Full-service law firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership is consistently referenced among market peers in the capacity of tax and commercial disputes. Peers unanimously acknowledge the tax litigation offering as first rate and one of the two new heavy-hitting players in the disputes space. Many of the firm’s submitted cases were high profile and widely reported in the media. Dispute resolution head Rosli Dahlan helms the team that includes tax and litigation heavyweights Datuk DP Naban and Saravana Kumar Segaran. The firm has strengthened its team with two new partner hires from Zul Rafique & Partners: Farah Shuhadah Razali joined in August 2023, followed by Falisa Abu Bakar in January 2024. Shortly after, disputes partner Nur Syafinaz Vani left and joined Zul Rafique & Partners.
Client feedback
"RDS’s IP department is in a different league compared to the others in the market. The IP department consists of very able and capable lawyers.” – Intellectual property
"They are always available to assist/get on a call." – Technology and telecommunications
Tien Hong (Bahari) Yeow
"Bahari Yeow is well known and well respected in IP and dispute resolution in this region. He is equipped with a wealth of knowledge and industry know-how. He is committed. He is eloquent in his submissions and, most importantly, provides solutions."
"Knowledgeable and quick to respond."
Tien Hong (Bahari) Yeow and Zhi Jian Lim
“Bahari Yeow is the best in the field in this region. Yeow is assisted by his very able partner Zhi Jian Lim, and the rest of the team members are all proactive. In brief, the RDS IP department solves problems and provides true value-add."
Work highlights
Represented Malaysia's largest electricity company, Tenaga Nasional, in a landmark case against the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia concerning reinvestment allowance under Schedule 7A of the Income Tax Act 1967. This groundbreaking High Court decision was the first to determine whether Tenaga Nasional, a government-linked company responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, qualifies as a manufacturing business under the Income Tax Act. The case, involving RM9 billion ($2 billion), stands as Malaysia's largest tax dispute with its national electricity provider. The court's ruling on the definition of manufacturing in this context sets a significant precedent for future tax cases in the energy sector.
Key clients
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, PNSB Water, Permodalan Negeri Selangor, Petron Oil
Work highlights
Engaged by Singapore-based Wong Partnership to advise Baidu, one of China's leading multinational technology giants, on its Joint Marketing and Intellectual Property Agreement under Malaysian law. The review aimed to ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions while preserving Baidu's intended commercial outcomes, supporting its rapid expansion in Asia.
Key clients
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Nissan, Sunway Group
