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Court Cases

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Kuching High Court dismisses pro-independence activists’ suit challenging validity of Malaysia Agreement 1963

The Kuching High Court in Sarawak, Malaysia, dismissed a suit last Thursday which challenged the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Judicial Commissioner Alexander Siew How Wai ruled that the suit lacked a reasonable cause of action and was misconceived. He emphasized that the Federal Constitution establishes Sabah and Sarawak as part of Malaysia, and any changes would require two-thirds majority parliamentary approval and the consent of Sabah and Sarawak. The judge also ordered the plaintiffs to pay costs amounting to RM10,000. The suit was filed in March 2022 by 11 Sarawakians seeking declarations on the agreement’s legality and the decolonization process.

Four Hong Kong students sentenced over anti-govt bomb plot

Four Hong Kong students, including two minors, were sentenced for their involvement in a plot to set off bombs in public spaces. The oldest defendant received over five years in prison, while the others were sent to juvenile rehabilitation centers. The case was handled under the national security law imposed by China in 2020, aimed at suppressing dissent in the city. The defendants belonged to a group advocating for independence and had planned to use explosives in public areas. Critics argue that Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms have been eroded since the implementation of the security law.

Malaysian Home Ministry withdraws appeal against High Court’s 2021 ruling on ‘Allah’ in Christian publication

Malaysia’s Home Ministry has withdrawn its appeal against a High Court ruling that overturned the ban on using the word “Allah” in Christian publications. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail cited ‘contradictions’ between an administrative order and a 1986 Cabinet decision. Despite this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that restrictions remain for non-Muslims in other states, a claim contested by Sarawak state assemblyman Baru Bian

Pakistan ex-PM Khan due back in court after week of unrest

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is set to appear in court again to face fresh charges related to the violence that followed his arrest on graft charges. The arrest sparked deadly civil unrest, prompting supporters to rampage through cities. Khan will seek bail in the new cases, including a charge linked to the death of a supporter. The country has been embroiled in political turmoil, with Khan clashing with the military and facing numerous legal cases, which he considers politically motivated.

Former Malaysian student file lawsuit against English teacher over alleged seven-month absence from classes in 2015

Siti Nafirah, a former student, has taken legal action against the Malaysian Government over her English teacher’s alleged absence for seven months. The case highlights educational misconduct, but due to the pandemic, the trial has faced delays. Now represented by a new lawyer, the trial has finally resumed with a decision expected in July. Other students have joined the campaign against teacher absenteeism, facing pressure to drop the case. In 2021, an injunction was granted to protect the plaintiffs, and Tiada.Guru demanded an apology and disciplinary action against MOE officers.

China jails US citizen for life on espionage charges

China has sentenced a 78-year-old US citizen to life in prison for espionage, further straining relations with Washington. The heavy sentence is rare for foreign citizens in China, and the court statement provided no details on the charges. The jailing comes after China broadened its anti-espionage law, and it follows several other cases of foreigners being detained in recent years.

Kwa Kim Li fined for S$13,000 for misleading executors of LKY’s will and failing to safeguard his confidentiality

Madam Kwa Kim Li, the former lawyer of Singapore’s late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has been found guilty of misconduct in handling LKY’s will by a Disciplinary Tribunal. The DT determined that Mdm Kwa misled the executors of the estate, failed to safeguard LKY’s confidentiality, and made false and misleading representations. The DT also found Mdm Kwa’s statement that LKY had never instructed her to change his will was false. Mdm Kwa has been ordered to pay penalties amounting to S$13,000 and bear the costs of the Law Society of Singapore.

Bankman-Fried asks court to dismiss charges over FTX collapse

Sam Bankman-Fried, former FTX chief, has requested a US federal court to dismiss most of the charges against him related to the collapse of his crypto exchange. Facing fraud and money laundering charges, he pleads not guilty and awaits trial in October, potentially facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Trump civil rape trial hears closing arguments

Closing arguments were heard in a civil trial where ex-president Donald Trump is accused of rape and defamation by former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. Carroll’s lawyers urged the jury to hold Trump accountable for the alleged assault, while Trump’s lawyer argued there was no evidence and accused Carroll of trying to derail Trump’s political aspirations. The trial marks the first time Trump could be legally liable for a sexual assault allegation if found guilty. Trump faces multiple legal challenges as he seeks to run for president again in 2024.

Malaysia former PM files RM150 million defamation lawsuit against Anwar Ibrahim

Former Malaysian premier, Mahathir Mohamad, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for RM150 million (33.7 million USD) over “slanderous” accusations of enriching himself and his family during his time in power.