Bulletin_15

CLJ Bulletin, Issue 2009, Vol 15

17 July 2009

CLJ Law MALAYSIA

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New This Week -	1. CLJ July (Part 2) 2009
	2. CLJ July (Part 3) 2009

1. CLJ July (Part 2) 2009

COURT

COURT OF APPEAL

Chong Swee Huat & Anor v. Lim Shian Ghee t/a L & G Consultants & Education Services
(Defamation - Libel - Non-recognition of higher learning institutions) [2009] 4 CLJ 113

Sukatno v. Lee Seng Kee & Anor
(Negligence - Pedestrian struck by motor van) [2009] 4 CLJ 171

HIGH COURT

Asriyah Sairy v. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam, Malaysia & Anor
(Public servants - Dismissal - Request for oral hearing denied) [2009] 4 CLJ 204

Chin Siew Chin v. Lim Heng Choo
(Striking out - Claim for breach of oral agreement to share law firm's income) [2009] 4 CLJ 218

SUBJECT INDEX

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Disciplinary proceedings - Public servant - Right to oral hearing - Governing principles - Case laws - Federal Constitution, art. 135(2) - Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) (Chapter "D") General Orders 1980, GO 26
Asriyah Sairy v. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam, Malaysia & Anor
(Kang Hwee Gee J) [2009] 4 CLJ 204 [HC]

Exercise of administrative powers - Dismissal from service - Request for oral hearing denied - Committee of inquiry not appointed despite peculiar facts of case - Whether plaintiff afforded a fair hearing - Whether disciplinary authority committed procedural unfairness - Whether dismissal null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 135(2) - Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) (Chapter "D") General Orders 1980, GO 26
Asriyah Sairy v. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam, Malaysia & Anor
(Kang Hwee Gee J) [2009] 4 CLJ 204 [HC]

CIVIL PROCEDURE

Striking out - Plaintiff's claim for breach of oral agreement - Agreement allegedly to share law firm's income with partner of plaintiff's deceased husband before "cut-off" date - Whether triable issues of fact and law disclosed not warranting striking out - Rules of the High Court 1980, O. 18 r. 19
Chin Siew Chin v. Lim Heng Choo
(Ravinthran Paramaguru JC) [2009] 4 CLJ 218 [HC]

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Public servants - Dismissal - Request for oral hearing denied - Committee of inquiry not appointed despite peculiar facts of case - Whether plaintiff afforded a fair hearing - Whether disciplinary authority committed procedural unfairness - Whether dismissal null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 135(2) - Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) (Chapter "D") General Orders 1980, GO 26
Asriyah Sairy v. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam, Malaysia & Anor
(Kang Hwee Gee J) [2009] 4 CLJ 204 [HC]

DAMAGES

Special damages - Special damages in defamation claim - Whether proved
Chong Swee Huat & Anor v. Lim Shian Ghee t/a L & G Consultants & Education Services
(James Foong, Zainun Ali & Vincent Ng JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 113 [CA]

PUBLIC SERVANTS

Dismissal - Dismissal of plaintiff nurse - Request for oral hearing denied - Committee of inquiry not appointed despite peculiar facts of case - Whether plaintiff afforded a fair hearing - Whether disciplinary authority committed procedural unfairness - Whether dismissal null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 135(2) - Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) (Chapter "D") General Orders 1980, GO 26
Asriyah Sairy v. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam, Malaysia & Anor
(Kang Hwee Gee J) [2009] 4 CLJ 204 [HC]

ROAD TRAFFIC

Negligence - Pedestrian struck by motor van - Whether plaintiff pedestrian was walking on the side of the road or was stationary at the centre white line or was crossing the road when collided into by defendant - Whether High Court judge failed to consider evidence in totality
Sukatno v. Lee Seng Kee & Anor
(James Foong, Abdul Malik Ishak & Abu Samah Nordin JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 171 [CA]

TORT

Damages - Road accident - Loss of earnings - Whether plaintiff pedestrian an illegal immigrant - Whether plaintiff entitled to claim for loss of earnings
Sukatno v. Lee Seng Kee & Anor
(James Foong, Abdul Malik Ishak & Abu Samah Nordin JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 171 [CA]

Defamation - Libel - Publication of words in respect of non-recognition of higher learning institutions - Whether defamatory of plaintiff who was agent promoting degree courses offered by institutions - Whether defences of justification and fair comment available
Chong Swee Huat & Anor v. Lim Shian Ghee t/a L & G Consultants & Education Services
(James Foong, Zainun Ali & Vincent Ng JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 113 [CA]

Negligence - Duty of care - Road accident - Duty of care of motorist to other road users
Sukatno v. Lee Seng Kee & Anor
(James Foong, Abdul Malik Ishak & Abu Samah Nordin JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 171 [CA]

Road accident - Contributory negligence - Assessment of - Equal apportionment of liability - Principles applicable - Whether sessions court judge's finding of 50:50 liability should be set aside
Sukatno v. Lee Seng Kee & Anor
(James Foong, Abdul Malik Ishak & Abu Samah Nordin JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 171 [CA]

2. CLJ July (Part 3) 2009

COURT

FEDERAL COURT

Karuppannan Ramasamy & Anor v. Elizabeth Jeevamalar Ponnampalam & Ors; Sundaram Marappa Goundan & Anor (Intervener); Raya Realti (Third Party) & Another Appeal
(Sale of land - Option - Specific performance) [2009] 4 CLJ 225

Tan Yew Choy v. PP
(Trafficking in cannabis - Appeal against conviction and sentence) [2009] 4 CLJ 245

Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly) [2009] 4 CLJ 253

COURT OF APPEAL

Mirza Mohamed Tariq Beg Mirza HH Beg v. Margaret Low Saw Lui & Ors
(Discharge of solicitors - Conflict of interest) [2009] 4 CLJ 303

Quah Poh Keat & Ors v. Ranjit Singh Taram Singh
(Discharge of solicitors - Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978, r. 28(a)) [2009] 4 CLJ 316

SUBJECT INDEX

CIVIL PROCEDURE

Action - Commencement - Mode of commencement - Declaratory relief - Declaration of applicants' legal right - Appropriate form of relief - Rules of the High Court 1980, O. 15 r. 16, O. 53 - Specific Relief Act 1950, s. 41
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

Declaratory relief - Declarations of right - Mode of commencement of action - Declaration of applicants' legal right - Appropriate form of relief - Rules of the High Court 1980, O. 15 r. 16, O. 53 - Specific Relief Act 1950, s. 41
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

Solicitor - Discharge of counsel - Conflict of interest - Disqualification of legal firm from acting as solicitors - Whether two solicitors from firm material witnesses - Existence of material or disputed facts - Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978, r. 28(a)
Quah Poh Keat & Ors v. Ranjit Singh Taram Singh
(Suriyadi Halim Omar, Wan Adnan Muhamad & Ramly Ali JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 316 [CA]

Solicitor - Discharge of counsel - Conflict of interest - Principles of law applicable for disqualification of counsel - Breach of confidential information - Potential witness rule - Onus of proof
Mirza Mohamed Tariq Beg Mirza HH Beg v. Margaret Low Saw Lui & Ors
(Gopal Sri Ram, Raus Sharif & Hasan Lah JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 303 [CA]

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Constitution - Perak - Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly - True interpretation of art. XLIV Perak State Constitution read together with Standing Orders of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 - Commencement of action - Justiciability of orders sought - Whether applicants' suspension on account of alleged contempt null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 72(1)
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

Legislature - Contempt - Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly - True interpretation of art. XLIV Perak State Constitution read together with Standing Orders of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 - Commencement of action - Justiciability of orders sought - Whether applicants' suspension on account of alleged contempt null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 72(1)
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

Legislature - State Assembly - Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly - True interpretation of art. XLIV Perak State Constitution read together with Standing Orders of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 - Commencement of action - Justiciability of orders sought - Whether applicants' suspension on account of alleged contempt null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 72(1)
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

Legislature - State legislative powers - Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly - True interpretation of art. XLIV Perak State Constitution read together with Standing Orders of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 - Commencement of action – Justiciability of orders sought - Whether applicants' suspension on account of alleged contempt null and void - Federal Constitution, art. 72(1)
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

CONTRACT

Sale and purchase of land - Option - Specific performance - Two options to purchase given to two different parties - Private caveat - Payment of deposit - Estoppel - Effect of exercise of first option - Pleadings and evidence - Whether second option subject to first option - Conditional option
Karuppannan Ramasamy & Anor v. Elizabeth Jeevamalar Ponnampalam & Ors; Sundaram Marappa Goundan & Anor (Intervener); Raya Realti (Third Party) & Another Appeal
(Zaki Tun Azmi CJ, Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA & Abdul Aziz Mohamad FCJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 225 [FC]

CRIMINAL LAW

Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 - Section 39B(1)(a) - Trafficking in cannabis - Appeal against conviction and sentence - Discrepancy - Nett weight of cannabis as determined by chemist exceeded gross weight of cannabis when it was first recovered by police - Whether created reasonable doubt
Tan Yew Choy v. PP
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Zulkefli Makinudin FCJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 245 [FC]

EVIDENCE

Expert evidence - Analysis of dangerous drug - Discrepancy - Nett weight of cannabis as determined by chemist exceeded gross weight of cannabis when it was first recovered by police - Whether created reasonable doubt
Tan Yew Choy v. PP
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Zulkefli Makinudin FCJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 245 [FC]

LAND LAW

Sale of land - Option - Specific performance - Two options to purchase given to two different parties - Private caveat - Payment of deposit - Estoppel - Effect of exercise of first option - Pleadings and evidence - Whether second option subject to first option - Conditional option
Karuppannan Ramasamy & Anor v. Elizabeth Jeevamalar Ponnampalam & Ors; Sundaram Marappa Goundan & Anor (Intervener); Raya Realti (Third Party) & Another Appeal
(Zaki Tun Azmi CJ, Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA & Abdul Aziz Mohamad FCJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 225 [FC]

LEGAL PROFESSION

Discharge of solicitors - Conflict of interest - Disqualification of legal firm from acting as solicitors - Whether two solicitors from firm material witnesses - Existence of material or disputed facts - Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978, r. 28(a)
Quah Poh Keat & Ors v. Ranjit Singh Taram Singh
(Suriyadi Halim Omar, Wan Adnan Muhamad & Ramly Ali JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 316 [CA]

Discharge of solicitors - Conflict of interest - Principles of law applicable for disqualification of counsel - Breach of confidential information - Potential witness rule - Onus of proof
Mirza Mohamed Tariq Beg Mirza HH Beg v. Margaret Low Saw Lui & Ors
(Gopal Sri Ram, Raus Sharif & Hasan Lah JJCA) [2009] 4 CLJ 303 [CA]

STATUTORY INTERPRETATION

Construction of statutes - Literal approach - Decision of Speaker suspending and prohibiting applicants from attending State Legislative Assembly - True interpretation of art. XLIV Perak State Constitution read together with Standing Orders of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 - Whether applicants' suspension on account of alleged contempt null and void
Yab Dato' Dr Zambry Abd Kadir & Ors v. Yb Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu; Attorney-General Malaysia (Intervener)
(Alauddin Mohd Sheriff PCA, Arifin Zakaria CJ (Malaya), Nik Hashim, Augustine Paul & Zulkefli Makinuddin FCJJ) [2009] 4 CLJ 253 [FC]

CASE OF THE WEEK

DATUK HJ MOHAMMAD TUFAIL MAHMUD & ORS v. DATO’ TING CHECK SII

LEGAL PROFESSION: Practice of law - Advocates and solicitors - Right of audience - Appeals before Court of Appeal sitting at Putrajaya against decision of High Court in Sarawak - Whether advocate and solicitor from Peninsular Malaysia entitled to appear as counsel - Whether advocate from Sarawak entitled to appear as counsel - Malaysia Act 1963, ss. 13(2), 63, 73(3), 87(1), (7) and (9)

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