The dispute resolution practice at Lee & Koh focuses on infrastructure disputes for highway concessionaires, corporate banking litigation and Islamic banking recovery for AmIslamic Bank. Partner Irwan Ismail spearheaded growth in the firm’s Islamic banking recovery practice by handling matters for AmIslamic Bank. The firm continues to advise concessionaires on legal issues involving accidents, trespassing and defamation on the highways they manage. Managing partner Koh Yew Chong is a key contact. Justin Leong and Irwan Ismail are other lawyers to note.
Work highlights
Advised Malaysian Highway Board (LLM) and West Coast Expressway (WCE) on acquiring 10 parcels of land from Sime Darby Plantation to build an expressway along Malaysia’s west coast, awarded to WCE with toll collection rights. After RM36 million ($7.75 million) compensation was awarded, both parties objected. The court granted an additional RM12.5 million for market value and severance costs while dismissing Sime Darby’s claim for affections. LLM’s appeal was dismissed as it raised no substantial legal questions. A Federal Court appeal also failed as the issues related to evidence, not pure legal questions under the Land Acquisition Act.
Successfully acted for AmBank Islamic and AmBank (M) in suits against the guarantors of a wound-up company — namely, Ing Chuan Hardware — to recover debts of close to RM50 million.
Key clients
Besraya, Majutera, Network Facilities, New Pantai Expressway
