After my debut in the Court of Appeal and getting a few hearings at that level under my robe, my boss trusted me to conduct a hearing at the Federal Court, the most supreme court in Malaysia. It was a civil matter and involved an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court, which … Continue reading My debut Federal Court appearance
Category: Legal Advocacy
Cross-Examination, Interrupted
I was called in as counsel for a case because the previous counsel was having a torrid time in the industrial court. So strong was the pressure brought to bear to settle the claim it unsettled him and the client. His vigorous refusal did not meet well with industrial insistence. After a stormy final case … Continue reading Cross-Examination, Interrupted
“Answer yes or no only, understand?”
This is an instruction I come across more frequently in the last five years than the previous twenty. I come across it in court and in advocacy tutorials and training. The instruction to the opposing witness is usually as follows: "I will be asking you questions. Just answer yes or no (or agree or disagree) … Continue reading “Answer yes or no only, understand?”
To argue or not to argue?
I once had a dilemma; it was when I conducted a criminal appeal in the Court of Appeal. It was for a charge of drug trafficking, an offence punishable with death by hanging. The appellant (a person appealing against a decision) was caught when he arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International airport after flying in … Continue reading To argue or not to argue?
Mass Calls to the Bar
My experience of calls to the Bar is one borne from moving calls mostly at the Kuala Lumpur (KL) and, occasionally, at the Shah Alam High Courts. Rarely have I been called to move a call out of the Klang Valley. I used to look on in horror at the mass calls to the Bar … Continue reading Mass Calls to the Bar
Why teach?
Why I teach
