5 Key Legal Issues from the Closing Down of True Fitness Malaysia

Lee Shih5 Comments

On 9 June 2017, True Fitness Malaysia announced that it would close its True Fitness and True Spa centers in Malaysia on 10 June 2017. It cited that its businesses were no longer financially viable due to evolving market conditions.

Credit: Picture from True Fitness website

 

It was reported that the True Fitness Malaysia gym members were left in the lurch and with uncertainty on their long-term memberships. The reports suggested that there may have even been new members being recruited for the gym very shortly before the announcement on the closure.

I address 5 key legal issues that arise from the closing down of the True Fitness business in Malaysia. I touch on the corporate restructuring of the True Fitness group, the impact of any winding up proceedings against True Fitness, and who may be liable for any claims by the gym members or creditors. Continue reading →

How the New Bankruptcy Amendment Act Will Affect Existing Bankruptcy Matters

Lee Shih6 Comments

The new Bankruptcy Amendment Act 2017 has received Royal Assent on 10 May. The amendments will come into force once the Minister gazettes the effective date. In an earlier post, I have highlighted the 10 major changes we will see under these bankruptcy amendments.

As at early May 2017, it was reported that there are around 292,000 Malaysians declared bankrupt. How will the new bankruptcy law affect these existing individuals and will it make it easier for them to achieve a discharge of bankruptcy? I analyse the new law and explain why the amendments may have limited effect on existing bankruptcy cases.

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Resistance to legal tech innovations in Malaysia — a threat to the rule of law?

The Malaysian Lawyer3 Comments

 

legal tech image
Image from growthbusiness.co.uk

Guest writer Pang Jo Fan—Head of Marketing & Communications at legaltech lawyer-discovery service CanLaw—presents his views on why Malaysia’s Bar Council should be encouraging the development and introduction of legaltech to ensure access to justice.

Of late, there has been a spike in legal technology startups in the Malaysian market providing innovative tech solutions to assist both the public and lawyers in their day-to-day legal needs. Other than the more veteran players such as eLawyer and OfficeParrots who have been tirelessly serving Malaysian law firms with their human resource needs, there are also recent players such as Lesys Tenancy (tenancy agreements), BurgieLaw (legal directory), Dragon Law (document drafting), EasyLaw (calculators for lawyers), Locum Legalis (MOB app) and, of course, CanLaw (lawyer-discovery).

Much has been said about the Bar Council’s denial of Dragon Law’s entry to the Malaysian market and the infamous lawsuit against Answers-In-Law. The Malaysian Lawyer also provided an insightful update on the said matters based on the report by the Legal Profession Committee dated 1 December 2016 contained in the 2016/17 Annual Report of the Malaysian Bar. As it stands, it appears that the legal industry remains rather cautious of any form of tech innovations that are being introduced into the profession, mostly due to the general misconception that technological innovations pose a threat to the livelihoods of law practitioners in the country.

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10 Common Issues Arising from the Companies Act 2016

Lee Shih15 Comments

With the coming into force of the Companies Act 2016, a number of practical issues and questions have since cropped up. The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) did release its helpful FAQ document. This document has been updated from time to time (presently, it has been updated up until 3 April 2017) and helps to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Nonetheless, there are still other common issues arising from the Companies Act 2016. I come across these queries in my practice or at the talks that I give. I set out below 10 of these key issues. Companies can consider seeking further clarification or advice. These issues range from the constitution, dividends, director-related issues, and transitional matters.

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Kota Kinabalu Companies Act 2016 Talk

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On Wednesday 26 April 2017, I will be speaking at a Companies Act 2016 seminar in Kota Kinabalu. This is organised by CLJ Law in collaboration with the Sabah Law Association. Click on the image below for the registration form.

This is the final leg of my book tour as well. You will be able to purchase a copy of my book ‘Companies Act 2016: The New Dynamics of Company Law in Malaysia‘ at a special price at this seminar. We will be there to sign the books as well. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Bankruptcy Amendment Bill Passed by Malaysia’s Lower House of Parliament

Lee Shih7 Comments

On 29 March 2017, it has been reported (see Bernama and the New Straits Times) that the Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been passed by the Dewan Rakyat, being the lower house of Parliament of Malaysia. The changes to the law will not be in force just yet. The Bill will now be sent to the Dewan Negara and then subsequently receive Royal Assent. The coming into force of the new law will then be on a gazetted date.

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