Halim Hong & Quek (“HHQ”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Sri Mariana Hj Yahya, former Judge of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, as Partner of the firm, effective 7 September 2026. With over four decades of experience in the Judicial and Legal Service and the Judiciary, Dato’ Sri Mariana brings extensive judicial, appellate and legal experience to HHQ.
At HHQ, Dato’ Sri Mariana will contribute her expertise in appellate advocacy, strategic legal advisory, complex litigation, judicial review, public law and dispute resolution, while also supporting the firm’s professional, CSR and community initiatives.
Beginning her career in 1984, she served in a wide range of judicial and legal appointments, including as Magistrate, Assistant Director of the Legal Aid Bureau, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Sessions Court Judge, Senior Federal Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, and Senior Sessions Court Judge.
She was appointed Judicial Commissioner of the High Court in 2007 and elevated to Judge of the High Court of Malaya in 2010. In 2021, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she served until her retirement in 2025. Her career reflects extensive experience across the courts, public law and government legal service, culminating in 18 years on the superior court Bench.
During her judicial tenure, Dato’ Sri Mariana delivered 1,629 written judgments in civil cases and 113 in criminal cases, covering areas including complex civil and commercial litigation, criminal proceedings, judicial review, public and administrative law, corporate and insolvency disputes, and land and property matters.
Commenting on her appointment, Dato’ Sri Mariana Hj Yahya said:
“After more than four decades in the Judicial and Legal Service and the Judiciary, I see my appointment at Halim Hong & Quek as a continuation of my journey in the law, now from a different perspective.
My years on the Bench have given me invaluable insight into the administration of justice, advocacy and the development of the law. I hope to bring that experience to HHQ, contributing strategically to the Firm’s legal practice while sharing knowledge and perspectives with colleagues, particularly the next generation of lawyers.
I am equally committed to giving back. Through HHQ’s professional, CSR and community initiatives, I hope we can use our collective experience and legal expertise to strengthen the profession and extend the benefit of the law to the wider community.
For me, this new chapter is about putting experience to purpose, strengthening the practice of law, nurturing those who will carry it forward, and contributing meaningfully to the profession and society.”
Dato’ Quek Ngee Meng, Managing Partner of HHQ, remarked:
“We are honoured to welcome Dato’ Sri Mariana to HHQ. Her distinguished career, culminating in her service as a Judge of the Court of Appeal, brings to the firm a depth of judicial experience and perspective that is truly exceptional.
Her experience across both civil and criminal matters, coupled with more than four decades of service within Malaysia’s legal and judicial institutions, will bring valuable insight to the firm and our clients, particularly in appellate and complex legal matters. Equally important is Dato’ Sri Mariana’s commitment to professional and community service, which strongly aligns with HHQ’s values. We look forward to her contribution not only as a Partner, but also as a senior member of the firm who can share her experience with and bring out the best of our talent.”
Founded in 2000, HHQ combines top-tier legal expertise with a commitment to excellence, delivering practical and outcome-driven solutions across diverse practice areas. The firm is recognised as a leading legal practice in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Real Estate, Corporate/M&A, Technology, Banking & Finance, and Dispute Resolution.
View Dato’ Dri Mariana’s profile here: https://hhq.com.my/team/partner/dato-sri-mariana/
