Sabah Law Society Holds Annual General Meeting, Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law

10 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) convened its Annual General MEETING yesterday , marking the conclusion of the previous term and the commencement of a new one. All office bearers were returned unopposed, reflecting the members’ collective confidence in the Society’s work and institutional direction.

In a statement issued by SLS president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin, the Society recorded its appreciation to the membership for the trust reposed and reaffirmed its continuing commitment to serving the profession and upholding the rule of law.

During the Meeting, SLS noted a significant milestone arising from litigation undertaken pursuant to resolutions passed by the Membership, Mohamed Nazim stated adding that in relation to the judicial review concerning Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Kota Kinabalu on 17 October 2025 delivered judgment declaring that the failure to honour Sabah’s share was unlawful and in breach of constitutional obligations.

The Court further ordered that a fresh revenue review be conducted within 90 days, with agreement to be reached within 180 days for the period from 1974 to 2021.

The Attorney General’s Chambers has since filed two Notices of Appeal challenging material aspects of the decision. As such, the matter remains live.

SLS it will continue to exercise institutional oversight, closely monitor the appellate process, insist on compliance with existing court orders, and take all necessary steps to safeguard the constitutional position affirmed by the High Court.

The Society emphasised that its commitment to the appeal will be maintained irrespective of developments between the State and Federal Governments.

The president stated that SLS placed on record its appreciation to members of the legal team involved in the conduct of the proceedings, namely Dr David Fung, Jeyan Marimuttu, and Datuk Roger Chin, together with the rest of the legal team.

The Society further noted that Dr David Fung and Jeyan Marimuttu will continue to act as counsel for the Society in the appellate proceedings. These efforts, it said, are undertaken pursuant to a clear mandate from the membership and reflect the collective resolve of the Sabah legal profession acting through its statutory body.

"SLS remains fully committed to defending the High Court judgment through the appellate Processes."

Pending the determination of the appeals, he said SLS will maintain vigilant oversight of all related developments, including any negotiations arising from the decision, and will insist on strict adherence to the orders of the Court. The Society reiterated that its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law remains firm and undiluted.

As the new term commences, SLS highlighted its forward-looking and member-centric priorities. Guided by the principle that a good Bar must also be a strong and formidable Bar, capable of discharging its duties without fear or favour, the Society outlined its direction for the term.

These priorities include strengthening governance and regulatory standards, enhancing professional capacity and training, expanding access to legal education, and supporting reforms that strengthen Sabah’s legal ecosystem over the long term.

The Society also recorded its acknowledgement and congratulated Datuk Roger Chin, Immediate Past President of the Sabah Law Society 2023–2025, on his appointment as a nominated member of the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sabah. Although no longer serving on the Executive Committee, he remains a member of the Society.

The newly elected Office Bearers and Members of the Executive Committee of the Sabah Law Society for the 2025–2027 term are as follows:

President

Mohamed Nazim Maduarin

Vice President

Soo Chin Fook @ Ryan Soo

Secretary

Song Wei Wan

Assistant Secretary

Marianne Antoinette Ghani

Treasurer

Dominic Ghani

Committee Members

Jamadi Saleh

Adrian Cham Chee Khong

Alvin Leong Yin Yuan

Annin @ Ann Gilong

Saroja A/P Palaniappan

Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh

"The Sabah Law Society (SLS) enters the new term with continuity, institutional discipline, and a clear sense of purpose—focused on serving its members, safeguarding its mandate, and upholding the rule of law without fear or favour."

He concluded that SLS will proceed with discipline, professionalism, and a clear focus on delivery, noting: “People come and go, but the Sabah Law Society is here to stay.”