OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH: CIVIL & CRIMINAL APPEALS IN MALAYSIA (4TH EDITION) - KUCHING

8 March 2024 - Sheraton Hotel Kuching

Managing Partner of our firm Mr Tan Kee Heng celebrated the release of the latest edition of his book Civil and Criminal Appeals in Malaysia (4th Edition) with a well-attended book launch ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching just two months after its inaugural launch in Kuala Lumpur. 

In attendance of this grand affair were the Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman Bin Sebli (Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak), Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah (Former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak), YBhg. Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan (then Federal Court Judge), Dato Sri JC Fong (Sarawak State Legal Counsel), Datuk Abdullah Saidol (Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas)), among many other honourable guests who included judges, lawyers and distinguished guests.

The book launch ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Mr Girish Kamat (Country Head of Thomson Reuters/Sweet & Maxwell Malaysia) and a detailed review of the book by Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah. Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, who gave a heart-warming speech, commended the author on his contribution which truly demonstrated his longstanding devotion and dedication to the legal fraternity. 

During his speech, our Mr. Tan expressed his view that after the Court of Appeal has been established for about 30 years, the 2 Borneo States are entitled to have at least a permanent panel of the Court of Appeal attached with a few judges of Borneo experience so that it would help to expedite the hearing of the appeals originating from Sabah & Sarawak and also on the saving of costs for the parties involved from these 2 States. He believes that it is not impossible if all the stakeholders could work together for a permanent panel of the Court of Appeal to be based in East Malaysia since we are the equal partners in the formation of Malaysia. 

Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Sebli extended his congratulations to Mr Tan, praising his positive impact on both the legal and judicial community through his publication. He further expressed hope that the book would inspire legal practitioners to strive for excellence and uphold the core principles of justice, integrity and fairness in their practice.

Following the kind words from the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, the stage was set for the unveiling of the book through a cleverly orchestrated dry-ice gimmick. As Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli and Mr Tan Kee Heng poured water onto the dry-ice, a swirling cloud of mist surrounded the book, which was submerged in water, before slowly dispersing and finally revealing the book. After the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the speakers, there was a board signing ceremony where Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, High Court Judges and Judicial Commissioners inscribed their signatures on a plaque with a magnified version of the book, before posing for a group photo as the press clicked their camera shutters.

The memorable afternoon ended on a high note - all 50 books available on that day were sold out, highlighting the success of the book launch. In appreciation of their attendance and support, all guests were treated to a delightful high tea in an adjacent banquet hall and door gifts prepared by S.K. Ling and Tan Advocates.