. He had the innate ability to talk to anyone, from the char kway teow seller to the highest-ranking official. He loved and genuinely enjoyed making friends, with whom he would share his love of food, which encompassed the local coffee shop, the 5-star restaurant and his own accomplished creations. A widely-travelled person, he always had an armoury of amusing tales and anecdotes from his travels followed by his infectious laughter. Married to Madam Low Siew Geok, he was the proud father of four daughters, Fiona who followed him into practice, Sonia an embryologist, Louisa who is currently pursuing a doctorate in bio-technology and Petrina who has just graduated in bio-chemistry. He was a loving and giving husband and father. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.

Balakrishnan a/l Shanmugam

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:49:52 +0000

Krish or Bala to those who knew him personally was born 18 April 1970 to Mr Shanmugam and Madam Saroja. Krish went through his primary education at Sekolah Rendah Jalan Kuantan and subsequently completed his secondary education at Setapak High School. He pursued a career in law and obtained a Second Class Honours degree from the University of London in 1993 and thereafter passed the CLP with a Second Class Honours. Krish commenced pupillage in the chambers of Rajadevan & Associates between 1997 and 1998 under the guidance of his master, Mr V Rajadevan. He was a hardworking and dedicated pupil and shouldered responsibilities well beyond his years. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 23 October 1998. Krish started practice as a legal assistant at Ganesan K & Rakan Rakan until 1999. He then moved on to T K Ooi Loo & Partners on 1 September 1999 and remained in the said firm until 10 April 2000 when he was forced to stop due to medical reasons. Krish loved outdoor activities like camping, travelling and enjoyed volleyball. He had a ready wit and a keen sense of humor and was popular with one and all. Krish passed away on 9 October 2000. He is survived by his parents, siblings and a very dear friend, Sathia Stella. We all miss him very dearly.

Shukanta Choudhury

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:53:09 +0000

Shukanta Choudhury was born on 31 January 1951. He was admitted to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple on 26 July 1983 and called to the "Degree of the Utter Bar" on 27 November 1984. Shukantha was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 4 January 1986 and spent most of his time with G Dorai & Co. as a legal assistant. Shukanta embraced his work with candour and without fear. His determination to strive for excellency and perfection in his work was highly commendable. It was therefore not surprising to discover that Shukanta's friends could be counted from all walks of life and from all sides of the political, social and legal spectrum. He was fluent in many languages, which was an added advantage. Amongst his friends, he was renowned for his witty remarks and charitable disposition. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to whosoever needed it and to this, ex-colleagues and friends are his living testimonies. Although Shukanta was carrying an unforgiving workload in his practice, he still managed to appear for the Anand Centre of Fine Arts, Singapore and had been awarded the Certificate by the Pracheen Kala Kendra for his melodious recital on 'Sitar', his favorite instrument. His enthusiasm for music led him to volunteer and teach music at the Malaysian Blind Students Association and the Pure Life Society. He passed away on 21 September 2000, due to a heart attack. He leaves behind his beloved wife and two children. Although he is not around us, the memories of Shukanta stay on with us.

Time marches on but never stays, but memory stays, touring silently the rest of our days.

Joseph Loo Shin Mun

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:56:19 +0000

Joseph Loo Shin Mun obtained his Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the University of Singapore in 1971, upon completion of his secondary education at St. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur. Subsequent to his graduation, he attended a course in Comparative Contract Laws of the Continental United States as in the Uniform Commercial Code (State Of Massachusetts) at the International and Comparative Law Centre, Texas, USA. Upon his return, he served his pupillage at Skrine & Co., Kuala Lumpur, prior to his admission as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 2 August 1972. In 1981, he submitted a text on the 'Crescent Powers in the Islamic League' in fulfillment of his Master of Laws Programme with the University of California-Berkeley. Since his admission in August 1972, Shin Mun had practised as an Advocate & Solicitor with Jackson & Masacorale, Johor Bahru (1972-1976), Shearn Delamore & Co. (1978-1980) and Tunku Zuhri Manan & Abdullah, Kuala Lumpur (1982-1985) until he started his own law firm, Shinmun & Associates. He had also served as a tutor with the University of Singapore (1972-1975), as a lecturer with the Mara Institute of Technology (1976) and as a tutor with the University of Malaya (1980-1982). In the course of his practice, he had appeared as counsel in the High Courts and Appellate Courts. Born on 22 May 1947, Shin Mun passed away on 10 August 2000 due to a heart attack. He leaves behind three brothers and two sisters. Shin Mun is dearly missed by his family and friends.

Zainal Abidin bin Mohamed Wazir

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 02:58:39 +0000

The late Zainal Abidin bin Mohamed Wazir was born on 23 October 1934. He was admitted as a Barrister at Middle Temple on 26 November 1974 and as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 25 October 1984. He served the Government and the Judicial & Legal Service from 25 October 1984 to 22 October 1989. After his retirement in 1989, he practised as a legal assistant in the law firm of Nordin Torji & Yussof Ahmad. On 1 September 1991, he joined the law firm of Goonting & Low Eng Leong as a partner and the firm name was changed to Zainal Goonting & Low. He retired from practice on 6 May 1993 when he was appointed as Chairman of the Industrial Court which position he held until 8 May 1999. He then resumed practice rejoining Nordin Torji & Yussof Ahmad where he practised as a legal assistant until his demise on 13 July 2000. The late Zainal Abidin is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Subramaniam Komban

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:01:44 +0000

My husband the late Subramaniam Komban was born on 24 May 1949, the eldest son of Mr Komban and Madam Packiam who were estate labourers. He had five brothers and two sisters. He was a man who demonstrated great determination, initiative and untiring patience in realising his goals and overcoming various hurdles, both in his family life and at the workfront. Those who knew him well remember him for his individuality and supreme ability to organise and lead those in his care and responsibility and he eventually became a brave gladiator wearing the mantle of a principled and well respected Chairman of a political party in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, his hometown. He was also an active sportsman. With grit and determination, Subramaniam worked his way up from being an office boy to a Court interpreter. He worked hard at his studies and exams, and at the same time carried out his daily duties diligently as an interpreter, loving husband and father. In 1981, he was transferred to the High Court in Kuala Lumpur. We were married in 1981 and are blessed with four beautiful children, two boys and two girls, Prem Kumar, Geetha, Himayajothi dan Dinesh Kumar. In 1985, he took up law and after years of hard work and sacrifice, he obtained his law degree from the University of London (External). He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya by his former boss of 10 years, the High Court Judge Dato' K.C. Vohrah (as he then was), and Dato' Dr. Cyrus V. Das moved his Call. He opted for early retirement and joined Kam Woon Wah & Associates. On 3 April 1997, he set up his own practice under the name and style of Subra and Associates. Despite the knowledge that his health was failing, he remained strong and carried on life as if all was well. On 9 May 2000, he left the world. We will always remember him as being a tower of strength and love. He instilled deep religious awareness in his children. His departure to the abode of God has left a void in our lives. This void can only be filled by memories and cherishing the wonderful moments we had with him. We are grateful to God for having given us Subramaniam, who was a wonderful son, husband, father and friend. We all really miss him so much.

Tan Kok Guan

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:07:01 +0000

The late Tan Kok Guan was born on 12 November 1955. He graduated from the University of London (External) in 1983 and obtained his CLP in 1984. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 15 February 1986. The late Tan Kok Guan practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of Tee Tan & Partners until his demise on 29 January 2000. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Chrysanthus Romauld Lopez

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:10:47 +0000

Chrysanthus Romauld Lopez, popularly known as Chris Lopez, was the voice over Radio Malaysia's Blue Network, as listeners tuned in to hear the English news on radio in the 1960s. He was a knowledgeable conversationalist and a voracious reader on the subjects of politics, psychology and literature, which most likely fuelled his interest to study law in the late 70s. In the years that followed, with much determination, he attended night classes to pursue a law degree while working full time at RTM to support his family of a wife and two children. In 1985, he graduated with an LL.B (Hons) degree from the University of London. He went on to complete his CLP at University Malaya and was called to the Bar on 22 March 1986. Thereafter, on 1 April 1986 he was appointed as a magistrate with the Kuala Lumpur Sessions & Magistrates Court. Later he also served as a magistrate in Kuala Kubu Baru and Shah Alam. On I February 1992, he was transferred to the High Court (Civil Division) of Kuala Lumpur as a Senior Assistant Registrar where he remained until his retirement. During his tenure on the bench, he dispensed justice without fear or favour and with unwavering adherence to the law and the constitution. He judged with efficient firmness and integrity, yet with great compassion for the innocent and afflicted who came before him. His bold professional style earned him the respect and admiration of members of the Judiciary, the Bar, the Police force and the public. Upon his retirement on 25 October 1994, he entered into private practice and joined a partnership. In 1996, he started his own law firm of C.R. Lopez & Associates. As a lawyer, he took great pride and commitment in his work. An observer once remarked that he tackled the most difficult cases with the skill of a "carver's knife to a python". As he enjoyed the success of his firm, he also gave generously to two charities namely the Montfort Boys Home and Hospice Malaysia. By nature, he had a strong, charismatic personality and possessed a joyful zest for life. He was also a warm, generous and tender-hearted man who believed and lived the principle that everyone should be given a second chance. He was committed to helping educate the common man about his legal rights and was invited to speak on small claims procedures at conferences organised by the Consumers Association. Being a skilled writer, he contributed articles and opinions on like matters for the press, the Law Faculty of the University of Malaya and local journals. On 19 November 1999, having reached the prime of his life well lived, he passed away peacefully at the age of 60, leaving behind many to mourn the great loss of a good man.

T. Selvendranathan

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:19:39 +0000

The late T. Selvendranathan was born on 14 May 1931. He was admitted as a Barrister at Middle Temple in 1957 and as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 31 July 1958. The late T. Selvendranathan was a consultant to Yong Chee Kong & Co. at the time of his demise. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Lim Shee Ping

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:22:32 +0000

The late Lim Shee Ping was born on 13 April 1931. He was admitted as a Barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1970. He served his pupillage in the firm of Chye Chow Chung & Co. and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 15 January 1983. The late Lim Shee Ping practised law in Kuala Lumpur in his own firm of S.P. Lim & Co. until his demise on 7 September 1999. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Laurence Teoh Guan Hock

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:26:49 +0000

The late Laurence Teoh Guan Hock was born on 24 May 1945. A graduate of the then University of Singapore, he was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 2 August 1972. He started at Athi Nahappan & Co. as a legal assistant before moving on to Najmuddin Teoh & Co. from 1973 to 1977. He left practice in 1977 to try out what he thought was the greener side of the pasture. He joined Electrolux Malaysian Sdn. Bhd. as a Manager and subsequently was Legal Advisor cum Company Secretary of Diethelm Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. However, the attraction of our honourable profession pulled him back into private practice. He joined Huang & Hew in July 1981, then Zulkifli & Co. until November 1981 and C.H. Liew & Co. from December 1981 to December 1982. He was a partner of Nordin Torji & Yussof Ahmad from January 1983 until March 1989. When he became a partner of Sidek Zubir Sulaiman Nadzir & Partners in April 1989, the late Laurence's foresight saw the restructuring of that firm as Sidek Teoh Wong & Dennis with effect 1 August 1989. The strong foundation laid by the founding partners, led by the late Laurence as the Managing Partner, has seen Sidek Teoh Wong & Dennis rise to its current status to-date. I am one of the fortunate people whose live has been blessed by knowing the late Laurence. He was in fact one of two people instrumental in my joining Sidek Teoh Wong & Dennis as a partner in January 1996. It was then that I came to know the late Laurence better. The late Laurence was not only someone who was easy to get along with but also someone that you will find difficult to get angry with. His simple pragmatic approach to life saw many issues debated at our partners' meetings being resolved effectively. His affable personality and "sunshine" smile was always refreshing and a welcome reprieve from the daily stress in the office. One cannot help but develop a genuine and special affection for the late Laurence. Such was his charisma, charm and uniqueness. His popularity and commitment to our Bar and members' interest were evident when he was co-opted as a Committee member of the then Selangor & Federal Territory Bar Committee in 1989-1990 and an elected member of the Committee in 1990-1992. During that tenure, he served as Honorary Secretary of the Committee in 1991-1992. On the social front, the late Laurence's circle of friends ranged from ambassadors to the ordinary man on the street. There was no doubt he loved fine dining and wines with his appointment as the President, International Wine and Food Society. I recall the many partners' lunches with him when he will give us a lesson or two on wines, the late Laurence's passion. In fact, his office was to us, "the Wine Cellar", as it was always well stocked with the latest and best wines from all parts of the world. The late Laurence was also a family man. There was never any doubt of his love and devotion to his spouse, Julia, and his two children, Jonathan and Victoria. He constantly spoke of giving them the best. When news of his sudden demise came to us on 13 August 1999, we were in total shock. To lose a good friend and a dedicated member of the Bar, is never any easy thing to accept. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his widow and children who have lost a loving husband and a devoted father. We will always cherish the late Laurence's memory and remember him fondly.

Charles William Kraal

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:30:24 +0000

Charles William Kraal, a senior member of the Bar, passed away on 1 May 1999. A member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, Charles was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 16 November 1979. He chambered in the firm of Skrine & Co. where he was retained as a legal assistant. On 1 May 1983, he co-founded the firm of Paul Chong & Kraal where he was practising at the time of his demise. Charles was a leading practitioner in the field of Hire Purchase Law, and had conducted numerous seminars and spoken extensively on this area of the law. He will be fondly remembered for his extremely jovial and gregarious personality. Charles leaves behind his wife Harbans and two children, Nigel and Ann.

Koh Chwee Hoe

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:32:35 +0000

Koh Chwee Hoe, or Charles Koh as he was more popularly known at the Bar, was born in Petaling Jaya on 5 September 1955. He had his early education in St John's Institution, before proceeding to qualify as a Barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1978. He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on 28 September 1979. Charles practised in various law firms in Kuala Lumpur including Skrine & Co. and Mah-Kok & Din. He also practised briefly in Brunei as well as in the Republic of Singapore. Charles was an extremely well liked member of the Bar. He was a hardworking and honest professional, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He passed away in Singapore on 10 March 1999 after a short illness, leaving behind his mother, two brothers and a sister to mourn their loss. His many friends within the Bar will also miss him a lot.

Chan Eu Gene

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:35:10 +0000

Chan Eu Gene was born on 1 December 1973 and was called to the Malaysian Baron 16 October 1997. Eu Gene read law at the University of Glanmorgan, Wales and successfully completed his Bar at the Middle Temple. He chambered with Iza Ng Yeoh & Kit and was thereafter retained as a legal assistant. Eu Gene was a highly versatile practitioner, practising as both a conveyancer and litigator during his brief time in the legal profession. Be it in the field of conveyancing or that of litigation, Eu Gene embraced his work with candour and without fear, and was always determined to strive for excellency and perfection. Eu Gene was a "free-spirit" which manifested in his passion for sports and games, especially in surfing. Amongst his friends he was renowned for his charitable disposition. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to whosoever needed it and to this his ex-colleagues and friends are his living testimonies. The sudden and untimely departure of Eu Gene on 31 January 1999 has left his family and those whose lives he had touched, whether in passing or as a result of his becoming a part of their lives, with an emptiness that cannot be replaced. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and his friends who are deeply grieved by his departure. Though he may no longer be with us physically, he lives forever in our hearts and in the memories that we have of him.

Goh Tin Poh

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:36:36 +0000

The late Goh Tin Poh was born on 3 March 1955. He graduated from the University of London (External) in 1983 and obtained his CLP in 1985. He read in the Chambers of Dato' Bobby Ong of Abdul Aziz Ong & Co. and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 9 August 1986. The late Goh Tin Poh practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of Onn & Partners until his demise on 12 October 1998. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Murugappan Manickam

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:39:11 +0000

The late Murugappan Manickam (referred to as "Muru") who was born in the small town of Sungai Petani, Redan, was a well-respected man within his community and network of friends. Having started an early career as an accountant after graduating from the Perth Technical College, Australia in 1960, he joined the Income Tax Department in Alor Setar for a short period. Within a year, he left to become a lecturer at the then Mara Institute of Technology in Petaling Jaya. It was here he met his wife, Devi, who hails from Klang. They have three children; two boys, Palani and Selvam, and a girl, Revathy. Never satisfied in the pursuit of knowledge, Muru enrolled himself in the external LL.B program and was the only foreign student who passed the final exams in a single attempt back in the late 60s. Upon completing this program, he joined Bank Negara in 1969, fast climbing the corporate ladder and moving from Bank Negara to United Asian Bank as the Deputy General Manager, but not before a short stint at the National Land Finance Corporative Society ("NLFCS"). Muru was also very much an achiever in other spheres. A member of the Rotary Club since the early 70s, he formed the Rotary Club of Damansara on 30 December 1980. Having served as President of the club for two terms, he set the tenor and nurtured the club as one noted for its fellowship and fun loving members. Muru was also a voracious reader, prolific writer, and a warehouse of wit and wisdom. He served as the Damansara Bulletin Editor for the Rotary Club of Damansara, which won several honours and citations for the club. His caricatures, cartoons and aphorisms under the pseudonym "Damansara Philosopher" won several accolades from many District Governors and culminated in the publication of the booklet "Jest Rotary". Muru was also very much involved in social work. A member of the Persatuan Pure Life since November 1978, he held the position of Honorary Secretary to the Management Committee from 1979 to 1982. As Mother Mangalam said, "Though a man of much practical wisdom and firm convictions, he moved amongst us with humility". Besides the above, Muru was also involved with the Klang Lodge, in which he was initiated in 1977. He took an active part in Lodge affairs for a number of years until he made a complete switch in careers from banking to the law. He went on to practise law privately, taking over an established firm. Muru was also a speaker on radio for the Tamil legal program "The Law and us". Muru will always be missed by his family and those close to him.

Dulip Singh

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:42:05 +0000

Mr Dulip Singh who was born on 17 March 1937. He believed as well as practised a way of life which to many of us may seem quite eccentric but yet was full of inspiration. His early childhood was spent in Seremban, his place of birth where he strove with determination to break away from the chains of poverty. He completed his education up to the Sixth Form while working part time before landing a job as a Court Interpreter. He was later posted to the Muar Magistrate’s Court as a full time Court Interpreter. It was while working in the Magistrate’s Court as an Interpreter that Mr Dulip Singh found himself drawn to the study of law. It was under the guidance of Mr Sachinathan, a former Industrial Court President, that Mr Dulip Singh succeeded in completing the first part of his Barristership. However, he had to apply for a government scholarship as he was not well to do and studied part time in the evenings. He was finally awarded a government scholarship in 1966. He made his family proud when he was called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London. His determination to become part of this noble profession was not one driven by monetary purposes, it was to help his family, friends and the many who since then crossed his path. His talents and personality were recognised when he was appointed a Magistrate upon his return home to Malaysia. After a brief period of service, my noble friend decided that he could only best fulfill his true ambition of helping those in need by going into private practice. He was an active practitioner until his untimely death on 3 May 1998. Looking back at his work as a Barrister, I am filled with joy and pride to say the least. Mr Dulip Singh had inspired many friends and relatives to pursue this noble and excellent profession. It was such dedication to the profession that led him to be elected as Chairman of the Selangor Bar Committee. Mr Dulip Singh was respected by many of the senior Judges, Court staff, and his peers. I use the words of Mr Bern William's to describe Mr Dulip Singh's friendship. I quote, “A friend is a lot of things, but a critic he isn't”. He thus had many friends from all walks of life and being one to never turn one away with an empty hand left him with an abundance of admirers who dearly miss him until this day. This best describes his friendships which won him a great deal of respect, love and honour throughout his 27 odd years as a lawyer.

Dato' Ronald Khoo Teng Swee

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:01:21 +0000

We are gathered here on a sad occasion to pay tribute to the memory of an illustrious son of the Malaysian Bar. On the evening of 25 March, Ronald Khoo Teng Swee breathed his last at the relative early age of 59. But death was painless, and came swiftly to take him away after he suffered heart failure the day before. Dato' Ronald Khoo Teng Swee, popularly known as Ronnie, was a very senior member of the Malaysian Bar having been an advocate and solicitor for 35 years. At the time of his death, he was the Senior Partner of Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co at Kuala Lumpur. He was born in England on 22 September, 1938. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Edward Khoo Boo Pee and Mrs Margery Khoo. His father was himself an Advocate & Solicitor and a Barrister of the Middle Temple, London. After completing his secondary education in Kuala Lumpur, Ronnie left for England in April 1958 to read for the Bar. He was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn on 21 November, 1961. He returned to Kuala Lumpur in 1962 and did his pupillage under Mr Robert Rintoul of Shearn Delamore & Co in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban. He was called to the Malaysian Bar on 27 August 1963. From the beginning, he took an active part in the activities of the Bar Council inspite of developing a busy practice. He held various positions in the Bar from 1965 - 1986. He was Secretary of the Council from 1965 - 1966. He was Chairman of the Selangor Bar Committee from 1975 - 1977. He was Vice Chairman of the Bar Council from 1983 - 1984 culminating in his election as Chairman of the Bar Council and President of the Malaysian Bar for the term 1984-86. In recognition of his seniority and ability he was appointed by the then Lord President as one of the Judicial Commissioners on circuit from 1981 - 1983 sitting in the High Courts in Kuantan, Malacca, Seremban and Penang. He was a man of varied interests, and law was not his only pursuit. The other interest close to his heart was horse racing. He was a member of the Committee of the Selangor Turf Club since 1980 and was appointed its Chairman in 1987. He served in that capacity until his demise. Indeed it was at the Club that he last took ill whilst discharging his duty as the President of the Club. In his younger days I am told he was an all-round sportsman. He represented the State of Selangor in soccer and athletics. He was the patron of the Malaysian Veteran Athletics Society. Being a keen sportsman he was one of the lawyers instrumental in inaugurating in 1969 the Singapore-Malaysia Bench and Bar Games that has today in his lifetime seen its restoration to its former status after a lapse of 10 years. On the business front, he was actively involved in the corporate sector. He sat on the Board of many public listed and non-listed companies which included Kuala Lumpur City Centre Bhd, Dataprep Holdings Bhd, Tarmac Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Triumph Malaysia Sdn Bhd. In recognition of his public service he was conferred the Johan Mangku Negara (JMN) by His Royal Highness the Yang DiPertuan Agong in 1985. He was conferred the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) by his Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak in 1991 and in 1996 he was awarded the Dato' Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS) by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor. At the Bar he was known for his immense personal charm and friendliness. There was a spirit of gaiety about him that infected all those around him. He carried this charm in his advocacy that was noted for its gentleness and polish. He was not given to the legal grindstone, but his advocacy was always full and persuasive. He was very much a Judge's lawyer. I have seen him often in the appellate courts in the seventies and eighties, and never once on those occasions did he provoke the ire of the judges. They were almost always apologetic when they could not agree with him. In his charm and advocacy there is much to compare between him and the great English barrister, F.E. Smith. They were both dashing, great advocates, but died before reaching 60 years of age. Theirs was a career which like a meteor in the night sky was brief but bright. Churchill said of F.E. Smith at the latter's death:

Some men when they die after busy, toilsome, successful lives leave a great stock of scrip and securities, of acres or factories or the goodwill of large undertakings. F.E. banked his treasure in the heart of his friends, and there they will cherish his memory till their time is come.

These words could apply just as aptly to Ronnie, who leaves behind a great body of friends and an even greater fund of goodwill. It was Rabindranath Tagore who said:

Death is not extinguishing the light, it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.

And so it is as Ronnie leaves us that he re-opens for the Bar a past tradition that had been extinct for many years now. I refer to the practice of references itself. It is almost 10 years since the last reference was held in our Courts, and with it ended one of the cherished traditions that set the legal profession apart from the other professions. The practice of references for deceased Judges and lawyers served to remind us that we belong to one body with one objective, namely, the pursuit of justice through the legal process. In that collective effort, governed by the unwritten rules of etiquette and tradition which are just as important as the written ones, the death of one of us diminishes the whole, and so we gather to mourn the loss, to pay tribute and remind ourselves that the journey must be made and the faith must be kept. The reference this morning is called "a special reference". It is the earnest hope of the Bar Council that this practice may be fully restored in the months to come and that we may recover for ourselves all the traditions that once governed our honourable profession. I would like to especially thank the Honourable Attorney-General Tan Sri Dato' Mohtar Abdullah for his initiative and support for the holding of this Reference, and the Honourable Chief Justice YAA Tun Eusoff Chin for agreeing to the proposal. In conclusion, I would like to say that the Malaysian Bar and in particular those of us who knew the late Dato' Ronald Khoo well will miss a dear friend and great lawyer who had led and served the Bar well. On behalf of the members of the Malaysian Bar and the Bar Council and the F.T. Bar Committee, I extend to his mother, Mrs Margery Khoo, his widow Datin Shirley Therese Khoo and his two sons Edward and Leonard our heartfelt condolences. A devout Christian, Ronnie and his dear family would know that death is not without hope. And so in bidding farewell, we may echo the haunting words of Tennyson in "Crossing the Bar":

Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me, And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place, The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face, When I have crost the bar.

Speech delivered by Dato' Dr Cyrus Das, President of the Malaysian Bar at the Reference held on 25 April 1998 in memory of the late Dato' Ronald Khoo

Tong Teck Yong

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:04:37 +0000

The late Tong Teck Yong was an active member of the Bar until his sudden demise on 16 November 1997. The late Tong Teck Yong hailed from Malacca and was the eldest child in his family of six siblings. He had his primary and secondary education in Pay Fong High School Malacca, a Chinese medium school and graduated from Senior Middle Three in 1963. Upon passing his Senior Cambridge Examination by correspondence course in 1965, he joined the Royal Malaysian Police Force as an inspector. He served the Force with distinction and was the recipient of a number of letters of commendation and appreciation from the Director of Special Branch and the Inspector General of Police for his excellence service. It was whilst in the Police Force that he developed a passion for law and left for England in 1975 to pursue his law degree. During this time both he and his wife worked in order to finance his education. Upon becoming a Barrister-at-Law of Lincoln's Inn in 1979, he returned to Malaysia and resumed his service in the Force as a prosecuting officer. After two years as a prosecuting officer, the late Tong Teck Yong set up his own practice specialising in both criminal and civil litigation. Despite his busy schedule as a practising lawyer, he found time to serve the community actively as a legal advisor to several Chinese associations. He was appointed an arbitrator of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arbitration Tribunal. He was also actively involved in the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia. The late Tong Teck Yong leaves behind his wife, Kemmy, a lecturer at a local university and two children - a daughter, Huei Jinn who is at present pursuing a course in Dentistry at the University of Singapore and a son, Shuei Hua, who is currently pursuing his A-level examinations in a local college.

Vadiveloo a/l Anumanthan

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:06:23 +0000

The late Vadiveloo Anumanthan was born on 6 October 1947. He obtained his LL.B degree from the University of Malaya in 1983. He read in the Chambers of Mr S. Kulasegaran of Ranjit Thomas & Kula and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 10 March 1984. The late Vadiveloo practised in his own law firm of Veloo & Co. until his demise on 2 November 1997. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

V K Moorthy

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:20:33 +0000

V.K. Moorthy was born on 13 June 1929 in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. He was the oldest of five children to his father Velupillai and his mother Chinnamah. Obtaining a place to read Economics at Leeds University, he set sail for England in 1956. He was a brilliant student and a gifted, witty orator, representing his university at Inter-Varsity debates. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Economics in July 1959, specialising in Money and Banking. He sailed home to take up a position as a bank officer in United Commercial Bank Ltd in Singapore. Following his marriage, he returned to England to read law at Lincoln's Inn. He was called to the English Bar in 1965. During this period he attended the Dale Carnegie courses and won 1st prize in Public Speaking. He returned to Malaysia and upon completion of his Articleship he was duly admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1966. He worked first for the UMBC Bank and subsequently for Esso Malaysia Bhd from Oct 1966 as their first Legal Advisor. He was elected a Fellow of the London Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in 1972 (F.C.I.S.). In January 1978, he moved to Melbourne, Australia with his family. He taught law at Monash University for four years and enrolled for the Masters in Law (LL.M) part time at Monash. Having long enjoyed the best of health, being a keen squash player and swimmer, he unexpectedly suffered a mild heart attack in 1980 and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. He returned to Malaysia in 1982 with his wife and son to enter private practice in Kuala Lumpur, setting up his own firm of V.K. Moorthy & Co. His professional life entered its zenith as he thrived in independent private practice. He loved his work, loved the law. A born academic, he never hesitated to teach his junior colleagues the in and outs of the practice of law, giving legal advice and opinions for free. He was popular with his clients for his prompt, punctual and thorough handling of work, often rendering service without counting the cost. In May 1996, he suffered an infection of a heart valve, this caused a strain on the heart which resulted in a massive heart attack on 27 October 1996. He then slipped into heart-failure and gradually became weaker. This was heart-breaking to see as he had so much that he still wanted to do, so many travel plans with his beloved brothers, all the things he had been putting off until retirement. Before he could suffer anymore, God mercifully took him away to a place where there is no more suffering or fear, only joyful reunion with departed loved ones. He has shed his flawed cumbersome body and become free. We who love him await the time we can meet again.

Chinniah Ahnantakrishnan

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:24:10 +0000

Chinniah Ahnantakrishnan known as Ananda was born on 8 January 1934 in Ipoh, Perak. In 1947 when his late father had retired from the Malayan Railway Administration, his father took the family to Sri Lanka where Ananda completed his School Certificate. Ananda returned to Malaya in 1956 where he secured a position as a clerk with the Central Electricity Board. Later, he was appointed as an Administrator in Singapore, with the Malayan Railway (now known as Keretapi Tanah Melayu). While in service, Ananda had a burning desire to pursue his academic ambition to become a lawyer. Ananda married Sarathamani Kandasamy, a teacher on 25 August 1963. They were blessed with two daughters and two sons. Finally, at the age of 42, Ananda took the challenge and left for the United Kingdom to read law whilst being on leave of absence from his employer, Keretapi Tanah Melayu. On 25 November 1980, Ananda fulfilled his ambition and was called to the Degree of the Utter Bar by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, United Kingdom. Ananda returned to his former position as a clerk to complete his services with KTM. Whilst still working as a government servant, he chambered at Skrine & Co. and was later admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 23 June 1982. Having taken optional retirement from KTM at the end of 1983, Ananda started to practise law with Skrine & Co. Later he joined Rajasooria and Sons to gain experience as an Advocate and Solicitor in a small firm. On 1 April 1985, Ananda established his legal firm Ananda & Co. in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur where he continued to work as an Advocate and Solicitor till the very end. Ananda had always been concerned about his community and his culture. He had been an active member of the Ceylonese Provident Fund (CPF), the Jaffnese Co-operative Society (JCS), and the Jaffnese Co-operative Housing Society (JCHS), and was the President of the CPF from December 1991 up to the time of his death. In addition, Ananda served as a Committee Member with the JCS from November 1991 until February 1997. He was a mover and a shaker within the organisation, protecting the benefit of the organisation and the community through his initiatives by being positive and progressive. The message to Ananda's family during his funeral was that he had been an advisor to friends, relatives, clients and anyone who confided in him. May His Soul Rest In Peace. With deepest love, fondest memories and utmost respect for a great man who lived with dignity and integrity to the end.

Suresh Gnanasegaram

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:04:39 +0000

Suresh G, as he was fondly referred to by his close friends and colleagues, was born on 12 September 1969 in London whilst his parents, G Pararajasingam and Devika Ranee Ponniah, were there pursing law and post-graduate nursing degrees respectively. At age three he came home with his parents and younger brother Mahendra. Suresh has two other siblings, namely Darmendra and Ananda. Suresh was enrolled at the Batu Road Primary School where he became the school vice-captain and earned a place in Victoria Institution to continue his studies. Whilst there, he was a member of the Prefects' Board, the school band and the tae-kwando club. After SPM, he attended Prime College for 'A' levels and upon successful completion he decided to take up law as a career. It was about this time that his family faced some very trying times but with his single-mindedness of purpose and dogged determination he commenced the LL.B External Degree Programme at ATC whilst teaching English part-time at a language institute in Kepong. Each year he came out tops at ATC and had the distinction of being the top student in the country for the Intermediate and Part I Finals. He was awarded a full scholarship from the college for his Part I and Part II Finals. In 1992, he was awarded the MLJ Book Prize Certificate. In 1993 he completed the LL.B degree course with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from the University of London. In 1994 Suresh G enrolled for the CLP course and whilst studying for this examination he held down a full-time position and two part-time positions as a teacher of law, including jurisprudence, in which he excelled. He completed the CLP examination and was awarded the prize for Civil Procedure. In June 1995 he commenced pupillage with Mr V Vijakumar and upon completion was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 5 April 1996. Suresh G then commenced practice with Raja Darryl and Loh where he remained until his untimely and tragic demise on 8 March 1997. Suresh G has been described by his lecturers as an "individual", "original" and a "thinker" whilst his friends recall him as a "caring and gentle" person who never had a bad word to say of anyone. One of his course mates has said of him that though he was often not in class but constantly on top, he never hesitated to share whatever he knew and was always humble and felt that he had a lot to learn. The fact that at his funeral there was a high turnout of his peers is in itself an indication of the high regard and esteem in which he was held. But, all said and done, Suresh G's legacy must surely be his never say die attitude whatever the odds and an acute desire to excel on his own merits.

To clothe the fiery thought in simple words, succeeds, For still the craft of genius is, to mask a King in weeds -Emerson

Mahinder Singh Sidhu

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:10:13 +0000

Born on 28 February 1930 in Alor Setar, Kedah, the late Mahinder Singh Sidhu was the only son of Mr Isher Singh and Madam Kisher Kaur. He received his primary education in Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Setar and secondary education in Victoria Institution and Penang Free School. He was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln's Inn in 1977. He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 12 April 1979 and thereafter joined the firm of R.K. Nathan & Co. In 1989, he set up his own firm under the name and style of Mahinder Singh Sidhu & Co. Prior to taking up law, Mahinder Singh Sidhu was serving the Royal Malaysian Police holding the following posts: 1.7.1952 - Inspector 1952 - 1953 - Investigating Officer, Police Depot, K.L. 1953 - 1954 - Investigating Officer and District Crime, Kota Tinggi, Johor 1954 - 1955 - Investigating Officer, Penggerang, Johor Bahru 1955 - Investigating Officer, Muar, Johor 1956 - 1957 - 'D' Division (Crime), Cheras, K.L. 1957 - 1960 - 'A' Division (Crime), High Street, K.L. 1961 - 1962 - 'B' Division (Crime), Campbell Road, K.L. 1962 - 1963 - A/OCPD, Kajang, Selangor 1963 - 1964 - Prosecuting Officer, Parit Buntar, Krian 1964 - 1965 - Police Field Force Platoon Commander, Ipoh, Perak 1965 - 1969 - Investigating Officer, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan 1969 - 1972 - Investigating Officer, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan 1972 - 1974 - Police Packing Bay, Ampang, K.L. 1974 - 1976 - Investigating Officer, Klang, Selangor Besides practising law, Mahinder Singh Sidhu had also written four books: 1. The Motor Insurer, Insured and Third Party Rights 2. Penanggung dan Pengambil Insurans Motor dan Hak Pihak Ketiga 3. Casebook on Motor Insurance Law in Malaysia and Singapore 4. The Law of Wills, Probate, Administration and Succession in Malaysia and Singapore The late Mahinder Singh Sidhu passed away on 1 January 1997 leaving behind his wife, Hardev Kaur Gill and three children, Gurdeep Kaur, Kuldip Singh and Surinder Singh. He is dearly missed by all.

Lim Teik Aik

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:16:41 +0000

Teik Aik as he was known was born on 4 December 1961 to parents who retired as government officers. He was the youngest of three children. He schooled at Sekolah Sultan Abdul Samad in Petaling Jaya until his completion of the Malaysian Certificate of Education. He was an active sportsman playing hockey for the school and was an avid cross-country runner. He then continued his education at Taylor's College in Kuala Lumpur where he excelled and went on to read economics and law at Monash University, Melbourne. He was surrounded by many friends and did have a good time in Melbourne. He graduated from Monash University in 1986 with a double degree in economics and law. After his Call to the Malaysian Bar on 27 February 1988, Teik Aik did stints with various law firms including Allen & Gledhill, Kadir Tan & Ramli, Kamarudin & Wee and Mah-Kok & Din. In 1994, he joined Bhadarul & Sarbjit as a partner until his untimely demise on 11 August 1996 at the age of 35. Teik Aik died in the pursuit of one of his hobbies which was biking. He was biking with a group of friends when involved in an accident and passed away instantly. Teik Aik was an extremely sociable and friendly person and had a truly "Muhibbah" group of friends and certainly did Malaysia proud. One of his outstanding features was his curly hair. As with many practitioners, he had a calling for the Bar and would quite regularly be found having his pint after office hours. He was a diligent lawyer and upheld the best practices of the Bar. He was straight and forthright in his dealings both with clients and fellow lawyers. He left behind his wife, Oon Ai Lee, his two siblings and their children. All of us will miss him greatly.

Low Ping Loong

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:19:14 +0000

Low Ping Loong started his law career late in life. After leaving school, he worked for the Municipal Valuation Department. He then pursued his law degree at the age of 40. Upon his return, he was appointed as the legal counsel for AIA for a few years before setting up his own practice. It seems like only yesterday, Low was with us. It has been 6 years since he has been called to be with the Lord. Those who knew him would know that he was a simple man; a man easily contented but yet a man who had such ardour for life. His generosity also meant he took nothing from friends, relatives or clients but in return gave love and care for others. He had no complaints but he consoled, this was his loving nature. He never failed to lend his ears. He was always a friend. He has been known to take a case and charge a bowl of "Wan Tan Mee" as his fees. Though we miss him, he will always be in our hearts. We cherish his memory, his care for us. When we think of the passion he had for life, we are sure of one thing, that he is happy where he is.

Baldev Singh a/l Kartar Singh

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:21:43 +0000

The late Baldev Singh was born on 10 May 1958. He had his early education at the St. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur and later at the Kolej Tuanku Abdul Rahman. After completing his Higher Education Certificate, he joined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as an Assistant Medical Scientific Officer, a position he held until 1995 when he left the world of science to join the legal profession. Baldev's hard work and determination saw him through law school and he was awarded a law degree from the University of London in 1993. Subsequently, he obtained the Certificate of Legal Practice and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 1 December 1995. Baldev joined legal practice as a legal assistant with Ho & Fam. His dedication to his new career was unparalleled. I remember his constant desire to improve himself and to learn new things to aid him in becoming a better lawyer and to uphold the law with integrity. He did all that was entrusted to him with earnestness and passion. Notwithstanding his love for the law, he was a devoted family man. Baldev's death at the young age of 38 years brought an untimely end to his flourishing career as an Advocate and Solicitor, and as a father. He leaves behind his wife Roop Kaur and three children, Pavin Kaur, Simrenjeet Singh and Jasdev Singh, who can be proud of the success their father had had achieved through hard work and dedication. May his soul rest in peace.

Mohd Kassim bin Ahmed

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:24:52 +0000

The late Mohd Kassim bin Ahmed was born on 20 June 1936. He was a Barrister at Lincoln's Inn and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 9 September 1975. The late Mohd Kassim practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of Nik Saghir & Ismail until his demise on 19 June 1996. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Eusoffe Abdoolcader

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:29:17 +0000

The late Tan Sri Eusoffe Abdoolcader read law at the University College, University of London, graduating with LL.B First Class Honours. He was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn on 26 January 1950 (and had the distinction of being made Freeman of the city of London on 31 May the same year). He was admitted to practise as an Advocate & Solicitor at the Malayan Bar on 30 March 1951, and to the Singapore Bar on 12 November 1969. He practised at the Bar for 24 years and was appointed as Judge of the High Court in Malaya effective 1 December 1974. On 1 October 1982, he was appointed Judge of the then Federal Court. As an Advocate at the Bar, the late Tan Sri Eusoffe was unsurpassed in his knowledge of the law and unmatchable in his advocacy, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent. Lawyers and laymen alike were awed by his brilliance and his intellectual prowess, which he defused only by his dry sense of humour. Notwithstanding his busy practice, he gave of himself to many public office and associated himself with the academia and the development of higher education. To the legal profession, he gave his service to the Penang Bar Committee, served as its Chairman in 1968 and 1969, and was a member of the Bar Council of the States of Malaya from 1963 until his elevation to the Bench in 1974. He created a vacuum in the ranks of the Bar on his elevation: At the welcoming ceremony held at the High Court in his honour, he said (inter alia):

I have enjoyed my years of practice at the Bar and will ever be mindful of my origins - that I have come from your ranks and have been one of you for some 24 years. I shall always continue to be a lawyer at heart, for to me a judge is basically but a lawyer functioning in a different and possibly much wider field and having as his primary duty that of hearing and determining according to law. I am very pleased to have come on the Bench and be able to serve the nation and I must add that my personal gratification on my elevation is not unmixed with elation at the fact that this also accords recognition to the Bar and its role in the administration of justice in our country. On assuming office as a judge I am conscious of the very great responsibilities that devolve on me and am proud to say that I have joined a judiciary which has the very highest and noblest traditions of independence, impartiality and integrity, I shall by the grace of God and with His blessing discharge my judicial duties in a manner befitting the high tradition set by and which I receive from my predecessors and colleagues, which I shall strive to maintain and contribute to in my own humble way and which I shall transmit to my successors pure and unsullied as I receive it, and indeed enhance if that is possible. If I cannot strengthen our Bench, strong as it is, I shall certainly do nothing to weaken it.

The late Tan Sri Eusoffe lived up to all that he promised. His years as a Judge brought an added, indeed glorious, dimension to the judicial pronouncements of the Court. His judgments were often hailed as literary works, his mastery of the English language, and of Latin, enhancing his deep but clear, lucid reasoning, no matter how complex the issues litigated before him. His life was one complete and total commitment to the law. The passing of the late Tan Sri Eusoffe is a tragic loss to the legal profession and to the country. His contribution to the law and the profession, indeed the nation, is his legacy. He is by all accounts quite irreplaceable. We - the Bar - mourn his loss. This write-up is reproduced with permission from Hendon Mohamed This write-up entitled "Tribute to Tan Sri Eusoffe Abdoolcader" by Hendon Mohamed was published in the Bar Council Infoline, February 1996 issue

D Surendranath s/o P D Nair

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:30:52 +0000

The late Surendranath Nair was born on 31 January 1938. He read law at Lincoln's Inn and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 11 December 1963. He then practised in his own law firm of Nath & Co. until 1980 when he sold his practice and left for Australia. In early 1994, he returned and resumed practice in Kuala Lumpur and practised as a sole proprietor under the name of D S Nath until his demise on 13 December 1995. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

S Krishna Aiyar

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:34:01 +0000

Born in lpoh, Krishna was the third of four children born to Mr & Mrs SS Aiyar. After finishing his MCE from St. Micheal's Institute, he continued his studies in law at Buchland University in London and was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1978. On his return to Malaysia, Krishna chambered at Lewis & Co. He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 16 November 1989 and remained with the said firm as a legal assistant. In 1980, he partnered Saseedharan Menon to form their own firm. He left the said partnership in 1995 to set up his own firm under the name and style of S K Aiyar & Co. Krishna was a passionate Advocate and loved to appear in Court. His specialty was in land matters, and he had a keen interest in constitutional law. He was also an avid badminton player and had been involved with the KL Bar Committee and their activities. Krishna was a good friend to most who knew him. He could never say no to anyone and obliged them at any hour of the day, both professionally and personally. He married Shoba Shanker in 1988 and had two sons, Sreeman and Umesh. He was a family man who always took an active role in domestic chores like cooking and cleaning. He played an important role in the formative years when the children were growing up by feeding, bathing and reading to them. He was a man of honour and discipline both professionally and personally but also had a zest for the good things in life. His demise was deeply felt by his family and friends. He was indeed a true man and a friend to all.

Lian Yao Ming

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:37:24 +0000

Lian Yao Ming was born in Kuala Lumpur, the elder of two sons of Mr Lian Chee Seng and Madam Wong Sook Yin. After completing his Malaysian Certificate of Education in December 1979 at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur, he went to Epsom College in England and obtained his A Levels in 1981. He was admitted to University College, London in mid 1981 and obtained his law degree in 1984. On 25 July 1985, he was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Back in Malaysia, he was called to the Malaysian Bar on 12 July 1986 and practised in the firm of ST Low & Co. On 5 October 1988, he set up a partnership with his father under the firm name of Lian & Lian. On l January 1994, Lian & Lian amalgamated with the firm of Iza Ng Yeoh & Kit. Lian Yao Ming retired from practice on l August 1995 due to a serious illness and passed away on 8 September 1995. He leaves behind his wife Jeannie Lee Gaik Im, daughter Ashley, his parents and his brother, Tse Ming.

Eugene Lye Kim Hai

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:42:39 +0000

The late Eugene Lye was born on 20 February 1929. He was admitted to the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple in September 1952 and as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 5 February 1954. He practiced as a Sole Proprietor under Eugene Lye & Co until his demised on 7 September 1995.

Sardar Atma Singh Gill

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:03:31 +0000

Sardar Atma Singh Gill was a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn and an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. He practised law first in Shearn Delamore and Company, Seremban and then as a founder of the firm of Gill and Tang where he continued until his death at the age of 78 on 27 February 1995. In his heyday, he towered above his fellow men in the energy, ebullience and sheer charisma which he radiated on everyone around him. He was born on 17 December 1917 in Pajam, Negri Sembilan, where his father ran a small business as a haulier and a financier. At the tender age of five his mother passed away. When the successive deaths of his siblings left him their sole survivor, his father sent him to his home village Chugawan, in the Moga District, Punjab to be nurtured to health by his near relations. That done, he was brought back and put into the Kajang High School. He passed his Cambridge Senior School Certificate Examination here in 1936. To honour the family commitments, he returned to the family village to marry Madam Bachint Kaur to whom he had been betrothed. They returned to Malaysia to work out their destiny armed with little more than their faith in their ancestral lineage and the courage of their religious and cultural convictions. For the Gill clan proudly traced their line direct to Guru Gobind Singh and Atma Singh never ceased to proclaim that he came from the tribe of Jat Sikhs who have always been renowned for the tenacity in the way they cared for their heritage and their penchant for the force of arms. Indeed his grand uncle Sgt Major Ram Singh had already been decorated for gallantry in the Pahang wars in the 1890’s with the George Cross and his sword remains a cherished heirloom in the family home to this day. Left literally to lift himself from his bootstraps, Atma acquire a lorry and went into the haulage business himself. The arrival of the Japanese put paid to this activity and he had to bring up his young family in any way he could. He raised cattle, went into market gardening and community feeding projects and acquired some specialty in dispensing such medicines as he could salvage from the Estate Dressers in the vicinity. He even risked his life running a clandestine operation to transport rice from Thailand on Malaysian Railway goods trains and jettisoned for recovery near the Batu Cantonment and from thence humped by man-power passed the Japanese sentry posts to the distribution points in Sentul. When war ended, he purchased a fleet of second hand 3-ton military vehicles, which he adapted for the carriage of goods and so started as one of the leading hauliers in Negri Sembilan, specialising in the collection of scrap rubber for processing in the factory at Sagill in Malacca. He also took on an active role in the running of the Foh Hup Omnibus Company, which was then carrying passengers from Seremban via Kajang to Kuala Lumpur. His business activities did not stop him from assuaging his thirst for knowledge. Initially he went into an in-depth study of the Sikh Scriptures and was conferred with the authoritative status of Giani in 1952. His command of the congregation in the Sikh Temples in his Home State of Negri Sembilan followed as a matter of course. All this experience, Atma Singh brought on board when at the age of 36 he joined Lincoln's Inn to read Law. He did most of the Part 1 in Malaya and left for London in November 1954 after he had made proper provision for his family and for his further education. He completed the Bar Finals in December 1955 and was called to the English Bar in Lincoln's Inn in mid 1956 at the age of 39. He returned to Seremban in July 1956 where he teamed up with Datuk Mahadev Shankar in 1957 to run Shearn Delamore and Company under the watchful eye of the late Mr R.H.V. Rintoul. In early 1963, Atma Singh founded the firm now known as Gill and Tang in Seremban with a branch in Kuala Lumpur. His son Paramjit Singh Gill who had left a promising career as a planter to become a lawyer joined him in 1972. Atma Singh's law library was easily the best in the State and he specialised in licensing disputes in the Road Transport Department and in general litigation. He was one of the initiators and founder member of the Seremban International Golf Club. He held office there both as Captain and then as President, and was responsible for its development into a 18-hole course. He was a scratch handicap golfer in his time. His feats of strength and endurance were legendary. He was one of the pioneer founders of the Malayan Sikh Sports Festival, an Institution which meets annually in different State Capitals and Atma Singh Gill Trophy is awarded in golf to the best gross champion in good order and tradition and survives to this day. In his heyday, his family was the cynosure of Seremban. His wife Bachint Kaur stood nearly as tall as him and a radiant beauty in her own right. The cuisine in their house was a six star affair and their hospitality was famous. But it was not all honey and roses. They lost their only daughter on 10 July 1955 to a mortal illness when Atma was still in the U.K. Worse was to come. Their eldest son Ranjit Singh had his life cruelly cut short by a freak rowing accident in the Swan River in which he was drowned on 5 August 1963. He had a brilliant career both in studies and sports in the King George V School in Seremban and thereafter in Wesley College in Perth, West Australia and thence into University of Western Australia for a promising career in Medicine. Had fate not so unkindly intervened, Ranjit Singh would undoubtedly have been one of Malaysia's most eminent medical practitioners today. That blow left the family paralysed with grief. But in the fullness of time they bounced back to take a full part in the life of the community. The late Sardar Atma Singh Gill is survived by his widow Madam Bachint Kaur who takes a very active part in the social and rehabilitation work in the Sikh Community in Negri Sembilan. Harjit Singh, their second son has gone on to make his mark in Canada where he is in the meat processing line. Paramjit Singh Gill, their third son is a lawyer and a prominent businessman in his own right. Baljit Singh Gill, once the baby of the family, is now in the business of supplying goods and services to golf clubs around Canada. In the early 1980's a burst appendix with post-operative complications terminated Atma Singh's golf career much to his chagrin as he had devoted almost all his leisure hours to participating in and promoting the game. His extramural activities were now confined to morning walks. He nevertheless continued with legal practice until early February 1995 when he suffered from a heart attack. Thereafter his health progressively deteriorated and he eventually passed away peacefully at the Institut Jantung Negara Kuala Lumpur on 27 February 1995. In his prime, Sardar Atma Singh was a lawyer and citizen extra-ordinaire. With his depth of human experience he brought new insights into every problem he had to contend with. To be in his company was not just to be educated but also to be entertained. His earthy humour was pungent and above all his Jat peasant common sense often brought his flying academic counter-parts down to earth with a resounding thud. He was much sought after as a lay preacher for his spiritual discourses on the Guru Granth Sahib and he was a role model for everyone in the Community. For us who were his kith and kin, his departure has left a void, which cannot be filled. In our lifetime and for our hereafter we shall always keep his memory fresh in our thoughts. On each anniversary of his death we shall formally ring out his praises at the requiem in the Sikh Temple in Seremban and Mantin. From the date of his admission and enrolment as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, he was an ornament to the legal profession and a pillar of the Community in Seremban. Alas, no contemporaneous memorial was held for him because of a misguided judicial edict whereby references for deceased lawyers was ordered to be discontinued. The resurrection of that time honoured tradition to consecrate the memory of those who helped shape the Bar is indeed timely. We who lived with and loved Sardar Giani Atma Singh Gill are consoled and comforted, albeit belatedly, that his entrance into the Lawyer's Hall of Fame will now be unimpeded.

Ng Man Kit

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:05:16 +0000

The late Ng Man Kit was born on 19 March 1962. He graduated from Monash University in 1985 and read in the Chambers of Mr Joseph Lai Khee Sin of Allen & Gledhill. He was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 29 March 1986. The late Ng Man Kit commenced practice at Samad & Yap and thereafter joined N K Tan & Associates. In 1989, he left N K Tan & Associates to practise as a partner at the firm of Y L Tho Ng & Partners. In 1993, he set up his own firm of M K Ng & Associates and practised as a sole proprietor until his demise on 22 December 1994. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Irene Ong Lee Ling

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:10:42 +0000

Irene Ong Lee Ling was born on 4 January 1969 and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 12 December 1993. She was, prior to her passing on 22 May 1994, practising with the firm of Shook Lin & Bok and attached to the banking and general litigation department. Irene had been suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the age of 16. Episodes of lupus tend to recur over the course of the illness and often lead to problems ranging from fevers to swollen joints to anaemia to kidney failure. Irene had read law at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom and was admitted to the Bar at the Lincoln’s Inn in 1991. She went on to obtain her Masters degree at the University of London in 1992. Irene was someone who approached her work with diligence and full commitment. She always rose to the challenge on every occasion. She was constantly motivated by a sense of commitment and drive that resulted in the work produced being over and above that which was ordinarily expected. She was well-liked amongst her peers and highly regarded by her superiors. In respect of her professional attitude, she was someone who was trustworthy, reliable and whose integrity was beyond reproach. To the people fortunate enough and blessed to have known her on a personal level, Irene will be remembered as one who was ever generous with her time, attention, sense of spirit and was partial to placing others’ interests before hers. Due to her natural optimism, infectious enthusiasm and ease at adapting, she was able to get along and maintained her friendships with almost all that she crossed paths with. She had always been well liked and characteristically formed very deep and lasting friendships. She never perceived her illness to be inhibiting and instead chose to live life to the fullest. She will be remembered by all who knew her to constantly have a smile and a sunny disposition regardless of the circumstances. Irene will be missed most for her passion for life. Her departure has left her family and those whose lives she had touched, with a void which remains irreplaceable.

CKG Pillay

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:14:10 +0000

The late CKG Pillay, CKG as he was affectionately known to all his friends and colleagues at the Johor Bar, was born in India on 20 March 1926. He was educated in his early life in India and came to Malaysia in 1945. He studied law in England at the Middle Temple and was admitted to the English Bar. He was thereafter called to the Malayan Bar in 1962, after doing his pupillage under the auspicious chambers of Mr Goh Bin Lay, one of the pioneers at practice in the State of Johor. He then set up his practice under the style of CKG Pillay & Co. For several years his practice entailed both criminal and civil work. His work then took him to all the smaller townships in Johor very regularly as there were few legal firms both in Johor Bahru and the out-lying towns. To consolidate his growing practice he teamed up with the late Mr Keith Sellar and Mr HL Tennakoon as Keith Sellar, Tennakoon & Pillai and later known as Sault Keith Sellar & Co. In 1979 he joined Hassan Yunos and Co where he practised till 1991. In 1991, he decided as part of his retirement plans to move to Kuala Lumpur and started his new practice as CKG Pillay & Partners. Being no stranger in name in practice, his firm undertook more solicitors work but he never denied himself to selective appearances in the appellate Courts when the occasion called for until his demise on 24 April 1994. I have had the privilege of knowing CKG Pillay for 16 years, when I first moved to Johor Bahru in 1978. During that period my respect and regard for him had grown. I am not alone in stating that besides being a pioneer and senior in practice at the Johor Bar, CKG was unassuming, humble and always cordial to the Junior colleagues. He respected all juniors in the profession and had on occasions sat through their trials in Court to offer advice on the manner of cross-examination. His advice on such occasions were not laborious. He would just pose one or two questions to the young and inexperienced Advocate that would serve as a guide to the issue or to the manner to approach the Court in their submissions. He was a voracious reader, whether it be a novel or some serious literary work. He had a gift of 'speed reading' which he never gloated on. His love for literature and reading culminated in his contributions to the public by being a well known columnist on the law for layman, first in the daily “The Star” and later in the “The New Straits Times” . His contributions to the “The Star” ended when “'Operation Lalang” was undertaken by the Home Ministry and what was discretionally considered did not permit the daily to have the licence to publish articles of interest in the interim. It was then, when the New Straits Times offered an avenue to continue his contributions in respect of the law for the general public. His choice of leaving Johor Bahru to practise in Kuala Lumpur was already seen as a loss among the practitioners in Johor Bahru, although he had expressed this as part of his retirement plan. He had two children in Kuala Lumpur and the grandchildren to be with. The late CKG Pillay worked at his office until his demise in 1994. Quiet, humble and unassuming, he earned the respect not only of his colleagues but the members of the Judiciary. His literary contribution in the widely circulated dailies were even a greater contribution which the public will never forget. He leaves behind his widow Swarna Kumari Devi, his three daughters Jayasri Pillay, Sudha Pillay and Shanti Pillay; two sons Mohd Haaziq Pillay and Sadish Pillay, the former now a practitioner at the Johor Bar.

Karam Singh Veriah

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:20:44 +0000

Karam Singh Veriah, who passed away on 22 January 1994 in New Delhi at the age of 58, was not in the league of the great men he admired; but his life was shaped by them and the great events of his time. In the 1940s the world was at war - the great colonial empires were fighting each other, the colonies were rebelling and there were people's revolutions everywhere. Sukarno in Indonesia, Tito in Yugoslavia, Gandhi, Nehru and Chandra Bose in India, Mao in China and Ho Chih Minh in Vietnam. Karam himself was not a great achiever nor a national liberator. He left no indelible mark on history or the lives of many men. But in his indomitable spirit to fight for justice and the rights of the poor, he was met with the great fighters of any time. In politics he was a socialist; in daily life he stood for the little man. For Karam, there was little difference between the two except in the degree of commitment. He was always afraid he would "go soft" like some of his colleagues in Parti Rakyat, of which he was once vice-president. In an unpublished interview with Hamid Tuah's daughter Siti Noor, recorded in December 1992, Karam said that "going soft in the head" was one of his great fears. "I analyse myself constantly to avoid falling into a mellowness, to keep my fighting spirit intact," he told Siti Noor. Karam was unhappy that leaders once described as great fighters had mellowed with age, accommodated, and compromised. Karam Singh Veriah was a lawyer, an MP (Damansara) and an assemblyman (Serdang) from 1959 to 1964, an ISA detainee and in his own words "ex-advisor to various trade unions." Karam, the eldest in a family of five boys and four girls was born on 26 October 1936, in Seremban. His father, Kaher Singh Veriah, was a clerk, who later studied law and joined the MIC to become an assemblyman in Negri Sembilan, died in a car accident in 1964. His mother, Kartar Kaur, remembers Karam as a brilliant student in school, very idealistic and arguing even in childhood. "He always stood his ground in a dispute," Kartar said. They all called Karam, Baiji (elder brother), Karam studied at King George school in Seremban. He did his Senior Cambridge at 15 and completed his law at 19 (Gray's Inn, London). But the rules barred him from practising until he was 21. At 22 he became an MP on a Socialist Front ticket. "I studied Marx and Lenin in England and read law part time," he joked with Siti Noor saying he picked up the "lores of the left" in the many student circles in London. On his return, Karam made a beeline for the Malayan left politics of the 1950s. He managed to secure an introduction to Parti Rakyat president Ahmad Boestamam and struck up a lasting relationship that saw him contesting as a Socialist Front candidate for Parliament and the Selangor state assembly. Kartar remembers Karam renting a room in Kuala Lumpur and running "from one political meeting to another." His stint in Parliament was stormy. The early 60s was a stormy political period for Malaysia. Without real national consensus, there were detentions and demonstrations. Politics was fought on the streets and men like Karam excelled. He made a reputation for himself and found a place in the radical politics of the time. In 1960 Karam married. He had a boy and two girls. He married again later and had another girl. As an MP, Karam also visited India with parliamentary delegations and met Nehru, for whom he had no particular liking. Karam's father had taken him to the town field in Seremban in 1943, where from his father's shoulder, he had seen and heard Subhas Chandra Bose speak. "I was mesmerised ... Nehru was also there but I knew they were different," Karam later recollected. Nehru was also a fighter but he fought from a prison. "Bose was on the battlefront, talking to Hitler and General Tojo (Japanese wartime Prime Minister), building an army and fighting to free India," he said. Bose's uncompromising attitude and eventual death on the battlefield struck a cord in Karam's temperament. In his later years as a lawyer and an MP, Karam journeyed to Yasukuni, Japan, to pray at the graves of Japanese generals, thanking them for helping Bose. Karam was also mesmerised by India. "He saw himself as a leader of the Indian masses," said Kartar. Karam travelled to India often and every time he would write back to say he will buy new clothes for his mother and family. "Always he came back empty-handed. He gave it to the Indian masses on the streets of Delhi," Kartar said. On one trip in the mid-1970s, Karam ran into some friends who had formed a Delhi Police Association. They were fighting to get it recognised as a trade union. "Karam gave his legal expertise and won several cases in the Delhi Court. From the Court the matter landed on the streets," his son Keshminder said. Indira Gandhi (Indian Prime Minister) put Karam on a first-class ticket back to Malaysia. Karam joked with his mother that it was the first time he had travelled first class. (V.P. Singh lifted the ban in 1992 allowing Karam to visit India which Karam did immediately). In 1966, Karam Singh was detained under the ISA after he and others led a march of estate workers from Bukit Asahan in Malacca to Kuala Lumpur. The workers, who had rejected the NUPW, wanted to form their own union. Karam was released four years and a month later. In 1973, Karam's wife, Harbans Kaur died. "He would cook for us, take us to political meetings and the Court. I grew up with Karam moving about from one rented premises to another," recollected Karam's daughter Harinder, also a lawyer. Harinder's earliest recollection of Karam was when she and her mother visited him at the Batu Gajah detention center in 1966. "I was about four then," she said, adding she also remembers the train journey. Karam always told Harinder to stand up to anything and anyone, including him. "He wanted his children to stand up for their rights. He was loving and cuddled me a lot when I was a child," she said. Another daughter, Jasvinder is also a lawyer, while Keshminder is a real estate agent. In the last decade of his life, Karam took on judges and lawyers. Twice he was held in contempt of Court. In the first case, he paid a RM10,000 fine and in the second he was jailed for three months. Karam fought the then Chief Justice Tan Sri Hamid Omar and the Bar Council, which he accused of not taking a clear stand, attacking particularly its vice-president Param Cumaraswamy. In the end the Bar came out strongly backing Karam. Karam was committed for contempt and fined RM10,000 on 17 October 1985. Three months later in another dispute, Karam asked the Court to commit Karpal Singh for contempt. It was at this time that the legal fraternity was put on the defence. "Karam has gone out of control," one lawyer said. Karpal Singh at that time told the Court: "Karam Singh must be stopped ... he appears to be suing everybody." After a while, things quietened down. His final and last clash with the Court came in 1992 when he sought to commit three Supreme Court judges. Here again he was embroiled with the right of his client to sue Socso. He was cited for contempt and was sentenced to three months. He was released after two months, on remission. But the Bar kept him on its rolls. Param Cumaraswamy, who was at Karam's funeral, said Karam was a great fighter of the poor and voiceless, and the Malaysian Bar is proud to have had him among its members. Soon after leaving prison for the last time, Karam packed up his things, closed his legal office and gave away his books and papers. He then visited most of his old surviving Parti Rakyat members. He met Siti Noor in December 1992 and they tried to record his life story. He then left for India, returned, and went back again. "India's teeming masses, its poverty and its radical politics always attracted him," his Parti Rakyat colleague Ishak Surin said, adding Karam saw himself as a liberator of the Indian masses. He would want to be remembered as a man who fought injustice and never got soft in the head to the last. This article is reproduced with permission from The Star, Malaysia. This article headlined "A fighter who battled to the last" by K. Baradan was published in The Star on 30 January 1994.

Lee Jiun Leong

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:25:53 +0000

The late Lee Jiun Leong was born on 7 September 1962. He graduated with an LL.B (Hons) degree from the University of Hull and was admitted as a Barrister at Lincoln's Inn in 1990. He read in the Chambers of Mr Lee Shan Too of S T Lee & Partners and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 27 September 1991. The late Lee Jiun Leong practised as a partner in the firm of Lim Lee & Sharif (as it was then known) until his demise on 13 November 1993. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Daniel Lee Yun Khong

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:35:43 +0000

Daniel was brought up in Penang and studied in La Salle School and St Xavier's Institution from Standard 1 until Upper 6. He came to Kuala Lumpur to pursue his LL.B External (London) degree. Upon completing the first year successfully, he opted to continue his second year at Holborn Law Tutors. He returned to Kuala Lumpur to finish his third and final year before proceeding to complete his CLP course. Daniel served his pupillage under Mr Matthias Chang, a senior member of the Bar, and then practised at Onn Hussein & Yee, Kuala Lumpur, handling a mixed portfolio of litigation and conveyancing matters. Many friends will recall Daniel as a happy-go-Iucky type who lived life to the fullest. His friends will remember him as an avid cyclist (in school), biker, and later “superbike”. Alas, it was on such a superbike that Daniel met his fate in March 1993. He was killed in a road traffic accident at Jalan University, Petaling Jaya. Daniel left many fond memories with many dear friends. His bereavement was tragic, but his passing made an impact on present and past colleagues, and acquaintances alike. Friends noted how he always seemed to savour all that this life had to offer. A friend commented in passing,

If I were to depart this world tomorrow, I would leave a very sad man, the way my life is leading me now! But Daniel, I like to think he left when he was at his happiest.

Linda Tai Fook Yen

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:39:48 +0000

The late Linda Tai was born on 22 July 1962. She studied at Bukit Bintang Girls' Secondary School, Kuala Lumpur and in 1979 sat for and obtained the Malaysian Certificate of Education with Grade I. She also won the English Language prize that year. In school, she was very active, being a Girl Guide, School Prefect, Secretary to the Debating Society, Member of the Music Society and Secretary to the Science Society. She proceeded to England in 1980 to study for and later obtained her A levels at Malvern Girls' College, Great Malvern, England, winning the Chemistry prize. She read law in the London School of Economics obtaining, in 1984, the degree of Bachelor of Law (Second Class Honours-Upper Division). On 25 July 1985, she was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. She returned to Malaysia in 1985 and served her pupillage with the legal firm of Shook Lin & Bok and was called to the Malaysian Bar on 9 August 1986. She then joined the firm of Ng Ek Teong & Partners as a legal assistant. In July 1987, she became a legal assistant in Shook Lin & Bok, attached to the litigation department, specialising in banking litigation. She remained with the firm until her death on 10 February 1993. Linda was very active in other activities apart from her profession, one of which was scuba diving.

KR.P. Perumal

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:45:38 +0000

KR.P. Perumal was born at Devakottai, Tamil Nadu, South India on 20 October 1923. He obtained his M.A.(Econ) University of Nagpur, India and his B.Com degree at University of Madras, South India. He was called to the Degree of Utter Barrister by the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn on 23 November 1971 and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court in Malaya on 30 November 1972 before the Honourable Mr Justice S M Yong. During his stay at London, he contributed both as a writer and speaker for the British Broadcasting Corporation (B.B.C.) Tamil Service. He also contributed both as a writer and speaker for Radio Malaysia (Radio 6) Tamil Service. The late KR.P. Perumal practised in both the Civil and Criminal Courts and was in active practice until his demise on 10 August 1992. He is greatly missed by his family and friends and leaves behind his wife and twin sons.

Sia Teck Thian

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:50:04 +0000

The late Sia Teck Thian, known to most of his colleagues and close friends as TT Sia, was a sincere and resourceful person. Born on 10 November 1957, he received his primary education in Limpoon Primary School, Batu Pahat, Johor and secondary education in Batu Pahat High School and TAR College, Kuala Lumpur. He graduated with a B.A.(Hons) in Law at Manchester Polytechnic and was admitted as a Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn in 1982. He served his pupillage in the firm of T.S. Chong & Co., Johor Bahru and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 12 October 1983. He remained with the said firm until 1 March 1984 where he set up the partnership of Iqbal Hakim Sia & Voo and was a partner of the firm until his demise on 19 July 1992. TT Sia had always carried out his duties with dedication and responsibility and was always willing to help and assist those who approached him. Even with his busy schedule, he managed to take time off to do charitable work and was a member of the Lions Club of Johor Bahru Host. He was admired for his persuasive character and is greatly missed by all his friends and relatives.

Narayanan Sanguni Nair

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:56:36 +0000

The late Narayanan who is survived by his wife, Madam Padma Narayanan and his son, Krishna, was born on 3 July 1928 in Seremban. He had his early schooling at King George V Seremban. Narayanan qualified as a normal trained Teacher and after a stint of teaching, he then worked with the Ministry of Labour. He took up Law in 1964 and was called to the English Bar in June 1967. His achievements and accomplishments were many as can be seen below. 1949 - 1956 Teacher 1952 - 1956 National Union of Teachers: N.S. Branch Secretary and member National Executive Committee 1956 - 1967 Ministry of Labour (Law Enforcement/Conciliation) 1967 - 1969 Industrial Relations Officer, ICI Group 1969 - 1972 Council Member, Malaysian Employers Federation 1969 - 1976 Group Personnel Manager, ICI Group 1977 - 1983 Personnel Director & Group Company Secretary ICI Group of Companies in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand 1978 - 1983 Chairman, Industrial Relations Panel (MEF) 1978 - 1986 Member, National Labour Advisory Council 1984 - 1986 Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation 1984 - 1987 Substitute Member of Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation, Geneva 1978 - 1986 Panel Member, Industrial Court 1986 - 1987 Member, SOCSO Appeal Board International Involvement: Malaysia's Employer Delegate to the International Labour Conference, Geneva in 1981 and 1982 and Employer Adviser in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986. 1983 - 1986 A member of the ILO Committee on Structure 1984 - 1986 Employer Vice Chairman of the ILO Committee on Apartheid 1984 - 1986 Member, Executive Committee, International Organisation of Employers (IOE) 1987 Executive Committee Member, International Society for Labour Law and Social Security The late Narayanan was also socially conscious and was very much involved in the Indian Associations of Malacca, Raub and Seremban. He was one of the prime movers in the setting up of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam. On the spiritual front he was the driving force behind the Theosophical Society in Malaysia and was the Presidential Agent of the Theosophical Society in Malaysia from 1978 to 1992. Narayanan, after his contributions to the employees and the employers in Malaysia, finally joined the firm of Murali B. Pillai And Associates until his untimely demise on 5 June 1992. He is and will be missed by his family and friends.

R Ponnudurai

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 11:07:41 +0000

R Ponnudurai or "Ponnu" as he was fondly referred to, was born in Kuala Lumpur on 9 March 1935. His father, the late Mr T Rajendra, was a prominent lawyer who founded the law firm of Rajendra and Teik Ee with the late Mr Khoo Teik Ee. This firm had the distinction of being the first all-Malaysian set-up at a time when legal practice was still very much dominated by expatriate-owned firms. Ponnu was eager to follow in the successful footsteps of his father and although he completed reading for the Bar and the requisite pupillage, he had to wait to be admitted and enrolled as an advocate and solicitor as he had not obtained the age of 21. Since admission, he practised with his father at Rajendra and Teik Ee, and within a short period, he established a name for himself in trial work. Although his fame was in criminal law, he was one of the pioneers in developing our Industrial and Administrative laws. He was equally active in company and civil litigation. A perusal of the MLJ will show the wide spectrum of his areas of practice. Ponnu appeared in numerous cause celebre, both civil and criminal, of his time: He is probably best remembered for defending lecturer S. Karthigesu in the Jean Sinappa murder trial which gripped an entire nation back in the late 1970s. His fame was such that an unprecedented step had to be taken by having to insert his name within parenthesis to the firm’s signage! Ponnu was a highly respected and popular member of the Bar with a well earned and well known reputation for his integrity, courtesy, kindness and for encouraging, guiding and advising younger members of the Bar. He was also generous to a fault, and was particularly known for representing clients who could not afford to engage solicitors, at his own expense, long before legal aid was officially introduced. As one who thrived in the company of his peers, Ponnu was very involved in Bar Council activities. He took a keen interest in sports, especially cricket, which he played since his school days at Victoria Institution. He pursued this passion by continuing to play cricket for the Bar and was a regular participant at the annual Malaysia-Singapore Bar and Bench Games. This was an event he thoroughly enjoyed and participated in every year, for both its sporting camaraderie as well as the opportunity it presented to “catch up” with old friends. His contemporaries and friends in the legal profession will undoubtedly remember him as a vociferous and jovial man who enjoyed a hearty laugh as much as he did a good argument. In every sense of the word, Ponnu was a true gentleman of the Bar and a beacon of the profession. He is survived by his widow, 3 daughters and a son, Anand, who is also a member of the profession. His untimely demise on 1 June 1992 deprived the Bar of one of its Princes and he is deeply missed.

Lim Cheng Poh

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 11:11:16 +0000

Lim Cheng Poh was born in Penang on 14 March 1927. After the end of World War II, Lim Cheng Poh already then 24 years old, embarked on the month-long voyage on a P & O liner to England to read law at the Middle Temple in London. Realising the need to make up for lost years caused by the War, Lim Cheng Poh already a mature student, sat and passed all the professional Bar examinations within a record time of 18 months from the date of his arrival in London. He was called to the Utter Bar at Middle Temple in 1951 admitted to the then Malayan Bar on 6 June 1952. He therefore belonged to one of the earliest batches of local advocates and solicitors practising in Penang after the War. At the time of his admission, there were only 30 members at the Penang Bar. Upon his admission to the Malayan Bar, he joined the Penang firm of Lim, Lim & Onn. Lim Cheng Poh practised mainly as an Advocate as he had a sound grasp of the principles of advocacy and the law of evidence. He was a prominent criminal practitioner and had a flourishing civil practice too. After a few years of busy practice with Lim, Lim & Onn, he formed the partnership of Pillai, Lim, Lee & Hwang with offices in Penang, Butterworth, Alor Setar and Kota Baru. Lim Cheng Poh made a name for himself in the Courts of Kedah, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu and of course, Penang while he was a senior partner of Pillai, Lim Lee & Hwang. He also practised law in Hong Kong from 1964 to 1968. Lim Cheng Poh was a kind and friendly person with an easy-going and charming personality which earned him the friendship of many members of the Bar and Court staff. He was a caring individual and as a pupil master, was always concerned about his chambering pupils and the legal assistants working under him. Besides law, he was active in politics and from time to time, he enjoyed dabbling in business investment. However, his true love and vocation was always the law. In the later part of his life, he engaged in a lot of corporate and banking work. He died on 10 April 1992 at the age of 65, happily working until 3 days before the end. He was always proud that his major bequest to the legal fraternity was his firm of Lim Cheng Poh & Lim in which his children, Cynthia and Andrew are partners.

Umathevy Ratnasingham

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:28:08 +0000

The late Umathevy Ratnasingham was born on 19 December 1944. She was admitted as a Barrister at Middle Temple in 1968 and as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 11 May 1970. The late Umathevy Ratnasingham practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of Sothi & Ang until her demise on 18 May 1991. She is greatly missed by her family and friends.

Chelliah Navaratnam

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:31:09 +0000

Chelliah Navaratnam, born on 17 September 1930, was the sixth of thirteen siblings. A former student of King George V, Seremban, he graduated with Honours from the University of Malaya at Singapore in 1962. This former Negeri Sembilan King Scout was a keen cricket player, who also played for the Perak Bar Cricket team. He first had aspirations of becoming a doctor, however due to financial constraints had returned to Malaysia from Australia, abandoning his dreams of becoming a doctor after three years of study. He began his legal career in 1963 under the pupillage of the late Mr R R Chelliah in Kuala Lumpur and was called to the Malaysian Bar on the 3 January 1964. Soon thereafter, he moved to Ipoh and joined the firm of Gibb & Co specialising in insurance law and and criminal law and earning a reputation as an outstanding litigator. In 1969, with two others, he formed the firm of Lewis & Co in Ipoh, which subsequently came to be known as Azman Davidson & Co. In 1983, he set up on his own under the name and style of Nava & Co. It was probably in Court whilst cross-examining doctors that Chelliah Navaratnam was most at home - putting his eloquence, his mastery of the English language and his medical training (albeit short lived) to his advantage - often leaving many a doctor called as witness puzzled and impressed at his vast knowledge of medicine. Unlike others, he did not endure life but instead celebrated it with the simple but straightforward approach that many could only envy and hope to copy. A fun loving man whose easy-going personality made all who came in contact with him comfortable with him, and, more than that, he with them, no matter what age. The everlasting testimony to Chelliah Navaratnam, his life and his most cherished legacy will probably be his conversation with a friend just prior to his passing when he said, "I am a contented man”. Chelliah Navaratnam passed away on the 30 January 1991, leaving behind his wife of 29 years, Sarojanee Thambypillai and four children - Malini, Balachandran, Devindran and Dharmendran. In a career spanning almost three decades, Chelliah Navaratnam remained and will be remembered as a formidable but worthy opponent, with a deep sense of respect and loyalty towards the Bench and the Bar alike. A good and reliable friend to his colleagues, with an enviable youthful sense of humour; honesty, respect and integrity were the cornerstones of his life and that which guided his career as a lawyer.

Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:37:42 +0000

Professional, detailed, systematic, perseverance, thorough, determined, disciplined, refined, resolute… these were qualities, to name a few, of our late father, Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail. He carried those qualities in his pursuit for excellence in everything he did, mostly everything. He was born on 10 May 1933 in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. Second child to three siblings (from the fourth mother). After completing his primary school, he went to Malay College Kuala Kangsar, a premier residential all-boys school which sometimes dubbed "the Eton of the East". In 1955, he earned a Diploma in Agriculture from, then, College of Agriculture, Serdang, Selangor (now known as University Putra Malaysia). Ten years later he obtained his Barrister-at-Law from Middle Temple, Inns of Court, London, England. He married To’ Puan Hjh Mariam Hj. Abdullah in 1953 and was blessed with eight children; four girls and four boys (eldest son died young). He was a strict and disciplined father to his children wanting only, but, the best in them. From a very humble beginning as a clerk in 1952, Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail, climbed the ladder of success; as an Assistant District Officer in 1960; as an Assistant Commissioner of Land and Mines in 1962; as an Assistant State Secretary, Secretary and Executive Officer with the State Economic Development Corporation of Terengganu in 1965; as the District Officer of Dungun District, Terengganu, in 1968; as the District Officer of Kuala Terengganu District, Terengganu in 1971; and as the General Manager of Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah (KETENGAH - a Regional Development Authority set up by the Federal Government) in 1973. His assignments with HICOM in 1983 and later with PROTON as its Executive Director, marked another milestone in his career development. Dato’ Wan Nik’s contributions in the growth and development towards national consciousness to industrialisation as well as his contributions towards Terengganu’s growth and development, did not end there. He was involved in the social and political arena as early as 1973 when he became the State Liaison Secretary of UMNO Terengganu, the Advisor for PELITA (Persatuan Sasterawan Muda Terengganu), the Patron of Youth Association ORKED, the Chairman of GABUDRA (Gabungan Badan-Badan Budaya Daerah Kuala Terengganu) and a committee member of UMNO Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. In 1982, he was appointed as an Assessor under Section 40 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 by the Malayan High Court. His efforts towards the progress of the State and the Country were recognised and honoured when he received a P.J.K. (Pingat Jasa Kebaktian) from the Sultan of Terengganu in 1965; a A.M.N. (Ahli Mangku Negara) and a K.M.N. (Kesatria Mangku Negara) from the Yang DiPertuan Agong in 1976 and 1979 respectively; and a D.P.M.T. (Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu) from the Sultan of Terengganu in 1981. On 23 July 1991, Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail, was called to the Bar before a Supreme Court Judge, Dato’ Mohamed Yusof Mohamad, and became an advocate and solicitor – a practising lawyer. A trained agriculturalist, a qualified lawyer, a Fellow of the British Institute of Management and a professional administrator, Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail was a man of notable career experiences and achievements. His vast and varied experience had stood him in good stead to assume the top position of the pioneering team that built the Proton Saga within three years from DECISION to IMPLEMENTATION. The team that saw it through, from PROJECT PAPER to ROLLING CHASIS. In 1986, the Saga Pioneers Team earned the accolade of the Malaysian Business magazine’s “MAN OF THE YEAR” award. That was the most eloquent testimony to his career and contribution - the National Car – a shining symbol of achievement in the quest for Malaysia’s industrialisation. To our late father, Dato’ Wan Nik bin Wan Ismail, his successes and achievements were a reflection of his beliefs and attitude towards life and responsibility. To him, there were no limits to his QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE. And to us, his children, that is one tough act to follow. AL-FATIHAH

Balakisnan Appalanaido

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:40:33 +0000

Firstly I would like to thank you all for your support and flowers for my Mum over the past few very difficult days. It has meant an awful lot to her to know that everyone is thinking of her at this time and a comfort to me knowing that she has everyone around her for the future. I am still not sure who will actually read it all out yet but I am going to do my best. Balakisnan: Husband, father, son, friend, relative, colleague and sometimes a few other unmentionable names! But to me he was always just “Dad”, someone I took for granted would be around for a lot longer. Growing up with him as a father was not always easy, but so what! Most things worth having aren’t easy and all the hard lessons in life he taught me are the ones I still remember now and learnt from the most. We could argue and complain all we like, (well, actually we couldn’t as we weren’t allowed to), but it was not just “his way or the highway”. It was “his way” or “his way” and even if he didn’t follow the same rules he was implementing that was no defence as he would just say “don’t do as I do, do as I say”. End of conversation. But I wouldn’t change that for the world. He was never strict, unless it was our education. He was a loyal friend, my confidant, my mentor. Everything was black or white. There were no grey areas with Dad. He wasn’t perfect but he was reliable, dependable and a man of strong principles. He was traditional, conventional, careful, and immensely private and family meant everything to him. Dad wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t have had him any other way. When times were hard, what we couldn’t afford he would build from whatever material he could get his hands on. He was a handyman for everything. From the leaking tap in the kitchen to patching up us siblings when we quarrel. He could befriend, literally, anybody, and he did. But watch out, if he thought you were a fool… If there was one thing that he loved more than his family, it was his work. He took great pains and pride to be the lawyer he was. I remember walking in town with him, shopping or out for a meal - there were always people bumping into him, saying Hello! I used to complain saying even my private family time had to be shared. He would just laugh it off and say, that's what he does. He helps people. He was known for his love of art, and of music, and books. He was known for his knowledge, and his wit. Since his passing, my Dad has been described to me as many things: a real gentleman, a character, an intelligent man. He was all of these. He was also sharp, generous, resourceful, stubborn, and wickedly funny. I think those of us who knew him in the last few months of his life will agree, he kept that outlook right to the end. If he were here today, he would be in the back nodding politely and smiling at everyone he knew. Maybe an occasional wave of hand or a friendly pat on the back.

I miss the way he saw the world, the way he refused to take somethings seriously. I miss arguing with him, cooking with him, walking with him. I miss watching him work. I miss his way with words. Your memory is our keepsake From which we will never part God may have you in his keeping But we still have you in our heart

Ravi Muniandy

klbar_editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:46:25 +0000

Ravi Muniandy was born on 16 June 1972 in Nibong Tebal, Penang. He received his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Perai, Butterworth and subsequently at SMK Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, Penang. His academic brilliance stood out at a young age which earned him the respect and admiration of his teachers and peers. He was made Head Prefect of his school by Form 5. His scholastic excellence enabled him to gain a coveted place to study law at the Law Faculty of University Malaya in 1992. It was in UM that Ravi learned to love the law. He was the model student, not just to his lecturers but to fellow students. He represented UM in debating. Ask any of his law school contemporaries and they will tell you how learned Ravi was and, in equal measure, how generous Ravi was in sharing his knowledge. Many UM law school juniors regarded Ravi as a mentor, although he himself would probably have shrugged off any notion of him being placed on a pedestal and say what he did was just “ordinary”. Upon completing his law degree, Ravi was offered a position as a Magistrate. He chose to practise law and join the Bar instead. It soon became apparent that Ravi truly belonged at the Bar. He excelled at advocacy. He backed that up with a deep understanding of the Court Rules and law. His good natured and easy going demeanour belied a skilled strategist and orator who could be fiercely determined and competitive. His sharp mind meant he was always quick on his feet. An intellect, he could discuss the most complex law and philosophical question. Yet, his sense of humour meant that he could easily laugh at how absurd some of those subjects were. His courteousness, civility and calmness shone through in Court. In one heated Court battle, Ravi faced a tirade of insults from an abusive witness who took the matter far too personally. Ravi kept his composure, all the time remaining extraordinarily polite and respectful to the witness. He carried out his duties in true gentlemanly fashion. Ravi remained ever ready to share his knowledge with his colleagues at the Bar who sought his help. Conversely, he always genuinely thanked those who assisted him. This was what marked Ravi as special. He truly was a good, generous and humble man. He was thoughtful, caring and ever willing to help others in need. He gave what he could to the disadvantaged in society, whether they were underprivileged children, poor families, the handicapped or poor foreign workers. He even extended his charity work to India. Ravi was deeply religious and he shied away from the limelight. He was a private person who was a devoted husband, father and son to his beloved wife Prema, son Harrish and mother. He loved nothing more than to arrange family gatherings or outings and spend time with his family. Ravi passed away unexpectedly on 27 October 2015. The news came as a shock to those in the legal fraternity who knew him. The Malaysian Bar has lost a learned, skilled and spirited member. His family have lost a wonderful and gentle husband, father, son and brother. Ravi, we are indeed blessed to have known you – a friend who was by no means “ordinary” in your abundance of life, love and humanity. A great man gone too soon. Ravi was, and shall remain, an inspiration.

Ranjit Singh a/l Najar Singh

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:34:33 +0000

Ranjit Singh s/o Najar Singh was born on 6 September 1945 in Penang. He had both his primary and secondary education at the Methodist Boys School, Penang. Ranjit joined the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s work force as an interpreter in 1965. Six years later, he married an angel, Gurcharan Kaur. God Almighty presented him with three sons, whom he went on to name Karamjit Singh, Ravinderjit Singh and Kalvinderjit Singh. A year later, he joined the Petaling Jaya Town Board as a prosecuting officer. At the same time, Ranjit, was doing his Law degree externally. For two years consecutively, he came out top in the whole Commonwealth. In 1976, he sat for his Finals at Lincoln’s Inn in London and was again awarded “The Best Commonwealth Student” for the third time with a prize money of £150. He was called to the English Bar and admitted as a Barrister. After his return to Malaysia, Ranjit chambered with Nik Hussain & Partners. He later moved to Zain & Co. Finally in 1979, he started his own practice under the name and style of Shahinuddin & Ranjit. The firm is still open today. Ranjit was hardworking and honest. Always truthful and never judgmental. His work was his pride until… a dark and dreadful night on 30 April 1990 on which he left his family and friends suddenly, without even a goodbye. Now, 12 years later, he is still remembered by his colleagues, not only as a person but also for his dedication to the law. He is deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends

Woon Kim Poh

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:39:20 +0000

The late Woon Kim Poh was born on 25 July 1942. He was admitted as a Barrister at Inner Temple in 1973. He read in the Chambers of Mr Joseph K S Lai of Allen & Gledhill and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 9 May 1975. The late Woon Kim Poh passed away on 16 January 1990 and at the time of his demise was practising in his own law firm of K P Woon & Co. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.

Haji Ahmad Fadzil Omar

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:41:52 +0000

Haji Ahmad Fadzil Omar was born to a padi planter family in Bachok Kelantan on the 20th of Apri11947. As a child he lived with his grandmother Mariam and attended the local Malay Primary School. Being the great grandchild to the infamous religious scholar Tok Bachok, his childhood was deeply instilled with strict Islamic values and virtues. In the early 1960s Fadzil moved to Temerloh Pahang to follow his mother where he had his secondary education at the Sultan Abu Bakar School. As a student, he was not only bright but was also active in sports especially rugby where he was captain of the school team. In co curriculum activities he was the chairman of the school debating society. After completing his GCE, Fadzil who wanted to join the army had to succumb to his stepfather's persuasion (Whom probably knew his true potentials) to do his HSC in Kuantan. Having excelled in his HSC, he enrolled into University Malaya but later left for England in 1968 after getting a government grant to read law at Middle Temple, London. As cost of living was rather high, he had to work as a bellboy for the ends meets. This however did not deter him from being active in the Malaysian Student Society and became its president for one term. Amongst his peers and colleagues were Syed Hamid (Dato' Seri), lawyer Tay Ann Teng and Tunku Iskandar of the Negeri Sembilan Royalty. His 3½ years in England had transformed Fadzil from a Kampung Malay boy to an educated broad minded person with better interpersonal and leadership skills. In 1972, after successfully being called to the English Bar, Fadzil joined the Malaysian civil servants and worked at various government departments namely the income tax department and the AG's office as a deputy public prosecutor. Later after a brief career with Bank Bumiputra, Fadzil went on to do his pupillage at Shearn Delamore and was duly called to the Malaysian Bar on the 24th January 1975. Fadzil was married to Madam Salmiah Acheh (whom he met while studying in England) and had two children, Agil Faisal who has a law degree from university of Bristol and Aida Salfaraz who is now doing her Masters in Keele England. Fadzil started his legal practice by joining Wong Fadzil & Co. Two years later he became a partner at Yusof Idris Hazzan & Fadzil. This law firm was quite successful then and had branches in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kajang with the headquarter in Loke Yew building Kuala Lumpur. In 1984, Fadzil and his former partner Hazzan formed a new partnership under Hazzan and Fadzil. They had two offices, one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Kajang. The firm still has its office in Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Kuala Lumpur. Fadzil always complained to his family that being a lawyer was not his prerogative and he would jokingly say, he would very much prefer being a fanner. However it was his profession as a lawyer that had given him a higher stature in the eyes of society, especially in Kajang Hulu Langat. He was made the Hulu Langat Municipal Council Member for two-term from 1982 to 1986. He also became the Hulu Langat Hospital Inspector (until deceased) and the Committee Member of the Kajang District Mosque (until deceased). At the National level, he became the legal advisor to the football association of Malaysia and also the Committee Member for the semi pro league. Needless to say he was also the Committee Member of the Bar Council (until deceased). Indeed his legal career had played a significant role in bridging his life closer to the society at large. Ironically, his last few days were spent while discharging his duties as officer of the court. Fadzil collapsed in court on the 4th of January 1990 while defending a case involving the PJ Municipal Council. He failed to recover and died a week later of stroke and heart problems; he was 43 years old. His sudden departure was greatly missed especially by his families, former partners and former employees. Nearly 1000 people attended his funeral and the Tahlil procession. Almost all his peers from the bar were present and quite a number from the bench turned up. Even the HRH Sultan and the Regent of Pahang sent their entourage to mark their respect for him. To conclude, Haji Ahmad Fadzil Omar was a great man who managed to colour his short-lived life and the life of others who knew him in lively cheerful colours. May all his good deeds were accepted by God and may he rest peacefully. AI-Fatihah.

R R Chelliah J.S.M

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:44:51 +0000

Born in Kuala Lumpur on the 6th of November 1919 to Dr Ramalingam Chelliah and Mrs Thanagaratnam Chelliah, he moved with his parents to Taiping where Dr. Chelliah practiced, and had his early education at King Edward VII School in Taiping. At a young age of 14, while preparing for his Junior Cambridge exams,he lost his father who succumbed to a short illness. Mrs Chelliah's first task was to prepare Robert to pursue his Law studies in England and at the tender age of 17, he departed by boat for England, to fulfill his father's desire that he should be a lawyer. At this juncture, no one had any inkling that his studies were to be interrupted by the outbreak of World War II and it would be nearly a decade before he would return home. Chelliah went to Downing College at Cambridge University to read law and in October 1939 .By the end of the first year he had run out of funds but having scored a First in Roman Law, was able to secure a scholarship from the Colonial Office where, and in June 1942, he obtained his BA degree with honours. He had to seek employment but found himself in a peculiar dilemma. Because he was coloured he had great difficulty getting a job for which he had the qualifications as these were exclusively for whites. On the other hand, clerical jobs were available, but these were considered an insult to his Cambridge degree and potential employers were embarrassed to accept him for such posts. It was a Catch-22 situation. Finally he answered an advert by the Board of Trade and insisted that he be given a job. After much deliberation, he was appointed an Officer at the Board of Trade Investigation Branch (Black Market Prosecutions section). In 1947, he was called to the Bar and his success was greeted with a tremendous sense of achievement. Robert Chelliah 's admittance to the Honourable Society of Middle Temple marked the beginning of a career that was to span some 40 years. Though his return was imminent, the War had severely disrupted travel and he could not leave England immediately. An account of his sojourn in England during those troubled times was published in the Sunday Tribune on the 16may 1948 under the heading," DELAYED RETURN BOMB HIT OFFICE" He served as a member of the Executive Committee of Indian Students' Union until the building was bombed out. Early that year he was elected to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the International Student Movement House. At Cambridge, Mr Chelliah was President of the Cranworth Law Society .He also captained the Lawn Tennis and Badminton teams and played bridge and squash for the 1 st team as well as rowed for Downing. He played table tennis for Central London and won two silver challenge cups. He first sought pupilage at Drew & Napier but was politely turned down on account of colour .He subsequently accepted the offer by Mr S M Yong who later went become a Federal Court judge. His first cases were mainly criminal in nature. Within a year, he took it upon himself to start his own practice after he turned down an offer to run the Seremban branch office on account of family commitments. He began sharing an office space at No:18 Ampang Street, K.L. where he set up his table and chair, purchased from a second-hand shop. That particular table stayed with him throughout his 40 years of practice and takes pride of place in his office. He took on many leading cases under the emergency laws (now the ISA) which are applied in Court even today. He initiated the Games between the Bench and the Bar which was at first confined to cricket and later expanded to include other games. The interstate Bar Games developed as an off- shoot of the Bench and Bar Games. His other love was horse racing which occupied most of his weekends.. In 1985, he was elected to the Committee of the Selangor Turf Club. This appointment took him to many regional Racing Conferences in Tokyo, Sydney and Paris. He had the privilege of meeting Queen Elizabeth II at his last official engagement in October 1989 when she visited the Selangor Turf Club for the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Cup. In 1956, he completed seven years of practice, entitling him to take on a pupil. During his 40 years of practice, he was pupil master to some 30 lawyers. The pupil of special interest was, of course, David. It was with pride that his firm became known as R R Chelliah Brothers, when David was called to Bar in 1962.It was the first firm of brothers estasblished in Malaya. Due to family commitments, Chelliah turned down several offers of judgeship. His practice was essentially a family practice and over the years three other family members joined the legal fraternity . Chelliah had by this time established himself as a leading criminal lawyer and received much publicity .Among the prominent cases he defended were " The Sleepwalking Case" in 1950, which prompted Justice Taylor in his summing up to the jury to say " It is not a defence under any particular section, it is a specific defence on the special facts of this case. The English Law was flexible." The accused was sentenced to death but it was quashed by the Court of Appeal. The accused was quoted as being the only man in British Criminal history to have escaped the Gallows on the fact that he was asleep while committing the crime. Other cases involved bribery, possession of ammunition, murder, and assault by policemen, criminal breach of trust and cheating. In the Sixties he specialised in Rent Control Tribunal cases and headed the Rent Control Tribunal for some years. He was counsel for Captain Hussein bin Dato'Onn, as he then was, whose application for admission to the Bar was opposed by the Bar Council. He was Chairman of the Bar Council for seven years. During this time the Bar Council was involved in matters which included a move to oppose the ban on Appeals to the Privy Council, proposal for trials by jury for serious cases, the setting up of a free legal aid bureau, better pay, pension for judges, and the setting up of a Commonwealth Court of appeal. He was the defence lawyer in Karthigesu' s case and later defended Dato Harun Idris, MB of Selangor, which inspired a statement from the then Lord President, Y A Tun Mohamad Suffian during the trial, that Chelliah was the best lawyer in the country . His appointment to quasi-government bodies included Chairmanship of the Industrial Court, Chairman of the Wages Council, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry of the Film Industry, Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces, judicial Commissioner and K.L. Municipal Councilor. He was legal adviser to the families of several judges. He was conferred the Johan Setia Mahkota by DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong in 1972. The highlight of his career lay in his ability to summarise in brief terms a complex set of facts and to analyse judgments in difficult cases so as to extract the relevant principles from them. He served as a mentor for many lawyers who now serve on the Bench. He passed away in 1989 whilst very much in active practice. His passing marked the end of an illustrious career of a self made man spanning 40 years. It was the end of an era.

Dev Anand s/o K.T. Arasu

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:46:21 +0000

The late Dev Anand was born on 18 February 1957 and was the holder of the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies from Kingston Polytechnic, England. He also obtained the Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Polytechnic of Central London and thereafter pursued the Bar examination at the Council of Legal Education. He was admitted to the English Bar on 25 November 1986. He served his pupillage under Dato’ Dr Cyrus Das pf Shook Lin & Bok and upon his admission as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court on 9 April 1988, joined the said firm as a legal assistant. To those who knew him, he was in every respect a gentleman and an amiable friend. He was a foe to none and carried out his tasks in a quiet way. The late Dev Anand was only 32 years old when he passed away on 17 September 1989. He will be sadly missed but vividly remembered by his colleagues and contemporaries.

Kalvinder Kaur

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:49:30 +0000

The late Kalvinder Kaur parted us at the prime age of 31 which is the age many at the Bar begin to make their mark. Born on 17 September 1957 in Penang, she received her primary and secondary education in the Assunta school in Petaling Jaya. Attracted to the legal profession, she graduated with a Bachelor of laws honours degree at the University of London in August 1982 and was called to the Bar of the Lincoln’s Inn in July 1983. She returned to Kuala Lumpur with full enthusiasm and after her period of pupillage in the firm of Lawrence Dhillon Associates was called to the Malaysian Bar in June 1984. She practised for a short period in that same firm before returning to London on a British Council scholarship for a masters degree in law at the University College, University of London. She was conferred with the LLM degree in November 1986. She returned to Kuala Lumpur and practised in the legal firms of Nashir Johal and Andrew T C Saw. With her academic knowledge of the law and her intense commitment for the cause of justice, during her short years in practice she was often disillusioned whenever she felt the law failed to meet the ends of justice. She was very disturbed with the events of the judicial crisis in 1988. She called on some of the affected judges to express her deep concern. She participated in all the activities of the Bar Council in protest over the assault on the independent judges. Tun Salleh Abas, the former Lord President, was one of the many who called at her home and paid his last respects at her funeral. The late Kalvinder, affectionately known to her friends as Kal, had a humanitarian side to her. On reading the plight of a blind kidney patient, Satjit Singh, who needed a dialysis machine she spared no time to seek the co-operation of the Malay Mail to raise the required funds through public donations. On hearing of her tragic death, Satjit was reported to have said "I'll never forget her kindness". Kindness was second nature to the late Kal. She indeed personified the adage "a friend in need is a friend indeed". She was full of charm and always cheerful. In his condolence letter to her father, the late Bhag Singh Tugal, the Under Treasurer of Lincoln's Inn described her ''as a student at Lincoln's Inn she became very much one of the family, always known as cheerful, happy and friendly girl. We remember her with great affection." From the severe injuries she suffered in that tragic motor accident on 30 April 1989 near Oxford in England while on holiday she never recovered despite the efforts by the dedicated medical team at the John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford. She was travel1ing with two other Malaysian friends in the same motorcar. One was another Malaysian lawyer friend, the late Meena Kumar Bhagwandas. She and the other died instantaneously. The late Kal succumbed to her injuries and died on 13 May 1989. Her tragic and untimely death robbed the Malaysian Bar a budding committed lawyer, her parents a loving daughter, her siblings Davinder Kaur and Satvinder Singh Tugal, both lawyers, an affectionate sister and society a caring and concerned humanitarian.

Meena Kumari Bhagwandas Jagwani

klbar_editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:55:37 +0000

Meena, the third of the four children of Bhagwandas and Dhanvanthi Jagwani, was born on 2 May 1963. When she died on 30 Apri11989, she was not even 26 years old. For those who knew Meena very well, the pain was acute and the realisation cruel that life is fragile and not understandable. Meena was herself a celebration of life...why then death? Why then ...Meena? It was my privilege to know Meena from when she was a bright-eyed, beaming-smiled, effervescent child, characteristics that she wore gleefully yet gracefully into teenage and adulthood. Meena was my relative, a proud Sindhi by descent, and a fellow alumni of the Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaya. Early in life, at the Bukit Bintang Girl's School, she achieved academic excellence and a sterling presence in dance and movement, sports, oratory, social activism, and prefectorial authority. She shone in University, receiving a 2nd Upper LL.B (Hons) on 1 August 1987 and a pervasive likeability amongst peers and teachers. On graduation, she worked for Mr. Jagjit Singh after having done her pupillage in his Chambers. Described her untimely demise as “a blow to Jagjit Singh & Go”, he affectionately remembers her as “Highly intelligent, meticulous, well-mannered, pleasant, of inner dignity, and one of a rare breed of Assistants……” In early 1989, she went on a British Council scholarship to read for the LL.M at the University of London. She died in an unnecessary and heart-wrenching car accident, taking with her the unfulfilled promise of a great life, and the screaming affection of her parents, 2 brothers, sister, and the innumerable who loved her. Meena was agile, expressive, delicate in movement and spirit, and yet able to weave through life with zest, and the marginal sense of daring and adventure. She was always of even temperament, confident, and easily spreading an infectious sense of warmth and quiet confidence. She was a beautiful human being. A happy and measured Hindu by conviction, she lived poised and tranquil, drawing from The Bhagavad Gita:

He who finds happiness within, who delights within, and who is illumined by the inner-light, that yogi becomes one with God and attains liberation.

I knew Meena very well.... the pain on seeing her go was acute. And the memory still hurts. May God bless her.

Koay Swee Lin

klbar_editor — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:49:37 +0000

The late Koay Swee Lin was born on 3 November 1962. A Monash University graduate and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, she read in the Chambers of Ms Letitia Gaw and Mr WSW Davidson and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 14 January 1989. The late Koay Swee Lin practised law in Kuala Lumpur in the firm of Chong Harcharan Hashim (as it was then known) until her demise in 1992. She is greatly missed by her family and friends.

Alexis Diana a/p Alexander Gerald

klbar_editor — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 12:51:43 +0000

Alexis Diana, or simply Diana to her colleagues at the Bar, always felt that her profession was in fact her calling. The practice of law, to her, served a greater purpose – to enrich lives and to protect the most vulnerable of society. To Diana, her law practice at Messrs A. Diana & Co. which she founded in the year 1998 was her ministry. Diana was a committed Christian with an unshakeable faith which guided her in every facet of her life, including her law practice. Diana always had a passion for the law even as she began her career as a teacher. Shortly after the birth of her youngest daughter, Diana read law by way of distance learning from the University of Wolverhampton. She subsequently completed her CLP and went on to earn a Masters in Law from the University of Malaya. Diana’s practice was predominantly in the area of family law. To her clients, she was more than just their lawyer – she was their friend and confidante. Often, she would spend hours counselling them, going above and beyond her call of duty. She found fulfillment in saving difficult marriages, empowering women in abusive relationships and protecting children in custody battles. She was highly principled and her strong will was often disguised by her gentle and nurturing exterior. Today, the Bar remembers a dedicated practitioner and member of the Bar. To her family, we remember a cherished and much-loved wife, mother and grandmother. Her unwavering passion for the law was second only to her deep love and utmost dedication to her husband Allen Lopez, her children, Robert, Tanya and Tricia, children-in-law, Lauren and Vijayan and to her three grandchildren, Noah, Nikhil and Lucy, whom she adored. Her family was her pride and joy. Diana’s husband, my father, Allen Lopez carries on her legacy at the firm which she founded 17 years ago. He has persevered to carry on with the practice despite the grief of losing his beloved wife. We know, deep down in our hearts, that this is what my mother would have desired. May Almighty God grant Diana, my beloved mother, everlasting and eternal rest in Heaven till we meet again one day.

Ameenuddin bin Mohamed Ibrahim

klbar_editor — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 12:55:02 +0000

The late Ameenuddin bin Mohamed Ibrahim was born on 20 November 1947 in India and was brought to Malaya by his father who was a jeweller in the town of Seremban. Ameenuddin received his early education at the King George V English School in Seremban where he completed his Senior Cambridge Examination. He was an outstanding student and took an active part in a number of extra-mural activities and excelled in hockey. On 1 July 1968, Ameenuddin joined the Royal Malaysia Police as a Probationary Inspector and after his successful completion of his officer’s training, he was posted to Malacca Police Headquarters in the Special Branch Section of the Police Force. While in the service, Ameenuddin represented Malaysia at Hockey at the Olympics in 1968 held in Mexico and also the Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1970. He had represented the nation for over ten years in hockey and had been a source of great inspiration to the youth. Ameenuddin was dedicated and worked hard in the promotion and development of hockey in Malaysia and he proved to be a sportsman of outstanding calibre. In 1980, Ameenuddin was acting Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Special Branch at the State Police Headquarters Negeri Sembilan, Seremban when he left the Police Force to study law at the then University College, Buckingham in the United Kingdom. Upon completing his law studies in the United Kingdom, Ameenuddin returned to Malaysia and completed his CLP and joined a legal firm in Kuala Lumpur. Eventually he set up his own practice where he specialised in the practice of Criminal Law. Ameenuddin was married and blessed with two sons aged 21 and 20. Ameenuddin passed away on 10 November 2015 at the Wad Rawatan Koronari, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur due to extensive myocardial interaction. He was made to rest on the same day.

Mohd Daud bin Mohd Nor

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:50:25 +0000

Allahyarham Mohd Daud bin Mohd Nor dilahirkan pada 2 Mei 1948, di Kedah. Allahyarham meninggal dunia pada 11 Oktober 2015 pada pukul 2:20 pagi. Allahyarham meninggalkan dua orang balu serta dua orang anak. Beliau adalah seorang suami dan bapa yang penyayang dan adalah seorang yang suka meluangkan masa lapang dengan keluarganya. Beliau juga seorang yang ceria, tidak lekang dengan senyuman dibibir dan amatlah peramah. Beliau sebagai seorang peguam yang sangat berdedikasi, beribawa, komited terhadap kerja dan sentiasa mengutamakan kepentingan masyarakat khususnya anak guam dan bertoleransi serta disegani sepanjang pengamalan beliau. Allahyarham juga sangat rendah diri dan seorang majikan yang sangat disenangi oleh rakan sekerja beliau. Walaupun kehilangannya amat terkesan di hati kami namun kami sentiasa mempunyai memori yang manis dan baik mengenai beliau dan sentiasa mendoakan beliau berada di kalangan orang-orang yang beriman dan sentiasa di dalam rahmat Allah Taala. Sesungguhnya kepada Dia kita datang dan kepadaNya jua kita akan kembali. Al-Fatihah.

Sothinathan Kanagasingam

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:54:51 +0000

Sothinathan Kanagasingam was the 5^th child of Mr and Mrs Kanagasingam Arumugam, born into a family of nine children. His adventures in life began in Ipoh, Perak on 12 June 1934. He left to Sri Lanka with the family when he was 4, and returned to Malaya when the family came back in 1940. The Kanagasingams settled down in Bukit Mertajam where Mr Kanagasingam was posted as stationmaster. Sothinathan or Sothi as he was popularly known, completed his schooling in Bukit Mertajam High School and Penang, before embarking on his chosen career studies of Law. He left for England in 1956 on a month long journey on the passenger ship Chu San. Coincidence or fate, he shared his cabin with another young aspiring law student, Ang Chui Lai, who was headed to the same college as Sothinathan. Sothi graduated from Lincoln’s Inn with honours and was called to the Bar on 21 November 1961. With this achievement came also a tinge of sadness when Sothi lost his father that same year. Upon his return in early 1962, he began practice with the law firm of YS Lee & Co. This was a short stint for Sothi. He, together with Ang Chui Lai, decided to set up Messrs Sothi & Ang, Advocates & Solicitors in 1965 in Kuala Lumpur. He initially dabbled in Criminal Law, but quickly found his forte in Commercial and Corporate Law. Both Sothi and Ang enjoyed the day to day challenges of practice, and while doing business with foreign investors. The firm of Messrs Sothi & Ang celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2014. In 1963, Sothi met the love of his life and the grounding force of his married life, Ms. Pathmavathi Rasiah. They married in 1965 and were blessed with two girls and a boy. Pathma looked after Sothi impeccably. He never had to worry about the household, his needs and wants were looked into. From his breakfast in bed in the mornings, to his ever present “puttu” for dinner, Pathma will put Sothi first every single time. Sothi always knew Pathma was his strength. In 1965, Sothi’s mother also passed away. The firm of Messrs Sothi & Ang, with its workforce of about 25 staff continued to thrive in MUI Plaza before and now being located in Wisma Bandar, Kuala Lumpur. A testament to both Sothi and Ang, most of his staff have remained loyal and some have served for more than 40 years. Sothi was a God fearing man, and lived his life as such. His high morals made all those in contact with him adhere to the same exacting standards. His acquaintance with the Norwegian business goes back to as early as 1965 when he was instrumental in helping to establish the first Norwegian Company in Malaysia in Norse Crown (M) Sdn. Bhd., a trading company which is in the trading and distribution business. Norse Crown was wholly owned by Tiedemanns of Oslo, a large multinational conglomerate. Jotun (M) Sdn. Bhd. was founded by him in 1983 together with Kjell Swendsen. He was an active member of the board of directors and shareholder and was proud to see Jotun here growing from a small operator to an active and vibrant operator of which is among the top three paint companies in Malaysia including being the Regional Management R&D Centre for the region. With the addition of his two granddaughters, whom he adored, Sothi would wait for their annual summer holidays which they would spend with him and Pathma. He indulged them in every possible way, and enjoyed spoiling them with his little treats, making special desserts, and teaching them to cook with him. Today we see these wonderful traits of Sothi in these children. Sothi has shown us what it means to make your mark in this world, by filling the hearts of people with laughter, and happiness. To be young at heart and mind. To respect your peers and to bow before God. To serve and be humble to your fellow man. To nurture and support those in need. To stand by your principles and hold yourself up to a higher standard. To love and be loved with no reservation.

Chin Choon @ Chin Tee Fut

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:47:42 +0000

Chin Choon @ Chin Tee Fut, or more popularly known in the legal circle as TF Chin, an Advocate and Solicitor and the Senior Partner of Messrs Chin & Rakan Rakan, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 16 February 2016, after a short illness. He was 2 weeks shy of his 79th birthday. Coming from very serious Chinese background, he went on to pursue Chinese studies and obtain First Class Honours degree from Taiwan’s National Chengchi University in Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies and Literature. TF Chin, once a former political secretary to the former Finance Minister, Tun Tan Siew Sin, then left the civil service and went to England to complete the Bar admission requirement with Lincoln’s Inn. Upon returning to his homeland, he joined the ranks of many of his friends from Lincoln’s Inn and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in September 1984. His passion in studying military strategy and techniques and his equal love for Chinese literature has resulted in TF Chin producing many poems and literature works. Some of his Chinese writings and works have been showcase in renowned universities in Hong Kong and China. His last works were produced in five volumes documenting all of the interesting life's challenges that he has gone through! It is without doubt, his love for the letter of law was such that, despite the inability to speak the Malay language but yet without a taint of regret, he started to learn the Malay language by memorising Legal Dictionary when many of his peers were incapacitated by their lack of the language. He was a unique character and a very much loved person in legal circles! Known as a man of dignity and one who practised his legal work diligently and fairness without any fear or favour. He will be deeply missed by all his staff, who have regarded him as their patriarch in the firm that he had run successfully for the past 31 years. He has demonstrated his love and care and kindness towards anyone and I can testify that he lived among people and not above people. Greeting the guards and the cleaner lady in the quiet Court corridors in the wee hours of the morning before the Court proceedings starts. I am glad to say that it has been my honour that I have had the opportunity of calling him my Pupil Master, my employer and finally my partner since 1994 until his untimely departure. I am glad to have known a meek and a simple man despite his fiery character that he demonstrated boldly in Court. I have learned much from him and I can say that much of my practice is formed after what he has taught me in my young career. TF Chin is survived by his wife, Kay Chi Kuan Kew and sons, CL Chin (a former Member of the Bar) and Chin Cheng Yun, a Bank Manager. He firmly believed in the notion that “The Earth can sink, the Sun can lose its shine but justice cannot be denied” was what got him to be who he was. I know that if he is given the chance to live his life again, he will do exactly the same. Fighting the same adversary with much zeal and courage. To that long and illustrious legal journey that he had, we bid you, TF Chin farewell as laid the tiger to rest!

Haji Mohamed Razif bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yeop

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:56:59 +0000

I had only an incomplete picture of Allahyarham. All that I knew from my limited time with him was that he was a Lenggong native, born on 28 July 1960. He was the tenth from eleven siblings. He had spent most of his childhood in the United Kingdom, when his father was the Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was a proud product of Malay College Kuala Kangsar or MCKK as it is usually known. The practice of law was in his blood as his father, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yeop prior to his appointment as High Commissioner was a Magistrate and later, a lawyer. In following the footsteps of his father, Allahyarham went on to read law in Southampton University and was called to the Utter Bar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 1984, as was his father before him. On 13^th of July 1985, after his return to Malaysia he was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya and went on to take over the management of the legal firm of his father and uncle, Messrs Aziz & Mazlan. The firm, Messrs Aziz & Mazlan (as Messrs Razif Abdul Aziz & Partners was formerly known) was his life and pride. He toiled tirelessly to return the firm to its glorious state, as it is today. In 1986, he married Puan Zaiton binti Dato’ Jamaluddin and was blessed with two daughters, Nur Katrina, Nur Ellena and a son, Mohamed Ainal Ikram. His two daughters followed his footsteps and went on to join the legal fraternity as Advocates & Solicitors in 2010 and in 2016 respectively. Apart from legal practice, Allahyarham was also a committee member of the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce and was the Chairman of the Professional Committee of the said Chamber. He also held non-executive directorship in various companies. He sat on the Board of Hwa Tai Berhad and was a member of the Audit Committee of the said company. Despite all his achievements, health was not on his side and it steadily declined until his passing. Yet, not once did he abandon his pride and joy; his legal firm. He remained resolute even as his health steadily abandoned him. Ignoring the pain and affliction, he would totter out of the elevator, his arrival pronounced by the clacking sound his cane made as he slowly made his way into the office. He was loved and feared by equal measures by his staffs but one thing he was not unkind. His kindness inspired fierce respect and loyalty in even the humblest of his staffs and his circle of friends. He was direct in his speech and when you least expect it, would be laden with his own brand of humour. Conversations with him would always be educational, be it in matters of life or legal practice. It has been his wish that his good work, his firm is to be continued, to be passed on from one generation to the next. His good work is now continued in the able hands of his family members. To live is for us to accept the fact that time, our time, is finite. Yet to wish for more time is to be human. Indeed, we wish we had more time with him. Had he reached 15 November 2016, his marriage with Puan Zaiton binti Dato’ Jamaluddin would have been 30 solid years. Had he lived for one month and one week longer, he could have shared the happiness that is his first grandchild; Khalif Adzeen bin Muhammad Amir. Alas, might-have-beens and could-have-beens could not alter the fact that he had been called to meet his Maker and as bitter as it is, accept it we must. He was a good husband, Papa to his children, the “Boss” to his staffs, a mentor to those who knew him as I did. He is no longer with us but his legacy will live on. He is greatly missed by all of us. Goodbye, for now. May we meet again in the place where there is no darkness, InsyaAllah.

Wong Sai Fong

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 08:59:29 +0000

One last thought, one last thought for Wong Sai Fong. A man so kind, a man so calm, a man so forgiving and a man so learned. One last thought for a man, so bespoke in the law and in character, whose initials can be the hallmark bearers for Will, Strength and Fortitude (WSF). I once read that the word "GONE", is one of the saddest words in the English language, regardless of whichever context it is used. For that matter, in any language. It pains me greatly to associate this word with the passing of a dear friend, partner and colleague, Mr Wong Sai Fong, who passed away prematurely on 19 May 2016. His grieving family have requested me to eulogise his life for which I am greatly honoured and humbled. I extend my kindest and fondest thanks in return. Sai Fong leaves behind his treasure of a family, who miss him greatly, namely, his wife, Madam Christina Chia, managing partner of Christina Chia Law Chambers, his first daughter, Myreke Wong who is a financial controller, his second daughter Joshinae Wong, who is also a lawyer and his last daughter, Jueneke Wong, who is currently pursuing a degree in creative writing at Monash University. He leaves behind his granddaughter Geyeon Lau aged 8 and his grandson Elryeon Lau, who was born 4 weeks ago. His demise both derailed and devastated me somewhat as Sai Fong was inevitably the first person I saw each day at the office. We spent much of our work day together and I cannot help but feel engulfed by the loss and the deafening silence of his absence as I am paying tribute to his life. Born on 1 April 1953 in Kuala Lumpur to Mr Wong Pun Kooi and Madam Tang Yuet Seng, he was the fourth child and was the eldest boy out of his seven siblings. He attended Bukit Bintang Boys School, his Alma Mater which he remained proud of until his passing. Sai Fong had very humble beginnings at Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co. He started out as an IP clerk in the 70s. He went on to pursue law at the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn and was called to the English Bar in 1977. Upon his return to Malaysia, he was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1980 and to the Singapore Bar in 1993, respectively. After being called to the Malaysian Bar, he embarked on his legal career at Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co., at the Intellectual Property department. His sheer hard work and passion saw him rise through the ranks as a legal assistant to partner and then to managing partner of Shearn Delamore between 2007 to 2010. He played an active role in the management of Shearn Delamore up to the time of his demise and he genuinely loved being a part of the firm. He was proud of the sterling traditions and standards associated with the firm. His unerring sense of purpose and duty led him to serve the firm tirelessly. He truly was a home grown son of Shearn Delamore. His other passion was badminton, which he continued to play twice weekly rigorously, until he fell ill earlier this year. He held office as the Vice President of the Selangor Badminton Association in the 1980s and 1990s. Let me tell you at the outset, that Sai Fong was a great force of authority in the IP circles locally and abroad. He was a seasoned IP litigation luminary. He knew no greater excitement than the law and was passionate about litigating in Court. Very often, as first impressions go, Sai Fong would often be mistaken to be an innocuous opponent in Court largely because of his simple, humble and somewhat quiet disposition. He could mesomorph in an instant with his supreme knowledge of the law and his skilful prowess in Court. All this done with everlasting charm, ease, wit and a smile. Mr Wong Sai Fong's talents were many, he was a magician in Court, a brilliant strategist with clients' cases, a smiling warrior with opponent lawyers and a suave and debonair gentleman in character. His legal brilliance was unrivalled. Career wise, he was very successful which had nothing to do with him being bestowed with opportune fortuity, but rather, he was guided by his sheer diligent industriousness. It is regrettable that many may not truly appreciate or understand the legal mind or skill set that Mr Wong Sai Fong had in his arsenal until and unless one worked long and closely with him or was up as an opponent against him. Sai Fong was the nation's top IP superstar until his demise and was extremely well regarded both locally and overseas. Being a prolific litigator, he was responsible for many successful landmark precedent setting IP cases which are numerous to list. He was passionate about work and excelled at it. He enjoyed being in the office every day and kept a busy work schedule until he fell ill, rarely going on leave, medical or otherwise. I have had the sublime pleasure of assisting and being co-counsel with Sai Fong over the years. In doing so, I have been a silent witness to the impact carried by his ingenuity in thought and creative arguments which have at most times, derailed opponents, pleased judges and left other members of the Bar, including me, in sheer awe and admiration in the wake of his victories! Mr Wong Sai Fong in Court has to be described only through superlatives: Unpredictable, Quick thinking and he stood head and shoulders above all else with minimalist preparation! Clients sought him for his legal expertise and strategies. From Honda to McDonald's, Sai Fong's expertise was seen to be exquisite and unrivalled. Clients had supreme confidence in his capabilities and he was not afraid to try anything. His legal brilliance would then take over and in most cases ultimately lead him to success. Mr Wong Sai Fong was a real workhorse and up to the time of his recent illness, he consistently worked very very hard. He was in the office every day except when he was overseas attending conferences. He showed by example that there was no better way to success except hard work. Sai Fong's contribution to the local IP scene was also substantial. He held positions in various IP bodies such as MIPA, APPA etc. He was also a past president of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Association (MIPA). He was also largely consulted and involved in the formulation of amendments to IP laws in Malaysia as he sat as a member on ad hoc government committees set up to review existing intellectual property laws or to propose amendments to existing laws. Here is a tabulation of some of the achievements and accolades presented in various global publications: Awards and recognition The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2002-2016: a “Leading Individual” Asialaw Profiles 2013-2016: a “Recommended Lawyer” Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2004-2016: Asialaw Leading Lawyer Chambers Asia Pacific 2009-2016: a “Leader in their Field” WTR1000 2011-2016: a “Gold Individual” Managing IP 2014-2016 "IP Stars" "... The masterful Wong Sai Fong who many consider to be the smartest and most experienced litigator in the market..." - World Trademark Review “Sai Fong Wong is known throughout Asia as one of the best in his field". -AsiaLaw 2014 “Wong Sai Fong is extremely well regarded in this field ...his top class reputation is built on his long standing presence in the market as well as his outstanding litigation skills" - Chambers Asia Pacific 2013 "Sai Fong Wong enjoys legendary status among peers: he is amazing in the Court room. He delivers extremely convincing but easy to understand arguments as if it were nothing." - IAM Patent 1000 Looking at his achievements, which are several, you will see why I say that he is a hard act to follow. For someone who was at the helm of stature and success, he was an anti-thesis of sorts. He was simple yet intelligent, humble yet confident, charming yet unassuming. He had a great sense of humour too, which is probably why the both of us got on so well. Capacity of Mind, Fullness of heart, Creativity in Thought, Genuineness in Deeds, Kindness in Generosity, Compassion in Forgiveness; these are only but a few descriptions of Wong Sai Fong. After his demise, the outpouring of grief from common strangers down to my 400 odd strong colleagues at Shearn and across to the legal fraternity both local and abroad was astounding. Grown men and women wept unashamedly. It was a curious event to witness which led me into deep ponder. The contemplation soon came to light and gave way to the preponderance of his good nature which was innate in him to touch so many. It holds true the saying “the saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory”. For all who knew him, we know that the moments we shared with him will now become a lasting memory. This was the case even when he was fighting for his life. His firmness in purpose was intact even during that trying period, never once did his fortitude waver during his illness. Nevertheless the fight! Nonetheless the loss. Never shall we forget! For his dear family and friends, the loss is beyond words, but then again so is his love and rich legacy that he has left behind for them. In my eyes, I see only a LEGEND, whose memory will continue to endure. He was beloved, he was at the behest of his career, he went beyond his calling to help so many, he bedazzled all of us in Court, he was Wong Sai Fong, he who has left us with his distinctive traits and his trademark signature of kindness. One last thought for my dearest friend Wong Sai Fong, May God Bless the LEGEND and may his soul rest in eternal peace. "As the sun alone illuminates this entire world, so does the one who resides in the field who illuminates the entire field." - Bhagavadgita.

Moghan a/l Muthiah

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:00:47 +0000

Moghan Muthiah was born in Muar on 18 September 1952. He read law at the University of Singapore and obtained his Degree of Bachelor of Laws on 19 May 1976. Moghan Muthiah served his pupillage in the firm of Ariffin & Ooi under Mr Lee Siew Choong from 1 May 1976 to 5 November 1976 and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya on 15 November 1976. Moghan Muthiah passed away on 23 May 2016 and at the time of his demise was practising in his own law firm of Moghan & Co. He is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Hew Kuen Yee

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:04:12 +0000

Hew Kuen Yee was born and raised in Ipoh. She was the second in a family of four. After her secondary education, she attained her first job as a secretary in an accounting firm in Kuala Lumpur. After a number of years she moved on to Arthur Anderson to be the personal secretary for one of the partners. During this tenure she began her law studies having developed an interest in the legal profession. It had not been easy for her to juggle a full time job and to read law. However, being a determined and focused person, she persevered and worked her way to complete her law studies and graduated with Honours from the University of London. Thus began a new chapter when she joined the legal profession. A meticulous, careful and pleasant person, Kuen Yee developed good rapport with her many clients, fellow colleagues and bosses. As a practising lawyer she served in CS Tang & Co for many years rising up to the position of senior lawyer. As a friend, Kuen Yee was loyal, faithful and always willing to lend a helping hand to all in need. She was very much the ‘big’ sister to all her siblings, taking close interest and caring for all of their well-being. A dog lover, she spent most of her leisure time looking after her beloved Golden Retriever. Besides that she enjoyed traveling with her many good friends and classmates she has kept in touch with since her school days. It came as a shock when illness struck her in November 2015. She valiantly put up a good fight and was positively looking to return to work soonest. Alas, it was not to be and she passed away peacefully on 2 August 2016 surrounded by her closest family and friends. Kuen Yee had touched many hearts and will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Venu Nair

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:45:42 +0000

The late Mr Venu K P Nair was called to the English Bar on 24 November 1981 and to the Malaysian Bar on 30 October 1982. He held a Degree in Law with Second Class Honours and was also a Barrister-At-Law of the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. Mr Venu Nair was in active practice for about thirty-three years. He set up the sole-proprietorship firm of Venu Nair & Co in mid-1985 and practised under that name until about mid-November 1999. In mid-December 1999 he joined the firm of Paul Cheah & Associates as a partner at its Kuala Lumpur Branch. From the year 2015 until his passing away on 12 August 2016, he was practising as sole proprietor under the firm name of The Chambers of V Nair. During his thirty-three years in practice, Mr Venu Nair was very actively involved in civil litigation, both commercial and otherwise. He had also appeared in a few criminal cases where acquittals had been procured. Over the years, Mr Venu Nair was very actively involved in banking litigation wherein he had represented both individuals and corporations, in numerous suits instituted against them by banks and financial institutions. Mr Venu Nair has prosecuted land matters both at the High Court and Federal Court level. He also resisted foreclosures and winding up proceedings. Mr Venu Nair was very familiar with the litigation aspects of law in relation to hire-purchase and banking and represented clients in litigation concerning such matters on several occasions. Mr Venu Nair appeared in all the Courts and have made several appearances in the highest Appellate Court in the country. Despite being predominantly a litigation lawyer, Mr Venu Nair was also experienced in conveyancing work having drafted, perused and vetted agreements in relation to both conveyancing and corporate matters. Mr Venu Nair was a committed and dedicated lawyer who gave his best to whichever case he was working on. He enjoyed the challenges of his career and was true to his calling. It can safely be said that he lived and breathed the law. He is survived by his wife Thangam K Ramnath, daughter Priyadarshini and son Vikraman. Thangam K Ramnath (Mrs Venu Nair) ***** My father Mr Venu K P Nair was not just a kind, gentle and loving father to my brother and me but also someone who always placed the needs of others before his own. He was a passionate lawyer and I believe a credit to the legal profession. My father who we called “Acha” had a good sense of humour and was always full of entertaining stories. There was never a dull moment with Acha around. His love for the law was undeniable and the passion with which he spoke about it captured our attention each and every time. He will always be remembered and deeply missed by all those who knew him and loved him. We love you very much Acha and the sweet memories of you will live on forever in our lives. Priyadarshini Venu Nair (Mrs Dinesh Sekhar)

Datuk Fatimah bte Sulaiman

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 09:51:39 +0000

Fatimah Sulaiman, the youngest daughter of Tuan Hj Sulaiman Mohd Don and Hajah Maimunah Awang was born in Muar in 1958 and read law at the University of London whereupon she graduated with an LL.B (Honours) in 1982. In 1983 she was called to the English Bar as an utter Barrister of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, United Kingdom. In 1984, following her period of pupillage, she was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. Fatimah’s admission as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya has indeed given great satisfaction and immense pride to her late father, Hj Sulaiman Mohd Don, an ex-government servant who rose from the rank and file of a clerk to ultimately become the Pengarah Tanah & Galian Selangor when he retired in 1977 who at one time harboured great hope to become a lawyer himself. In fact upon completion of his A Level at the Muar High School, Hj Sulaiman was given a place in Cambridge University to read law but unfortunately World War 2 broke out, which shattered the young man’s hope and dream. The old man therefore saw in Fatimah’s success in becoming a lawyer the only one in her family as a fulfilment of his own dream! Upon her admission, Fatimah plunged immediately into legal practice. During her 4 years as a Legal Assistant in Messrs Nik Saghir, Yaacob & Ismail (from 1984-1987), she worked in the corporate department of the firm and assisted in the corporatisation and subsequent privatisation of Jabatan Telekom Malaysia. She was also seconded by the firm to Heavy Industries Corporation Malaysia Berhad (HICOM) now DRB-Hicom Bhd as a Company Secretary cum Legal Advisor on two separate occasions from June 1985 till November 1985 and April 1986 till June 1986 respectively. When she left Messrs Nik Saghir, Yaacob & Ismail, she went to work as a Legal Officer cum Assistant Company Secretary with Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad from 1987 to 1988 where she inter alia advised on defamatory suits against the company, the restructuring of the debt collection department of the company and the preparation of Collective Bargaining Agreements between the company and its unions. In 1989, she returned to active legal practice by founding the legal firm of Messrs Fatimah, Kei & Leong with two other partners, namely Kei Suan Lye and Leong Tuck Kong. As a founding partner of the firm, she was inter alia entrusted with the supervision of all areas of law practice by the firm and also acted as company secretary and trade mark agent to the firm’s clients. She provided advice and counsel for a portfolio of clientele which include private and public companies on a wide range of legal matters, including negotiating and drafting, advising and acting on merger and acquisition matters, restructuring exercises, compliance with regulatory frameworks, dispute resolutions and providing independent views on risk management. She was also privileged to work with other lawyers in advising the Government and the various shareholders of Cyberview Sdn Bhd and Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd on land matters (in particular land acquisition procedures) in the development of the MSC Super Corridor in Cyberjaya. Her experience also included but not limited to acting for companies and consortiums which were entrusted to implement special projects in Namibia and South Africa, based on a Government to Government level of co-operation and collaboration. As an active voluntary social worker, she has undertaken pro-bono works by acting as Honorary Legal Advisor to Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor since 1990, where she was actively involved in one of the more notable projects embarked by the Association, the Economic Empowerment Programme for the Disabled Youth. She was also actively involved with Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (RACTAR) where she assisted the association with their legal matters and helped to raise funds for the orphans under the care of the association. But her most active involvement with voluntarism was the humanitarian works and activities she has undertaken with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS). She started as a mere fund raiser with the organisation about twenty years ago and then rose to become its National Honorary Treasurer from 2004 till 2010. She has also served as the National Chairman of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Legal Affairs Committee of MRCS where she participated in several national and international forums on IHL. She provided assistance to the Government in setting up the inter-ministerial National IHL Committee and helped organised international forums in Kuala Lumpur such as the Roundtable on IHL and Asia-Pacific International Forum on Disaster Law (IDRL); assisted the Malaysian Council of Security in the Prime Minister’s Department (MKN) on the proposed draft National Disaster Act; and served regularly as a judge in the International Law Moot Competition (National level) and the Jessup Moot Competition organised by the various universities in the country in collaboration with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). She has also served on several Committees in MRCS, contributing her experience and expertise in various leadership positions on a voluntary basis. From 2010 and until her untimely demised, she was the Chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent-Selangor Branch, after having served as the National Honorary Treasurer of MRCS. As Chairman, she was responsible for the revitalisation of the MRCS-Selangor Branch having presided over its evolution from a first-aid oriented organisation into a more dynamic socio-emergency Branch especially in harnessing the spirit of volunteerism amongst its members and the advocating of humanitarian endeavours. Her efforts in introducing progressive changes within the Branch in order to meet the increasing demands of changing times have undoubtedly borne its fruits. Throughout her years with MRCS, she together with her fellow members in the organisation’s National Executive Board formulated and nurtured the strategic directions of MRCS as a premier humanitarian organisation in the country with various engagements such as mapping out post war rehabilitation assistance programme for the Iraq war victims, providing international relief aid in response to international appeals vis-a-vis the Tsunami Disasters in Japan and Acheh, Indonesia, earthquakes in Pakistan, Iran and China, the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, the Haiyan Typhoon in the Philippines and the victims of the armed conflict in Gaza, Palestine, to name a few. On the local front, they led the delivering of support in the emergency phases as well as the rehabilitation and rebuilding phases of disaster management during the floods in the northern States of Peninsula Malaysia as well as the recent big floods in the East Coast. She was appointed that year as the Deputy Chairman for the “Collaboration of NGOs for Relief Distribution for the Johor Floods” by the then Minister of Women, Family & Community Development. In addition to this, she was the Assistant-Secretary of the Malaysian South-South Association (MASSA) and the Editor of its newsletter, a position she held until her death. In her capacity as editor she helped promote and enhance co-operation between the private sectors from Malaysia and Latin America and other South-South countries on matters pertaining to the economy, trade and culture, in collaboration with those countries’ respective embassies in Malaysia and organisations such as MATRADE and MITI. While serving on the Governing Council of the Malaysian Institute of Directors (MID) from 2001-2002, she presented a paper on Corporate Governance in Bali in 2002 and made proposals pertaining to the regulatory frameworks and instruments pertaining to Malaysian director’s roles and responsibilities. In appreciation of her dedication and years of active voluntary service to MRCS, she has been honoured with several MRCS awards and accolades. For her public service to the nation, she was a recipient of two Federal Government awards namely, Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) and Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) which carries the title Datuk bestowed upon her by His Majesty the King of Malaysia in 2006 and 2016 respectively. On the artistic front, she was also active in the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society (SEACS), West Malaysian Chapter, for 10 years (2005-2015), initially as its Vice-Chairman in 2005 and the following year till 2015 as Chairman having taken over that position from her illustrious predecessor and fellow lawyer, the legendary Tan Sri P.G. Lim who was elevated to the position of Honourable Patron of the society. During the tenure as Chairman, Fatimah lent her considerable and invaluable legal expertise and experience (with the MRCS), to help the society in updating and amending its constitution which has hitherto never been updated since its inception in 1973. And as art collectors, we have been actively collecting Malaysian artworks since the early 1990s, with special focus on the works of the country’s contemporary artists. Our art collection, together with books, monographs and catalogues on art, photography and design is housed discretely in Ruang Pemula (RuPé), our pioneering art space located in rented premises below my legal firm, in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. This joint endeavours is our labour of love which has indeed given us so much pleasure together and other intangible rewards, for we do not collect art for investment purposes. As is evident by now, Fatimah was indeed a fighter for the various noble and humanitarian causes enumerated above. As such we must bear witness to that kind of commitment and dedication, because it is simply a rare commodity in our ever more materialistic pursuits. For such selflessness I have often quipped in jest to friends and relatives in describing her as “a full time charity worker and a part time lawyer”, especially in the last 10 to 15 years of her life. When sometime in early December 2015, Fatimah was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer following a series of persistent and excruciating stomach pains. She took the devastating news with calm and great self-control or fortitude. She instructed me not to divulge this information to others save for very close relatives and friends. This is simply because she doesn’t want others to take pity upon her condition. As in good health she was also a fighter during ill health. She fought the debilitating effect of the aggressive cancer cells which have by then spread from her endometritis (which diagnosis had earlier lead to the removal of her womb) to her lymph nodes, with verve, grit and also wit. She still doggedly pursued her humanitarian works for MRCS despite being wheelchair bound in the last 2 months of her life. One notable example was her attendance at the Beach Club Cafe in Jalan P. Ramlee on 10 September 2016 for its 17^th Charity Jam Session 2016 where MRCS-Selangor Branch (along with a few other charitable organisations) were to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from that session. She had attended that session on wheelchair after being discharged from Gleneagles Medical Centre only in the afternoon of that day. Despite being terminally ill she tenaciously went on with her humanitarian works until she finally succumbed to the cancer on 27 September 2016. Her tenacity, dedication and commitment in the last few months of her life can best be described by the title of A. Samad Ismail’s novel, “Patah Sayap Terbang Jua”! Her untimely demised has certainly left a huge hole in both my 17 year old son, Iqbal’s and my life and only time may perhaps be able to heal our deep lost. It’s trite to say, that one’s life is not measured by its length but by its quality. In this we are indeed comforted by Fatimah who has lived a full and committed life. Her life may well be exemplified and captured succinctly and beautifully by the following two lines from Chairil Anwar’s famous poem, “Diponegoro”: “Sekali bererti Sudah itu mati” In Fatimah’s case, we may with the necessary apologies amend it slightly to read as follows: “Beberapa kali bererti Sudah itu mati” This may well be a most fitting epitaph for my dear and beloved Fatimah.

Hor Sweet Mui

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:02:41 +0000

My sister, Hor Sweet Mui was born in Kuala Lumpur on 7 October 1966. She received her secondary school education in Ampang Road Girls’ School, Kuala Lumpur. After having completed her STPM in 1985, she went on to pursue her LL.B from University of London (External) and obtained a second class lower result. She continued her studies for the CLP in University Malaya and successfully completed it in 1994. She did her pupillage with Messrs. Chan & Associates under her master, Mr. Yap Foo Ken. During her nine months pupillage, she specialised in conveyancing and litigation work for the law firm. Subsequently, she was called to the Bar in 1995. She started her career as a legal assistant specialising in conveyancing and litigation work in two law firms; Messrs. Nazri Aziz & Wong (1996 - 1998) and Iza Ng Yeoh & Kit (1998 – 2000). In year 2000, she partnered with two lawyers to set up a legal firm named Messrs. Hoo & Co. My sister’s dream was to become a lawyer. Her answer would always be “lawyer” whenever her teachers asked her about her ambition when she was in the primary school. She wanted to be a lawyer because she wanted to champion legal causes for the great good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer. Her journey to become a lawyer was not easy, she had to work part-time to self- finance her studies but her determination to become a lawyer outweighed her suffering and hardship. As a lawyer, she was particularly meticulous in her work especially in drafting agreements and preparing loan documentations. As she was quite a perfectionist in nature, she expected her staff to give their best in their work and the outcome of it was many developers engaged Messrs. Hoo & Co. for many of their projects. She would also give her best to her family. She would be a point of reference whenever her sisters needed advice be it legal, financial or even medical. Her sound advice and words of wisdom will forever be remembered by her loved ones. She was always very excited about life and she communicated the celebration of life in the way she decorated the house, the plants that she had grown and even planning for celebrations! As a religious person, Sweet Mui was very active in the activities of her Buddhist society and was the secretary of the renowned Tibetan Buddhist Society; Pundarika Malaysia. Her legal advice was sought after by her society as well as the members of the society. She was also well-known and well-loved for her approachable, jovial, friendly and humble nature. She was ready to offer her assistance at any given time. Most of the time, her clients became her personal friends. She put everyone in her life before herself and this special personality of hers had touched the lives and hearts of many. Her family, colleagues, friends and clients bear witness to the fact that she did not expect any recognition in return and she will always live in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Sweet Mui was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2015. Her untimely demise is grim, yet, we take solace in knowing she had led a meaningful and fulfilled life during her momentary sojourn on earth. I am indeed privileged and honoured to be her sister and friend. I will miss you truly and dearly. May you rest in peace my sister, till we meet again. So go and run free So go and run free with the angels Dance around the golden clouds For the Lord has chosen you to be with him And we should feel nothing but proud Although He has taken you from us And our pain a lifetime will last Your memory will never escape us But make us glad for the time we did have Deep inside our hearts Each precious moment you gave us Shall never, ever depart So go and run free with the angels As they sing so tenderly And please be sure to tell them To take good care of you for me Author unknown

Chandra Kumaran Kurup

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:04:38 +0000

Chandra Kumaran Kurup was a noble and well respected lawyer whose career was remarkable for its diversity. Besides running his legal practice for 40 years, he was a former Chairman of the then Selangor & Federal Territory Bar, and served as one of the Chairmen of the Disciplinary Committees under the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board. He is also remembered for being the legal expert on the Radio RTM talk show titled “The Law and Us” which aired in the 90’s. It highlighted his passion for the profession as the show helped provide the common man with a clear understanding of legal matters – a rarity in those days. All this he achieved with characteristic vigour and dedication, always relishing a challenge and he continued serving the legal interests of his clients until he passed on in Subang Jaya, Selangor on 18 October 2016 aged 72. Outside of his practice, Chandra spent most of his time with his family. Somehow, he always found the time to have a chat with his wife and children after a long day poring over cases in the office or defending a client in Court. His passion was the law, but he never forgot the people that were precious to him. He enjoyed family trips, especially those that involved travelling abroad. He was especially fond of watching plays in the various London theatres, and had a fine appreciation for museums and historical sites. The eldest son of 10 children (five girls and five boys), Chandra was born on 2 August 1944. His father Kumaran Kurup was a hospital assistant by profession and owned a dispensary in Senai, Johor. Following the death of his father early in life, Chandra was left to care for his widowed mother Janakiammal Raman and his siblings. Completing primary school at Ngee Heng Primary School, Chandra went on to complete his secondary education and Higher School Certificate at the English College in Johor Bahru. He read Law at the University of Singapore, graduating with an LL.B (Hons) in 1971 at the age of 27. Called to the Malayan Bar on the eve of Christmas 1971, he practised under the guidance of Dato’ S.P. Seenivasagam. Following S.P. Seenivasagam’s demise, Chandra established his own firm, Messrs K. Chandra & Co. in 1976 at Jalan Hang Lekiu (formerly Klyne Street) in Kuala Lumpur, serving clients from all walks of life over the next four decades. Chandra was a familiar and regular sight in both the Criminal and Civil Courts. As an advocate, his success was based on meticulous preparation and a plan for understanding and execution of complex transactions. Chandra was never one to be aggressive when facing opponents in Court. His approach to cases was a simple one; always go back to basics. One of his finest achievements during his early years as a lawyer was when he appeared before the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, together with English instructing solicitors Coward Chance, while still a junior lawyer in 1975. Despite his serious approach to work, Chandra was a good natured and jovial character. His peers fondly remember him as a friendly and humble person, never arrogant and always having time for his friends. Chandra was always forthcoming with his legal experience and knowledge and enjoyed sharing stories about the “good old days” of the Bar. His personal life was no less fulfilling than his professional life. He married Indira P.D. Nair in 1975. They raised four children - sons Pravind and Prashanth and daughters Anushka Prashalini and Tasha Prasheela - three of whom followed in his footsteps to become lawyers themselves. Perhaps surprisingly, Chandra never pushed any of children to do law, he always believed that one had to have one’s own conviction and passion to embark on a legal career. However, he took great pride when his youngest, Tasha joined him as his legal assistant in early 2015, and it is fitting that, by taking over Messrs K. Chandra & Co., she now carries on Chandra’s great legacy. Prashanth is a solicitor in London and Anushka is a regional general counsel in Singapore. His eldest, Pravind is currently completing the Bar Vocational Course in London. Chandra was a hardworking and dedicated lawyer, but above all, he was a loving husband and proud father. He was, without a doubt, happiest among his family members and friends. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, their four children and his brothers and sisters.

Zulkafli bin Abd Hamid

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:06:30 +0000

Born on 19 November 1958 at Bukit Besar, Yan, Kedah Darul Aman, Allahyarham Zulkafli bin Abd Hamid was the fourth child out of eight siblings. His father was a Religious Teacher and his mother was a housewife. Allahyarham Zulkafli began his Primary School at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Besar, Yan, Kedah and continued his secondary education at Maktab Mahmud, Alor Setar, Kedah (Form 1-3). After obtaining excellent results for his Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP), he continued his studies at the Klang Islamic College (KIK) which is now known as Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah (KISAS) until completing his Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM). Allahyarham Zulkafli continued to be successful in his studies and was accepted by Universiti Malaya (UM) with a scholarship awarded by RISDA. After four years, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. He began his career by serving as a Legal Advisor to RISDA for about 10 years. Stepping forward, he continued his legal practice as an advocate and solicitor by working with few law firms as a legal assistant for approximately more than a year. He finally opened his own law firm in 1996. During his career, he was actively working as a lawyer and has multiple partnerships throughout the nation. He was very proud of his involvement in the legal field and was very committed to the job despite being in poor health condition. He always said that his job as a lawyer is not just purely a career for him, but also his contribution and to serve the people.

Dato’ Haji Mohamed Ismail bin Mohamed Shariff

klbar_editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:16:12 +0000

It is very daunting to try and do justice to the life of a dear friend, Ismail or M.I., whom I had first met in the days when Singapore was still part of Malaysia in May 1965. We were “freshies” at the Law Faculty of the University of Singapore. Ismail was at Raffles Hall and became somewhat of a legend. He had a special talent for singing comic Tamil songs in Tamil and English in a superb voice and accent. Ismail was a deeply committed Muslim and quickly became President of the University of Singapore Islamic Society which he led with devotion and diligence. He was interested in Student Union politics and became a member of the Students Council representing Raffles Hall. In addition to Raffles Hall, his other abiding interest was in the Law Society and made his mark in AGM debates. He chose Company Law as an optional subject and was completely fascinated with it. We convocated in 4 years in June 1969. However, earlier we had started attending at law offices with a view to start our pupillage officially when we were conferred our LL.B degrees. He ended up at Messrs Braddell & Ramani in the Embankment while I was up the road at Messrs Shearn Delamore & Co. We visited each other and grew closer during the horrific days following May 13, 1969. He and other classmates shared a flat in a hot-spot in Brickfields. He and the others in that flat had a good view of events along Bangsar Road and in Brickfields. They would call me to report on untoward events and I would use my contacts in Federal Hill Government Quarters to alert the authorities in Bluff Road Information Control Centre. Ismail surprised his fellow-pupils by suddenly interrupting his pupillage to go to India to marry HAAMEEDHA BANU on 24 August 1969. On his return to KL, he had to start pupillage all over again and hence got called to the Bar of the High Court of Malaya later than most of his other course-mates. But his marriage was supremely happy. My wife, Mehrun and I used to visit them and enjoy their expanding brood of very charming and intelligent children. Looking at his practice, his wife and children, I am convinced that Ismail had made a real success of life. Ismail was born in South India on 14 October 1944 and grew up in Ipoh. He was a good student and formed and led an Islamic Society in Ipoh. He and a group of close friends used to meet on Sunday evenings to pray and praise the Prophet S.A.W. And the wives would serve some memorable meals! He did some teaching in Ipoh while waiting to enter university. Till he passed away, his students would affectionately call him “Master”. After his Call to the Bar, he went into partnership with Tuan Haji Zain Azahari to establish Zain & Co. in Kuala Lumpur. He subsequently set up Messrs Mohamed Ismail & Co. Ismail was dedicated to the Law and our noble profession. He was a member of the Selangor and Federal Territory Bar Committee for several years. In the 1970s, he and his family left for King’s College, University of London where he successfully obtained his LL.M. He also joined Lincoln’s Inn and ate his dinners there. Subsequently, he was admitted to the English Bar. He developed a keen interest in Islamic Banking and was instrumental in drawing up many of the securities in Islamic Banking. And then he would go to Court and defend those instruments against challenges by defaulting bank customers. He was very much in demand, this born teacher, to lecture on Islamic Banking issues. He also lectured part-time at the University of Malaya and at the International Islamic University. I used to attend his Civil Procedure lectures at U.M. and learnt a lot. He served on various Governmental regulatory bodies and was made Adjunct Profession at INCEIF. He became President of PERMIM, the welfare organisation for Indian Muslims. “Lawyer Ismail” was a notable figure among Indian Muslims. His great ability as a lawyer, his piety and his oratory in Tamil was recognised far and wide. Amongst his successes were his lovely children. Though 3 of them studied Law they did not persevere in our profession. Arshad and Ayaz are bankers while Altaf Nishat is a home-maker married to a brilliant lawyer and banker, Rafi. Dr Ahsan Ismail is a dedicated doctor with the Ministry of Health. My favourite, Anisha Nishat, is at University Research Co., LLC in Washington D.C. concentrating on worldwide health and social issues. Anyone would be proud to have such exemplary children and Banu and Ismail have done a great job. They have 8 grandchildren. Ismail was appointed to a Datoship by the Governor of Penang in 2016. Ismail lost a hard fight against cancer and passed away on 5 November 2016 at the age of 72. I have tried my best to encapsulate a noble life – Muslim, husband, father, lawyer, teacher and community leader. Behold for this was a MAN – a true Advocate & Solicitor! May he be blessed by ALLAH S.W.T. Al-Fatihah.