Federal Court agrees to hear landmark appeal on Orang Asli woman’s Muslim status

Malay Mail | The Federal Court granted leave to a 32-year-old Orang Asli woman to appeal against her registration as a Muslim, following her conversion to Islam at the age of two. A three-member panel unanimously held that leave should be granted, as the matter raises several novel questions of public importance that merit further consideration. The applicant’s legal team includes New Sin Yew.

Prosecution to challenge Muhyiddin’s application in sedition case

Malay Mail | On 4 April, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s lawyers filed an application to refer a legal question concerning the Sedition Act 1948 to the Federal Court. The prosecution will file a preliminary objection against the application. Muhyiddin is represented by Amer Hamzah Arshad, Joshua Tay and Lee Yee Woei.

Siaran akhbar: Mesyuarat Khas Suruhanjaya Antara Kerajaan ASEAN mengenai Hak Asasi Manusia (AICHR) di Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (8-10 April 2025)

Kementerian Luar Negeri Malaysia | AICHR akan mengadakan Mesyuarat Khas 1/2025 dari 8 hingga 10 April 2025, dan akan meneliti langkah-langkah tuntas yang boleh diambil bagi menyokong respon yang menyeluruh dan berkesan di peringkat ASEAN terhadap gempa bumi dahsyat pada 28 Mac yang telah memberi kesan besar kepada penduduk di Myanmar dan Thailand.

Press release: The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to convene Special Meeting 1/2025 in Penang, Malaysia (8-10 April 2025)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia | The second AICHR meeting under the leadership of H.E. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, will explore possible concrete measures to support a comprehensive and effective whole-of-ASEAN response to the devastating earthquakes on 28 March that severely impacted people in Myanmar and Thailand.

AICHR to hold Special Meeting in Penang to address regional issues, Myanmar quake

Bernama | At its Special Meeting 1/2025 in Penang from 8 to 10 April, AICHR will continue deliberations on Malaysia’s proposed ASEAN declaration on the right to peace and development (encompassing social, cultural, political and economic aspects), inclusive growth and sustainable development — key priorities under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights to meet in Penang

Free Malaysia Today | A key agenda item for AICHR’s upcoming Special Meeting 1/2025 will be deliberations on measures to support a comprehensive and effective whole-of ASEAN response to the March 28 earthquake. An initiative to develop ASEAN conceptual frameworks on peace and conflict prevention, management, and transformation is also on the agenda.

Top 5 at 5: Orang Asli secure land settlement with YP Olio

BFM | A dispute between YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Temoq Orang Asli community in Pahang has ended with a landmark settlement. Lawyer New Sin Yew, who represented the community, shared insights into the 728-hectare land agreement and ongoing efforts to protect the rights of Orang Asli.

Humanitarian assistance following deadly quake must be distributed fairly – AICHR

Scoop | AICHR urged the safe, swift and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and relief services to all affected communities without disruption and discrimination, in line with international humanitarian response principles. AICHR Chair Edmund Bon added that human rights need to be prioritised, and internet restrictions should be lifted for a more open flow of information.

Temoq tribe resolves suit with company, Pahang govt over native land

Free Malaysia Today | Seven Orang Asli from the Temoq tribe in Rompin settled a class action lawsuit brought against private company YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Pahang government, and a consent judgment between the villagers and YP Olio was recorded in the High Court. New Sin Yew was one of the lawyers who represented the villagers.

Institutionalise Law Reform Mechanisms

BFM | The Madani Government is setting up a committee to review three major pieces of criminal legislation with an 18-month timeframe. Lawyer Edmund Bon of AmerBON, Advocates spoke to BFM about the key areas of reform that need urgent attention.

Federal Court judge heads committee to review outdated laws

Free Malaysia Today | Amer Hamzah Arshad has been appointed to serve as a member of a committee that will identify provisions in the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Evidence Act that are outdated or no longer suitable. Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal will head the 25-member committee, which will also propose reforms to these laws.

Cops breached statutory duty in banning Bar’s 2022 judiciary walk, rules court

Free Malaysia Today | The High Court held that the Peaceful Assembly Act did not allow the police to stop an assembly — the Malaysian Bar’s “walk for judicial independence” — from being held. New Sin Yew, the Bar’s lawyer, informed the court that the Bar was only demanding RM1 as nominal damages since the suit was being brought as a matter of principle.

Police acted beyond powers in assembly ban, ordered to pay RM1

New Straits Times | Malaysian Bar President Mohamed Ezri Abdul Wahab said that the High Court decision regarding the Bar Council’s march for judicial independence in 2022 reaffirmed the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and served as an important precedent in upholding constitutional freedoms. Lawyer New Sin Yew acted for the plaintiffs.

Federal Court agrees to hear landmark appeal on Orang Asli woman’s Muslim status

Malay Mail | The Federal Court granted leave to a 32-year-old Orang Asli woman to appeal against her registration as a Muslim, following her conversion to Islam at the age of two. A three-member panel unanimously held that leave should be granted, as the matter raises several novel questions of public importance that merit further consideration. The applicant’s legal team includes New Sin Yew.

Prosecution to challenge Muhyiddin’s application in sedition case

Malay Mail | On 4 April, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s lawyers filed an application to refer a legal question concerning the Sedition Act 1948 to the Federal Court. The prosecution will file a preliminary objection against the application. Muhyiddin is represented by Amer Hamzah Arshad, Joshua Tay and Lee Yee Woei.

Siaran akhbar: Mesyuarat Khas Suruhanjaya Antara Kerajaan ASEAN mengenai Hak Asasi Manusia (AICHR) di Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (8-10 April 2025)

Kementerian Luar Negeri Malaysia | AICHR akan mengadakan Mesyuarat Khas 1/2025 dari 8 hingga 10 April 2025, dan akan meneliti langkah-langkah tuntas yang boleh diambil bagi menyokong respon yang menyeluruh dan berkesan di peringkat ASEAN terhadap gempa bumi dahsyat pada 28 Mac yang telah memberi kesan besar kepada penduduk di Myanmar dan Thailand.

Press release: The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to convene Special Meeting 1/2025 in Penang, Malaysia (8-10 April 2025)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia | The second AICHR meeting under the leadership of H.E. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Representative of Malaysia to AICHR, will explore possible concrete measures to support a comprehensive and effective whole-of-ASEAN response to the devastating earthquakes on 28 March that severely impacted people in Myanmar and Thailand.

AICHR to hold Special Meeting in Penang to address regional issues, Myanmar quake

Bernama | At its Special Meeting 1/2025 in Penang from 8 to 10 April, AICHR will continue deliberations on Malaysia’s proposed ASEAN declaration on the right to peace and development (encompassing social, cultural, political and economic aspects), inclusive growth and sustainable development — key priorities under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights to meet in Penang

Free Malaysia Today | A key agenda item for AICHR’s upcoming Special Meeting 1/2025 will be deliberations on measures to support a comprehensive and effective whole-of ASEAN response to the March 28 earthquake. An initiative to develop ASEAN conceptual frameworks on peace and conflict prevention, management, and transformation is also on the agenda.

Top 5 at 5: Orang Asli secure land settlement with YP Olio

BFM | A dispute between YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Temoq Orang Asli community in Pahang has ended with a landmark settlement. Lawyer New Sin Yew, who represented the community, shared insights into the 728-hectare land agreement and ongoing efforts to protect the rights of Orang Asli.

Humanitarian assistance following deadly quake must be distributed fairly – AICHR

Scoop | AICHR urged the safe, swift and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and relief services to all affected communities without disruption and discrimination, in line with international humanitarian response principles. AICHR Chair Edmund Bon added that human rights need to be prioritised, and internet restrictions should be lifted for a more open flow of information.

Temoq tribe resolves suit with company, Pahang govt over native land

Free Malaysia Today | Seven Orang Asli from the Temoq tribe in Rompin settled a class action lawsuit brought against private company YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Pahang government, and a consent judgment between the villagers and YP Olio was recorded in the High Court. New Sin Yew was one of the lawyers who represented the villagers.

Institutionalise Law Reform Mechanisms

BFM | The Madani Government is setting up a committee to review three major pieces of criminal legislation with an 18-month timeframe. Lawyer Edmund Bon of AmerBON, Advocates spoke to BFM about the key areas of reform that need urgent attention.

Federal Court judge heads committee to review outdated laws

Free Malaysia Today | Amer Hamzah Arshad has been appointed to serve as a member of a committee that will identify provisions in the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Evidence Act that are outdated or no longer suitable. Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal will head the 25-member committee, which will also propose reforms to these laws.

Cops breached statutory duty in banning Bar’s 2022 judiciary walk, rules court

Free Malaysia Today | The High Court held that the Peaceful Assembly Act did not allow the police to stop an assembly — the Malaysian Bar’s “walk for judicial independence” — from being held. New Sin Yew, the Bar’s lawyer, informed the court that the Bar was only demanding RM1 as nominal damages since the suit was being brought as a matter of principle.

Police acted beyond powers in assembly ban, ordered to pay RM1

New Straits Times | Malaysian Bar President Mohamed Ezri Abdul Wahab said that the High Court decision regarding the Bar Council’s march for judicial independence in 2022 reaffirmed the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and served as an important precedent in upholding constitutional freedoms. Lawyer New Sin Yew acted for the plaintiffs.