Recognition

2024
2024

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia)

The team at AmerBON regularly acts for individuals, statutory commissions, and government-linked companies in handling a range of civil, criminal, and public interest litigation matters. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, who has demonstrable experience in the appellate courts and in dealing with shareholder-director disputes, leads the team alongside Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad, who frequently defends individuals and corporations in criminal trials and appeals.

Practice head(s):
Edmund Bon Tai Soon; Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad

Other key lawyers:
Khor Xiou Shan (Valen); New Sin Yew

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 for Real Estate and Construction (Malaysia)

AmerBON’s practice is led by Khor Xiou Shan (Valen), a ‘seasoned and accomplished construction lawyer’ who specialises in various construction, infrastructure, and engineering matters. Praised for its ‘steadfast commitment to providing a personalised service’, the team acts for government-linked entities, high-profile individuals, and statutory commissions. Its workload primarily consists of handling construction disputes and advising on contractual matters.

Practice head(s): Khor Xiou Shan (Valen)

2023
2023

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2023

AmerBON Advocates is renowned for its civil and human rights, and criminal litigation practices. In particular, its specialist business and human rights (BHR) team has been advocating with the Malaysian government to formulate national action plans on BHR. The firm is also experienced in handling advocacy on a wide range of other legal issues, from international law and constitutional and administrative law to commercial and corporate disputes, and construction and land claims. Last year, the team was engaged in various contentious matters involving corporate fraud, white-collar crimes and anti-money laundering prosecutions. Its criminal law set has been busy defending clients in high-profile, high-stakes criminal prosecutions. For example, the team counselled the state of Sabah’s former chief minister and won him an acquittal last June of nearly 50 corruption and money-laundering charges. The firm spends nearly 40% of its time and income on pro bono work in public interest cases.

Co-founders and partners Amer Hamzah and Edmund Bon are leading and respected figures in the market, particularly for criminal law and human rights law, respectively.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is representing Mantab Marine Resources in a contract dispute against Malayan Energistik Solutions. The contract involves extraction of marine sand, with matters relating to vessels and maritime licences. In another case, the firm is representing Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara, the national water commission of Malaysia, in filing a suit against development companies including TSR Ocean Park and Dutamas Permai for outstanding sums to the Sewerage Capital Contribution Fund.

In the white-collar crime space, the firm has been representing Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Azeez bin Abdul Rahim (Azeez) at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court in defending several charges, including three offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACCA), and nine offences under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The total sum involved is around $32.5 million.

Another ongoing white-collar crime highlight sees the firm representing an individual who was charged under Section 18 of MACCA for allegedly misappropriating funds and deceiving the principal.

Recent publishable clients of the firm include Bestinet, Infthira and United Nations Development Programme.

Client feedback:
They provide quality legal services based upon extensive research and well-drafted legal arguments. – Construction

Well-thought-out litigation strategy, and effective trial work. – Real estate

AmerBon Advocates identified the scope and details of court action that can be taken accurately. The team also prepared comprehensive statements and supporting bundles of documents. They also showed deep understanding of the legal documents pertaining to the various aspects that would affect the case. The team was attentive in court and was able to counter the defendant’s lawyers where they had tried to mislead the witnesses and clarify that with the judge. They were able to question the defendant logically and effectively showing and proving their misdeeds. – White-collar crime

Edmund Bon
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the law. He is a skillful advocate.

“Excellent cross-examination of witnesses and overall strategic thinker.”

Noted for:
Commercial and Transactions

Highly Recommended for:
White-Collar Crime

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2023 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia)

AmerBON handles a diverse range of disputes, from commercial and criminal defence cases to constitutional and public interest litigation. The ‘meticulous’ practice is instructed by government-linked companies and statutory commissions. Praised as ‘confident, knowledgeable and reliable’, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, who has experience in civil litigation, jointly leads the team alongside Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad, who regularly advises and defends clients in criminal trials and appeals.

Practice head(s):
Edmund Bon Tai Soon; Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2023

Malaysia > Dispute Resolution > Ranked Individuals:

Edmund Bon Tai Soon of AmerBON Advocates has a diverse practice acting on civil litigation, corporate litigation, fraud and human rights matters.

Strengths

Edmund is knowledgeable, meticulous, experienced, confident, responsive, has great communication skills and is a great service provider. As a client, we are happy with him, his firm and his legal service.”

“Edmund is responsive and strong in forming legal arguments.”

2022
2022

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2022

AmerBon Advocates is renowned for its civil and human rights, and criminal litigation practices. Particularly, its specialist business and human rights (BHR) team has been advocating with the Malaysian government to formulate national action plans on BHR. The firm is also experienced in handling advocacy on a wide range of other legal issues, from international law, and constitutional and administrative law, to commercial and corporate disputes, and construction and land claims. Last year, the team was engaged in various contentious matters involving corporate fraud, white-collar crimes and anti-money laundering prosecutions. Its criminal law set has been busy defending clients in high-profile, high-stakes criminal prosecutions. For example, the team counselled Sabah’s former Chief Minister and won him an acquittal last June of nearly 50 corruption and money-laundering charges. The firm spends nearly 40% of its time and income on pro bono work in public interest cases.

Co-founders and partners Amer Hamzah and Edmund Bon are leading and respected figures in the market, particularly for criminal law and human rights law, respectively.

In the white-collar crime space, the firm has been representing Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Azeez bin Abdul Rahim (Azeez) at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court in defending serval charges, including three offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act (MACCA), nine offences under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA). The total sum involved is RM144.5 million.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is representing the majority shareholder of GS Realty, one of the biggest estate agencies in Malaysia, in defending a suit on minority oppression filed by a minority shareholder of the firm. This matter is significant because it raises the question of whether the effect of the Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Act 1981 would apply to a case of minority oppression under a select section of the Companies Act 2016.

In a notable triumph, the firm successfully represented a number of ex-employees of Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) in defending claims alleged by MBI over breaches of trust and fiduciary duties, and conspiracy to injure. This landmark ruling of a seven-year litigation was a groundbreaking judgment that established the legal position on a ‘corporation sole’.

Recent publishable clients of the firm include FGV Holdings, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, NWP Holdings and SWM Greentech.

Client feedback: “It is prompt in identifying the issue and dispute, quick to advise us on the next course of action, honest in its deliverables and manages its associates well in preparing the document needed.” – Government and regulatory

“The firm and its founders’ focus are not only on being great legal practitioners but on matters integral to society especially human rights. This is proven by their pro bono work which is encouraged throughout the firm which gives young upcoming lawyers a chance to expand their contribution outside the courts. They work well with civil society, governments, and multiple stakeholders encouraged and led by Edmund Bon and Amer Hamzah.” – Government and regulatory

“Responsive to queries. Timely action taken.” – Real estate

Edmund Bon
Passionate and well-versed on human rights and labour matters.

“Quick to understand the dispute and identify solutions.”

“Edmund Bon being a practising lawyer, is an activist and a director of The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) which he co-founded in 2011. His talents in diplomacy clearly showed during the National Consultations dialogue attended by Government Officials and Civil Society. Looking at the team he has built, also shows a capable leader and mentor, someone who is not afraid to push boundaries and it is reflected in the team.”

“Accessible, knowledgeable, decisive.”

Amer Hamzah
Practical and solution-oriented.”

Noted for:
Commercial and Transactions

Highly Recommended for:
White-Collar Crime

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2022 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia)

The disputes practice at AmerBON is comprised of a criminal law set led by Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad and a civil set led by Edmund Bon Tai Soon. The firm stands out for handling corporate fraud, white-collar crime and money laundering prosecutions, as well as shareholder disputes, public interest litigation and occupational health and safety cases.

Practice head(s):
Edmund Bon Tai Soon; Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2022

Malaysia > Dispute Resolution > Ranked Individuals:

Edmund Bon Tai Soon of AmerBON Advocates has a diverse practice acting on civil litigation, fraud and human rights matters. One client praises his “clear understanding of institutional structures in Malaysia.”

2021
2021

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2021

AmerBon Advocates is renowned for its civil and human rights, and criminal litigation practices. Particularly, its specialist business and human rights (BHR) team has been advocating with the Malaysian government to formulate national action plans on BHR. The firm is also experienced in handling advocacy on a wide range of other legal issues, from international law, and constitutional and administrative law, to commercial and corporate disputes, and construction and land claims. Last year, the team was engaged in various contentious matters involving corporate fraud, white-collar crimes and anti-money laundering prosecutions. Its criminal law set has been busy defending clients in high-profile, high-stakes criminal prosecutions. For example, the team counselled Sabah’s former Chief Minister and won him an acquittal last June of nearly 50 corruption and money-laundering charges. The firm spends nearly 40% of its time and income on pro bono work in public interest cases.

Co-founders and partners Amer Hamzah and Edmund Bon are leading and respected figures in the market, particularly for criminal law and human rights law, respectively.

The firm continued to build its portfolio of environmental-related litigations, with P Tech Resources engaging their assistance in several highly-publicised prosecutions relating to the pollution of the Kim Kim river. In one case, the firm represented a director of P Tech. This matter examines the legal question on what is the extent of directors’ duties of due diligence. It will also set precedent on how river pollution is tested and whether such evidence will be judicially accepted by the courts. In two other separate but related cases, the firm defended the entire company and its directors in these landmark matters. These cases are the first time that civil claims are brought so extensively for environmental pollution and will impact the way Malaysian law interprets tortious activities. It will also set the groundwork for the admission of business and human rights concepts into Malaysia’s jurisprudence on the ‘polluter pay’ principle.

In a notable triumph, the firm managed to use the litigation process to obtain citizenship status for one of its clients after the court granted him leave to pursue a judicial review against the government. The AmerBon lawyers are also currently advocating for the speaker and the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives in a case brought by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia in respect of their appointments.

Another interesting commercial litigation had the team represent Willowcrest Management in a suit against the Government of Malaysia over an oral agreement for the lease of a prime plot of land in Kuala Lumpur. It is noteworthy because an oral agreement to lease land is being enforced against the government.

Recent publishable clients of the firm include Digi Telecommunications, FGV Palm Industries, SWM Environment and the United Nations Development Programme.

Client feedback: 
“It came up with a very comprehensive analysis and sound policy recommendations, based on its engagement with key stakeholders and parliamentarians, their pro-bono legal assistance experience in advocating for the marginalised groups and religious minorities in Malaysia, as well as their proven reputation as lawyers committed in the realisation of justice, rule of law and human rights.” – Government and regulatory

Edmund Bon
“Edmund is not only a great legal practitioner, but he is a genuine activist and a change maker. He generates champions of human rights across Southeast Asia. When he was with our organisation, he pushed so hard to enable changes in its institutional sets. I appreciate that he has devoted his legal practices to assist the marginalised groups and minorities.”

Amer Hamzah
“He is a very good criminal lawyer. He has good knowledge, is apt to learn and has good litigation skills.”

Noted for:
Commercial and Transactions

Highly Recommended for:
White-Collar Crime

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2021 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia)

Amer Hamzah Arshad and Edmund Bon coordinate the dispute resolution team at AmerBON. Recent work for the firm has included corporate fraud, white-collar crime and prosecutions for money laundering. Associate New Sin Yew is described as ‘outstanding’ and complements the offering with experience in capital markets, constitutional and commercial law. A recent highlight concerns its representation of Tan Sri Musa Aman in a case concerning AMLA legislation. Notably, the firm maintains a dedicated ‘business and human rights’ unit which promotes UN Guiding Principles.

Practice head(s):
Amer Hamzah Arshad; Edmund Bon

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2021

Malaysia > Dispute Resolution > Ranked Individuals:

Edmund Bon Tai Soon has a diverse practice acting on commercial litigation, fraud and human rights matters. He is “an efficient and all-around knowledgeable person whose strengths are his willingness to take up new challenges and think outside of the box,” according to one client. Another interviewee appreciates that he “is well known with the judges in the courts and is able to present our arguments effectively.”

2020
2020

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Leading Firm 2020 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia) — The Client’s Guide To Law Firms

Made up of experienced litigators, AmerBON’s business and human rights group handles a range of corporate, commercial, family, construction, and real estate disputes, as well as criminal law issues. The group also handles public interest cases on a pro bono basis. Amer Hamzah Arshad and  Edmund Bon jointly head the team and focus on criminal and civil proceedings respectively.

Practice head(s):
Amer Hamzah Arshad; Edmund Bon

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2020

AmerBon Advocates is renowned for its civil and human rights, and criminal litigation practices. Particularly, its specialist business and human rights (BHR) team has been advocating with the Malaysian government to formulate a national action plan on business and human rights (NAP). The firm is also experienced in handling advocacy on a wide range of other legal issues, from international law, and constitutional and administrative law, to commercial and corporate disputes, and construction and land claims. The firm currently operates as a chambers where clients and solicitors can directly engage the team for expert advocacy in the courts. The firm spends nearly 40% of its time and income to pro bono work in public interest cases. 

Co-founders and partners Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad and Edmund Bon are leading and respected figures in the market, particularly for criminal law and human rights law, respectively.  

In an ongoing case before the court of appeal, Bon represented Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), the National Water Services Commission Malaysia, in its battle against Hatimuda over the refusal of a renewal application for a water supply and sewerage permit. Bon also recently advised and successfully represented Pahang Cement against a prosecution by the department of occupational safety and health relating to the death of a contract worker at its plant. This case will serve as precedent in providing clarity and as guidance to the responsibilities of the employers and the corresponding duties on the employees to ensure their own safety and wellbeing at the workplace. 

Client feedback:
“Had a professional approach in reviewing the case, good presentation in the court and good feedback to us.” – Commercial and transactions

“AmerBon is passionate about human rights and freedoms. They are knowledgeable about the laws in this area and they are well-connected to the rest of the industry and NGO groups.” – Government and regulatory

Edmund Bon: “Impressive depth of knowledge and strong court presentation skills.” 

New Sin Yew: “Good experience and knowledge of my case and the laws involved.” 

Noted for:
Commercial and Transactions

Highly Recommended for:
White-Collar Crime

2019
2019

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Leading Firm 2019 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia) — The Client’s Guide To Law Firms

AmerBON is an advocacy boutique that specialises in criminal and civil cases. Edmund Bon acted for Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in a tort of misfeasance dispute, and represented the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) in employment- and governance-related cases. Amer Hamzah bin Arshad is the firm’s criminal law expert.

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2019

AmerBON Advocates’ dispute resolution practice has been active in the last year. The firm represents clients in all areas of litigation, but best known for its works in commercial and transactions, construction, labour and employment, tax and white-collar crime. The firm is operating as chambers where clients and other solicitor firms would engage them for their expert advocacy in the courts. Both Edmund Bon and Amer Hamzah are key figures within the firm for commercial disputes and white-collar crime.

During the research period, the firm represented Khalid Ibrahim, the former Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of the State of Selangor, on a striking out application. In another employment dispute case, the firm represented National Union of Bank Employees, a notable trade union on a judicial review case. The firm also advised Georg Fischer on a judicial review against the Industrial Court’s decision and sought an order for a higher court to review the decision. 

Notable clients of the firm include Georg Fischer and National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE).

Noted for:
Commercial and Transactions
Construction
Labour and Employment
Tax

Recommended for:
White-Collar Crime

2018
2018

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Leading Firm 2018 for Dispute Resolution (Malaysia) — The Client’s Guide To Law Firms

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2018

Edmund Bon Tai Soon of AmerBON Advocates is noted for his experience in human rights and public interest litigation, while he also takes on corporate, land, defamation and matrimonial cases. Of late, he acted for Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara on a dispute over the capital contribution to be paid by Khean Soon Construction, in relation to an industrial development project.
2017
2017

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Leading Firm 2017 — The Client’s Guide To Law Firms

Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2017, awarded by Asian Legal Business (ALB)’s Malaysia Law Awards

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2017

Edmund Bon Tai Soon of AmerBON Advocates is especially noted for his expertise in the human rights sphere and also acts prominently on company law and construction disputes. Praised by sources as “a very eloquent advocate who delivers clear and precise arguments,” he recently acted on a complex and high profile divorce action with an estimated GBP220 million at stake.
2016
2016

Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2016, awarded by Asian Legal Business (ALB)’s Malaysia Law Awards

Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2016

Edmund Bon Tai Soon of AmerBON Advocates is a well-known litigator, highlighted for his involvement in high-profile human rights and other public interest cases. Clients praise him as a “great strategist” who “seems to have a natural ease in skill and astuteness in handling some of the most difficult situations in our courts today”.