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Press release: AICHR Philippines hosts inaugural workshop on indigenous knowledge and climate change best practices

Team ABA December 10, 2024

AICHR | This timely initiative by AICHR Philippines examined the effects of the global climate emergency on indigenous groups and traditional communities, emphasising how their unique perspectives can contribute to facing this challenge head-on. The plans for the ongoing draft ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, and Sustainable Environment were also considered.

Malaysia commemorates Human Rights Day 2024

Team ABA December 10, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia | BHEUU, Wisma Putra, UN in Malaysia, and SUHAKAM jointly commemorated Human Rights Day with a forum with the theme, “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation”. Edmund Bon contributed a video message as Malaysia’s representative to the AICHR.

Family of M’sian on death row in S’pore turns to ASEAN commission for help

Team ABA December 5, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | An insurance agent, whose 37-year-old brother has been put on death row in Singapore for drug trafficking, submitted a memorandum to AICHR’s Malaysian representative Edmund Bon. Her brother had provided vital information to Singaporean authorities that led to arrests of suspects involved in drug syndicates but his contributions were dismissed.

Muhyiddin’s sedition trial transferred to KL High Court

Team ABA November 27, 2024

New Straits Times | The Kota Baru High Court allowed an application by former PM Muhyiddin Yassin to transfer his sedition trial to the KL High Court. Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad explained that the application was based on factors including the complexity of legal issues and the exceptional challenges particularly concerning the constitutional validity of certain provisions in the Sedition Act 1948.

Activist appeals to quash part of offensive online comment law

Team ABA November 22, 2024

Malaysiakini | Refuge for Refugees founder Heidi Quah turned to the Court of Appeal to nullify part of a law criminalising offensive online comments, arguing that section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, namely the words “offensive” and “annoy”, amounted to restrictions on free speech that beyond constitutional limits. She was represented by counsel New Sin Yew.

National report calls for a ministry of human rights and justice

Team ABA November 21, 2024

The Edge Malaysia | The National Baseline Assessment (NBA) on Business and Human Rights in Malaysia called for the establishment of a Ministry of Human Rights and Justice to mainstream human rights issues in all government departments. The human rights portfolio only comes under a government agency, which is the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Office, which is short-staffed and under-resourced. The NBA offered 173 recommendations for both the government and businesses to better protect human rights.

Dec 19 decision on Rosmah’s application to quash money laundering, tax evasion case

Team ABA November 12, 2024

The Star | Rosmah had filed to quash her 12 charges of money laundering involving more than RM7mil and five charges of failing to declare her personal income to the Inland Revenue Board. Lawyers Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin and Amer Hamzah Arshad appeared for Rosmah, arguing that the non-declaration of income tax could never be a predicate offence on its own.

Dec 19 decision on Rosmah’s bid to strike out 17 charges

Team ABA November 12, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | The High Court will decide on Dec 19 whether to allow Rosmah Mansor’s application to strike out her 17 money laundering and tax evasion charges. Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad submitted that the charges did not disclose any offence and the foundation of the charges is shaky and unsubstantiated. Other lawyers including Joshua Tay also represented Rosmah.

Court sets Dec 19 to decide on Rosmah’s bid to quash RM7m case

Team ABA November 12, 2024

Malaysiakini | The KL High Court heard oral submissions from Rosmah Mansor’s legal team, including counsel Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin and Amer Hamzah Arshad, and the prosecution team. Rosmah’s lawyers contended that the charges under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Income Tax Act were baseless, defective, premature, and did not reveal any offence under the law.

Defence applies for transfer of Muhyiddin’s case to Kota Baru High Court

Team ABA November 4, 2024

The Star | Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad explained that the application was made due to several issues, including whether sections 3 and 4 of the Sedition Act contradict Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, restricting the freedom of speech. This case will also involve the role of the YDPA and the process by which the PM is appointed.

Ex-Malaysian Bar President Manjeet Singh Dhillon passes away

Team ABA October 28, 2024

The Star | Former Malaysian Bar President Manjeet Singh Dhillon was involved in numerous notable legal cases including the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya. Amer Hamzah Arshad, who was a co-counsel in the case, described Manjeet as a good friend, a mentor, and an outstanding criminal lawyer with sharp cross-examination skills, who would not hesitate to share his wisdom and experience.

Jasmine Loo mum over whether accorded witness protection

Team ABA October 28, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | Jasmine Loo, a former general counsel with 1MDB, testified for 1MDB and its three subsidiaries that are suing former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s stepson Riza Aziz and two companies linked to him for misappropriation of US$148 million. AmerBON is holding a watching brief for Loo.

‘Jasmine Loo using witness protection to avoid Swiss prosecution’

Team ABA October 28, 2024

New Straits Times | Senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah alleged that Swiss authorities were actively seeking former 1MDB general counsel Jasmine Loo’s extradition following the corrupt dealings of the sovereign wealth fund in the country. Loo dismissed the claims and refused to answer additional questions regarding the witness protection programme, following advice from her lawyers at AmerBON.

The dark side of plastic and unearthing real solutions

Team ABA October 22, 2024

Greenpeace Malaysia | Edmund Bon called on the environment ministry to champion the ASEAN Declaration of Environmental Rights, being negotiated over the past two years, as Malaysia chairs ASEAN next year. Environment minister Nik Nazmi agreed that the Declaration is a way for us to go beyond our borders to see what we can do, together as a region.

Lawyer to testify in civil suit by Pastor Koh’s family

Team ABA October 21, 2024

The Star | A senior lawyer on the special task force on Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat’s disappearance will appear as a witness before the High Court in a civil suit initiated by Koh’s family. He has instructed his counsel from Messrs AmerBON to apply to the court to hold a watching brief for him.

Special task force member Roger Tan to take the stand as witness in civil suit on Pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance

Team ABA October 21, 2024

Malay Mail | Senior lawyer Roger Tan, a member of the special task force on Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat’s disappearance, confirmed he will testify as a witness in court. He instructed his legal counsel from Messrs AmerBON to hold a watching brief. Koh was abducted by a group of masked men while driving in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, on February 13, 2017, while Amri disappeared on November 24, 2016.

Technician turns to ASEAN rights commission to help secure son’s release

Team ABA October 11, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | A technician’s son was allegedly duped by a drug trafficking syndicate when he went to Phnom Penh in 2016 before being arrested by police at a hotel there and sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined RM45,000. With SUARAM, the father handed a memorandum to AICHR’s Malaysian representative Edmund Bon. Bon said they will try to start bilateral discussions with Cambodia on options available.

Press release: AICHR Philippines hosts inaugural workshop on indigenous knowledge and climate change best practices

December 10, 2024

AICHR | This timely initiative by AICHR Philippines examined the effects of the global climate emergency on indigenous groups and traditional communities, emphasising how their unique perspectives can contribute to facing this challenge head-on. The plans for the ongoing draft ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, and Sustainable Environment were also considered.

Malaysia commemorates Human Rights Day 2024

December 10, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia | BHEUU, Wisma Putra, UN in Malaysia, and SUHAKAM jointly commemorated Human Rights Day with a forum with the theme, “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation”. Edmund Bon contributed a video message as Malaysia’s representative to the AICHR.

Family of M’sian on death row in S’pore turns to ASEAN commission for help

December 5, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | An insurance agent, whose 37-year-old brother has been put on death row in Singapore for drug trafficking, submitted a memorandum to AICHR’s Malaysian representative Edmund Bon. Her brother had provided vital information to Singaporean authorities that led to arrests of suspects involved in drug syndicates but his contributions were dismissed.

Muhyiddin’s sedition trial transferred to KL High Court

November 27, 2024

New Straits Times | The Kota Baru High Court allowed an application by former PM Muhyiddin Yassin to transfer his sedition trial to the KL High Court. Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad explained that the application was based on factors including the complexity of legal issues and the exceptional challenges particularly concerning the constitutional validity of certain provisions in the Sedition Act 1948.

Activist appeals to quash part of offensive online comment law

November 22, 2024

Malaysiakini | Refuge for Refugees founder Heidi Quah turned to the Court of Appeal to nullify part of a law criminalising offensive online comments, arguing that section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, namely the words “offensive” and “annoy”, amounted to restrictions on free speech that beyond constitutional limits. She was represented by counsel New Sin Yew.

National report calls for a ministry of human rights and justice

November 21, 2024

The Edge Malaysia | The National Baseline Assessment (NBA) on Business and Human Rights in Malaysia called for the establishment of a Ministry of Human Rights and Justice to mainstream human rights issues in all government departments. The human rights portfolio only comes under a government agency, which is the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Office, which is short-staffed and under-resourced. The NBA offered 173 recommendations for both the government and businesses to better protect human rights.

Dec 19 decision on Rosmah’s application to quash money laundering, tax evasion case

November 12, 2024

The Star | Rosmah had filed to quash her 12 charges of money laundering involving more than RM7mil and five charges of failing to declare her personal income to the Inland Revenue Board. Lawyers Datuk Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin and Amer Hamzah Arshad appeared for Rosmah, arguing that the non-declaration of income tax could never be a predicate offence on its own.

Dec 19 decision on Rosmah’s bid to strike out 17 charges

November 12, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | The High Court will decide on Dec 19 whether to allow Rosmah Mansor’s application to strike out her 17 money laundering and tax evasion charges. Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad submitted that the charges did not disclose any offence and the foundation of the charges is shaky and unsubstantiated. Other lawyers including Joshua Tay also represented Rosmah.

Court sets Dec 19 to decide on Rosmah’s bid to quash RM7m case

November 12, 2024

Malaysiakini | The KL High Court heard oral submissions from Rosmah Mansor’s legal team, including counsel Firoz Hussein Ahmad Jamaluddin and Amer Hamzah Arshad, and the prosecution team. Rosmah’s lawyers contended that the charges under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Income Tax Act were baseless, defective, premature, and did not reveal any offence under the law.

Defence applies for transfer of Muhyiddin’s case to Kota Baru High Court

November 4, 2024

The Star | Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad explained that the application was made due to several issues, including whether sections 3 and 4 of the Sedition Act contradict Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, restricting the freedom of speech. This case will also involve the role of the YDPA and the process by which the PM is appointed.

Ex-Malaysian Bar President Manjeet Singh Dhillon passes away

October 28, 2024

The Star | Former Malaysian Bar President Manjeet Singh Dhillon was involved in numerous notable legal cases including the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya. Amer Hamzah Arshad, who was a co-counsel in the case, described Manjeet as a good friend, a mentor, and an outstanding criminal lawyer with sharp cross-examination skills, who would not hesitate to share his wisdom and experience.

Jasmine Loo mum over whether accorded witness protection

October 28, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | Jasmine Loo, a former general counsel with 1MDB, testified for 1MDB and its three subsidiaries that are suing former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s stepson Riza Aziz and two companies linked to him for misappropriation of US$148 million. AmerBON is holding a watching brief for Loo.

‘Jasmine Loo using witness protection to avoid Swiss prosecution’

October 28, 2024

New Straits Times | Senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah alleged that Swiss authorities were actively seeking former 1MDB general counsel Jasmine Loo’s extradition following the corrupt dealings of the sovereign wealth fund in the country. Loo dismissed the claims and refused to answer additional questions regarding the witness protection programme, following advice from her lawyers at AmerBON.

The dark side of plastic and unearthing real solutions

October 22, 2024

Greenpeace Malaysia | Edmund Bon called on the environment ministry to champion the ASEAN Declaration of Environmental Rights, being negotiated over the past two years, as Malaysia chairs ASEAN next year. Environment minister Nik Nazmi agreed that the Declaration is a way for us to go beyond our borders to see what we can do, together as a region.

Lawyer to testify in civil suit by Pastor Koh’s family

October 21, 2024

The Star | A senior lawyer on the special task force on Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat’s disappearance will appear as a witness before the High Court in a civil suit initiated by Koh’s family. He has instructed his counsel from Messrs AmerBON to apply to the court to hold a watching brief for him.

Special task force member Roger Tan to take the stand as witness in civil suit on Pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance

October 21, 2024

Malay Mail | Senior lawyer Roger Tan, a member of the special task force on Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat’s disappearance, confirmed he will testify as a witness in court. He instructed his legal counsel from Messrs AmerBON to hold a watching brief. Koh was abducted by a group of masked men while driving in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, on February 13, 2017, while Amri disappeared on November 24, 2016.

Technician turns to ASEAN rights commission to help secure son’s release

October 11, 2024

Free Malaysia Today | A technician’s son was allegedly duped by a drug trafficking syndicate when he went to Phnom Penh in 2016 before being arrested by police at a hotel there and sentenced to 25 years in prison and fined RM45,000. With SUARAM, the father handed a memorandum to AICHR’s Malaysian representative Edmund Bon. Bon said they will try to start bilateral discussions with Cambodia on options available.