Practice Overview

We represent clients in complex, high-stakes commercial and corporate disputes—where outcomes matter, risk must be managed, and strategic judgment is critical.

Our practice combines rigorous legal analysis with commercial realism. We advise clients not only on how disputes can be fought, but on whether they should be litigated, arbitrated, resolved, or avoided altogether. From domestic contractual disputes to complex cross-border and institutional arbitrations, we tailor dispute strategies to our clients’ business objectives.

The team is led by Siva Kumar Kanagasabai, who has been involved in numerous large and complex commercial litigation and arbitration disputes both at a domestic level and internationally in the span of his over 30-year legal career. He is supported by a team of Dispute Resolution lawyers with a wide range of experience in commercial disputes.

Our team’s experience spans domestic and international disputes across a wide range of industries, including banking and finance, energy, construction, shipping, technology, and corporate transactions. We regularly coordinate multi-jurisdictional proceedings and advise on enforcement, interim relief, and arbitration-court interfaces.

Above all, we are trusted to handle disputes where credibility, discretion, and judgment under pressure are paramount.

Our partners also act as counsel for solicitor firms and where necessary, can work closely with external counsel to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.

Why HHQ?

Clients choose us because we combine rigorous legal advocacy with strategic practical and commercial approach to resolving disputes.

We focus on outcomes, not abstractions. From the outset, we assess not only how a dispute can be advanced, but whether it should be litigated, arbitrated, resolved, or restructured to best serve our clients’ business objectives. We identify pressure points early—jurisdictional, procedural, and evidential—and deploy them decisively.

Our team is known for clear, disciplined advocacy and meticulous preparation. We handle complex, high-stakes disputes with an emphasis on clarity, credibility, and persuasion—whether before courts, arbitral tribunals, or across the negotiating table.

Partner involvement is hands-on and continuous. Clients work directly with senior lawyers who remain engaged throughout the life of the matter, supported by a strong, experienced team that delivers responsiveness, consistency, and quality control.

We also understand that disputes do not exist in isolation. We are trusted to manage legal, commercial, reputational, and cross-border risks with discretion, judgment, and efficiency—always aligned with our clients’ broader strategic priorities.

Key Services

• Strategic dispute risk assessment and early case evaluation
• Clear, commercially grounded advice on dispute resolution strategy
• Representation in high-value and complex corporate and commercial litigation
• Shareholder, joint venture, partnership and boardroom disputes
• Contractual claims, misrepresentation and fraud actions
• Urgent interim and injunctive relief, including asset preservation
• Domestic and international arbitration under major institutional rules
• Advice on arbitration clauses, forum selection and governing law
• Tribunal strategy, arbitrator selection and case management
• Emergency arbitration and interim measures
• Setting aside proceedings and enforcement of arbitral awards
• Cross-border and multi-jurisdictional dispute coordination
• Enforcement of judgments and awards across jurisdictions
• Asset tracing, recovery and enforcement strategies
• Strategic negotiation and mediation advocacy
• Commercially focused settlement structuring
• Dispute avoidance and pre-dispute advisory
• Crisis management and urgent dispute advisory
• Reputational and business-critical dispute support
• Practical, board-level advice tailored to client objectives

Representative Experience

• Acted in one of Malaysia’s largest ever fraud and asset recovery actions encompassing multiple parties and cross-border transfer of embezzled funds, including obtaining injunctions and other interim orders.
• Acted as counsel in successfully obtaining an injunction to freeze assets in excess of US$76 million as an interim measure in aid of a foreign seated arbitration involving an oil trading dispute.
• Acted for charterer in a charterparty dispute involving a claim in excess of RM100m involving parallel claims in the High Court and in arbitration.
• Acted as counsel in a domestic arbitration in relation to alleged breaches of a concession agreement involving total claims in excess of RM100 million where an injunction in aid of arbitration was sought.
• Engaged as counsel to defend and challenge an arbitration award for RM30 million in all 3 levels of the Malaysian Court system.
• Acted as co-counsel in a partnership dispute involving a large Malaysian law firm which has been referred to arbitration.
• Engaged as counsel in enforcement at common law of a foreign judgment in excess of RM140 million.
• Acted for the Defendant in a securities and margin financing claim in excess of RM600 million.
• Acted in an appeal in respect of a high value in rem claim involving complex admiralty and agency issues; and an attempted lifting and piercing of the corporate veil.
• Acted for a mutual organisation in defending a claim by a member for alleged mala fide in their decision to refuse support to the member.
• Acted as counsel in a land dispute where a challenge was made on the indefeasibility of registered title and which involved allegations of illegality and forgery.
• Acted for major insurance companies in obtaining vesting orders in relation to business transfers.
• Acting as counsel for the Malaysian Bar in seeking an injunction against a leading corporation fin a claim involving a determination as to whether they are carrying on practices which are within the exclusive domain of lawyers.
• Acted in a successful claim by various property purchasers to challenge the validity of a creditors’ meeting involving the developer and the resolutions passed thereat.
• Represented creditors in an action to remove a court appointed liquidator.
• Advised and represented corporates, directors and senior management in investigations and prosecutions under the Environmental Quality Act, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, Anti Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, and capital markets legislation.
• Acted for shareholders in boardroom tussle and advised on the procedure of fraud and accounting forensic.
• Acted for shareholders in multiple minority oppression actions under Section 346(1) of the Companies Act 2016.
• Acted for shareholders in initiating or resisting “just and equitable” winding up proceedings pursuant to Section 465(1)(h) of the Companies Act 2016.
• Acted for a foreign borrower and guarantor in setting aside a judgment of USD8 million obtained by a Malaysian bank.
• Acted for a scrap metal dealer in defending a RM13million claim commenced by a magnesium manufacturer.
• Acted for a glove manufacturer in claiming the construction costs of RM15million against a public listed company.
• Acted for an insurance company in pursuing recovery actions against agents who had defrauded the company through misappropriation and fraudulent practices.
• Engaged to act in various fraud recovery action against directors, employees and third parties who facilitated fraud/misappropriation of monies.
• Acted in a multi-jurisdictional recovery action against the Defendant who had defrauded a foreign company, including obtaining injunctions and other interim orders.
• Advised and acted for government owned company whose senior employees issued bonds worth USD5 billion without authority and without the knowledge of the Board.
• Acted for property developers, landowners and investors in complex land and real estate disputes involving joint ventures, land development agreements, sale and purchase agreements and investment structures.
• Acted for clients in caveat removal proceedings, land related injunctions and urgent proprietary disputes under the National Land Code, safeguarding land rights and commercial interests.
• Advised and represented developers in purchaser-initiated claims, defect disputes and statutory proceedings under housing legislation, including judicial review proceedings to quash tribunal awards.
• Acted in disputes arising from adjoining land issues, construction impact claims and landowner grievances linked to development activities.

Key Contacts:

• Siva Kumar Kanagasabai | Senior Partner
• Ankit R Sanghvi | Partner
• Lum Man Chan | Partner
• Chau Yen Shen | Principal Associate
• Chew Jin Heng | Senior Associate
• Pavidren A/L R Sivananda Ratnam | Associate
• Esther Lee Zhi Qian | Associate
• Chew Sin Yun | Associate
• Erica Wong Jia Chie | Associate
• Tan Zec Kie | Associate

Practice Overview

Navigating the intersection of maritime commerce and complex litigation requires a rare blend of industry intuition and legal mastery. Our practice is built on this synergy, offering global clients a multidisciplinary shield against the evolving risks of the shipping world.

We deliver more than legal advice; we provide commercial resilience. Our Maritime & Shipping team is recognised for its ability to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges with pragmatic, sector-specific strategies.

The team is led by Siva Kumar Kanagasabai, a Legal 500 Asia Pacific-ranked ‘Leading Lawyer’ and a ‘prominent figure in the market’ according to Chambers and Partners with more than 30 years of experience in the legal industry.

Our team excels at the 'sharp end' of maritime law, including:

• Emergency Interventions: Vessel arrests as security for litigation and as interim measure in aid of foreign proceedings, collision claims, and oil pollution claims.
• Commercial Disputes: Charterparty disputes, cargo claims, and Incoterm contract litigation, fraud and ship mortgage enforcement under conventional and Islamic facilities.
• Global Arbitration: Resolving cross-border commodity, charterparty and maritime disputes through ICC and AIAC frameworks.
• Oil spills and regulatory issues

By integrating multidisciplinary expertise with a deep understanding of the global supply chain, we safeguard our clients’ interests in any jurisdiction.

Why HHQ

Our Shipping and Maritime practice combines specialist industry knowledge with extensive experience in commercial litigation and arbitration. This multidisciplinary expertise enables us to approach each matter strategically, considering both legal and commercial perspectives, and avoiding the limitations of a narrow or siloed approach.

Operating within a global and fast-moving industry, we leverage a well-established international network of law firms and maritime professionals to support our clients’ legal needs across jurisdictions. This allows us to deliver coordinated, effective solutions wherever issues arise.

With offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru; HHQ has access to resources to deal with maritime issues on the ground throughout Peninsular Malaysia. It also has strong relationships with law firms in Sabah and Sarawak to support clients in maritime related matters in the Malaysian side of the island of Borneo.

We are known for our responsiveness and expeditious turnaround, particularly in urgent and time-sensitive matters such as vessel arrests. Clients rely on us to act decisively and efficiently when immediate action is required.

Our services extend beyond court and arbitration proceedings. We provide practical advisory support and assist clients in navigating interactions with government and regulatory enforcement agencies, ensuring comprehensive legal support at every stage.

Key Services include:

• Advisory and legal representation in:
  • Vessel arrests and claims related thereto
  • Charterparty disputes
  • Oil pollution claims
  • Cargo claims
  • International trade and Incoterm disputes
  • Collision claims
  • Fraud
  • Enforcement of ship mortgages under both conventional and Islamic facilities
  • Domestic and international arbitrations
  • Port related disputes
  • Interim measures in aid of arbitration relating to in rem claims
  • Filing of caveats against arrest and caveats against release of vessels
  • Sale & purchase of Vessels

Sector Expertise:

• Shipping & Maritime industry
• International trade

Experience:

• Acted in inter-related claims for breach of ship management agreement in the High Court and an alleged breach of the bareboat charter agreement in arbitration involving a claim in excess of RM100m.
• Acted in a claim of breach of contract in the export and import of commodities in excess of US$24m
• Acted in an appeal in respect of an alleged in rem claim arising from the carrying on of casino activities on board a chartered Vessel in international waters
• Acted in obtaining an order to prevent dealings with a luxury yacht under the Langkawi International Yacht Registry Act 2003
• Acted in an in rem claim involving crude oil delivery of approximately 1 million barrels worth in excess of US$76m.
• Acted in claim for undelivered cargo involving multiple claimants, issues on title to the cargo and priority/validity of security issues.
• Engaged by MLC underwriters in relation to unpaid crew claims.
• Acted for shipowner in multi-million dollar cross-border cargo damage claim in an international arbitration.
• Acted for ship owners in claims against port authorities for damage to a vessel during loading.
• Acted in a multi-million dollar claim for alleged breach of bunker supply agreement as well as in other bunker supply claims.
• Acted for mortgagees and receivers in enforcement and recovery actions against vessels.
• Acted in a multi-million dollar shipbuilding contract and charterparty dispute.
• Acted in ship arrests and setting aside orders for ship arrests in Malaysian territorial waters in connection with various in rem claims.
• Acted in an in rem claim in successfully establishing that physical redelivery of a vessel is required to effectively bring an end to a demise charter.
• Advised clients on the legal ramifications and liabilities under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 in respect of an oil spill incident which had affected both Malaysian and Singaporean waters.
• Acted in shipping-related insolvency matters, including for bank, receivers and liquidators in priority claims brought by an equitable mortgagee involving the liquidation of a shipyard.
• Acted in an arbitration claim in excess of US$3m for cargo damage.
• Acted in various judicial sales of vessels.
• Acted in a claim involving the novel issue of the jurisdiction of the admiralty court to arrest Vessels in the context of Malaysia having 2 High Courts with separate territorial jurisdictions.
• Advised and acted for clients in claims involving security over vessel and cargo and priority claims.
• Acted in ship collision matters including in rem claims in Court for loss or damage caused by a ship.
• Acted in claim for demurrage charges in excess of US$1.7m due to alleged misrepresentation on loading rate by service provider.

Key Contacts:

• Siva Kumar Kanagasabai | Senior Partner
• Pavidren A/L R Sivananda Ratnam | Associate
• Erica Wong Jia Chie | Associate

Practice Overview

We assist clients to respond to fraud, corruption and financial misconduct, with a focus on effective recovery of misappropriated assets locally and overseas. Businesses turn to us when they are victims of fraud or confronted with internal fraud, misconduct by employees or directors, and complex schemes involving third-party facilitators and cross-border fund movements and the use of cryptocurrency. In today’s environment of increasing regulatory scrutiny and sophisticated financial crime, early and strategic intervention is critical to preventing any further misappropriation of funds and dissipation of assets.

Our team is headed by Siva Kumar Kanagasabai. Kumar has recently acted as counsel in an action involving the recovery of billions of dollars syphoned from a State owned company. Kumar and the team advises and acts on the full lifecycle of fraud and asset recovery matters, from investigations and evidence gathering to urgent court applications, enforcement, liasing with the authorities and recovery actions across multiple jurisdictions. We are also experienced in obtaining interim relief, including injunctions to prevent further dissipation of assets, and working with the authorities.

Our work frequently involves coordinating with foreign counsel, forensic experts and regulators, including in matters with extraterritorial elements such as FCPA-related investigations. We have a network of foreign lawyers, forensic investigations, accountants and criminal lawyers whom we work with to find solutions for clients.

Our approach is practical, commercially focused and outcome-driven. We work closely with clients to develop recovery strategies that are proportionate, discreet and aligned with their broader business objectives.

Why HHQ:

• Recovery is our priority. Our strategies are commercially minded and designed to secure, trace, and recover assets quickly, while responding to the urgency and sensitivity of fraud situations. We have a specialised restructuring and insolvency team to support recovery efforts, including liquidation and judicial management that enable us to pursue recovery not only from wrongdoers but also through structured asset realisation and creditor-driven remedies.
• Speed and turnaround - we prioritise urgent early action to preserve assets and evidence before they dissipate.
• Our team is practical and solutions driven. We work with external professionals such as accountants, IT specialist and external criminal lawyers to drive solutions for the client.
• Experienced in high-value fraud recovery and internal investigations, including cross-border actions against directors, employees, and third parties who misappropriated funds, and inquiries involving FCPA and other extraterritorial regulations.
• Our team members have been involved in one of Malaysia’s largest-ever multi-jurisdictional fraud recovery actions, acting against shadow directors, facilitators, and beneficiaries who dishonestly received company assets.
• Direct collaboration with forensic accounting experts from Andersen Malaysia or other firms which the client is comfortable with allows end-to-end management of fraud cases - from initial investigation and forensic analysis to legal action and asset recovery.
• Able to seek tracing and recovery of fraudulently diverted funds in cryptocurrency and other digital payment systems
• Experienced in conducting investigations into fraudulent practices within the company while safeguarding the identities of whistleblowers.
• Led by Siva Kumar Kanagasabai, who is trusted by clients for a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach, providing fast, responsive support in the commercial disputes.
  • 'He has strong understanding of the subject matter and provides practical solutions.’ -Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024
  • ‘Siva Kumar Kanagasabai has a pragmatic approach and deals well with issues at hand.’ -Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024
  • ‘He is always quick to respond and provides good support as may be required.’ -Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023

Key Services:

• Acting in domestic and multi-jurisdictional fraud recovery actions, including tracing, freezing, and recovery of assets in all forms
• Representation in civil and commercial litigation arising from fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, and corporate misconduct.
• Obtaining urgent interim relief, including Mareva Injunction
• Advising on fraud, asset misappropriation, and financial misconduct for corporate clients
• Conducting forensic investigations and compliance audits, in collaboration with Andersen Malaysia and other firms
• Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements and structured recovery arrangements
• End-to-end support from initial investigation through recovery, coordinating with regulators, forensic accountants and foreign counsel
• Advising clients on anti-corruption, fraud prevention and internal controls to reduce future risk

Team Experience:

• Engaged to act in one of the largest ever fraud recovery actions involving billions of dollars against the directors, the shadow director, parties who participated in the fraud and provided dishonestly assistance; as well as beneficiaries who knowingly received company assets.
• Acted for an insurance company in pursuing recovery actions against agents who had defrauded the company through misappropriation and fraudulent practices.
• Engaged in various fraud recovery action against directors, employees and third parties who facilitated fraud/misappropriation of monies.
• Acted in a multi-jurisdictional recovery action against the Defendant who had defrauded a foreign company, including obtaining injunctions and other interim orders.
• Acted in investigations/inquiries into fraud and corruption by employees including where the FCPA applied.
• Advised and acted for government owned company whose senior employees issued bonds worth USD5 billion without authority and without the knowledge of the Board
• Investigations into internal corruption and fraud
• Advice and acting for employer where disciplinary action is taken on grounds of fraud and taking bribes

Key Contacts:

• Siva Kumar Kanagasabai | Senior Partner
• Lum Man Chan | Partner
• Pavidren A/L R Sivananda Ratnam | Associate
• Esther Lee Zhi Qian | Associate
• Erica Wong Jia Chie | Associate

Practice Overview

Our team acts for employers and high-level employees on a full spectrum of employment and industrial relations matters in Malaysia. A defining strength of the practice is that our employment lawyers are first and foremost dispute-resolution litigators. This litigation-led foundation enables us to deliver employment advice that is not only legally sound, but rigorously tested against real litigation risk, shaped by how employment decisions are scrutinised by the Industrial Court, the Labour Court, and the civil courts.

In the context of employers, we regularly advise across all aspects of employment matters, including structuring of employment documentation, workplace policies, performance and misconduct management, internal investigations and disciplinary processes, workforce restructuring, retrenchment exercises, global mobility, regulatory compliance, risk assessment and risk-proofing employment decisions. Our advice is anchored on the law as well as the commercial and practical reality.

Our team advises and acts for a diverse client base comprising public-listed companies, multinational corporations, educational institutions, and organisations across manufacturing, real estate, technology, hospitality, and services sectors. Many of our mandates involve sensitive or high-stakes employment issues with significant financial, operational, or reputational exposure.

Our standing in the market has been recognised through independent legal directories and industry awards, including:

• ALB Malaysia Law Awards 2025
  Winner – Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
• ALB Southeast Asia Law Awards 2024
  Shortlisted – Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year

Why HHQ

• Practical and commercially driven employment advice delivered by litigators, not advisory-only practitioners.
• Deep familiarity with Industrial Court and Labour Court’s processes, reasonings and evidentiary standards.
• Strong emphasis on risk-proofing employment decisions before disputes arise.
• Proven experience in handling senior management, expatriate, and cross-border employment matters.
• Ability to support clients from preventive advisory through to trial and appellate proceedings.
• Active involvement in industry and human capital forums shaping employment practices in Malaysia.

Key Services

• Employment advisory and regulatory compliance
• Employment documentation (contracts, handbooks, policies)
• Performance management and disciplinary processes
• Workplace investigations and domestic inquiries
• Retrenchment, redundancy, and workforce restructuring
• Contentious employment disputes, litigation and appeals
• Trade unions, collective bargaining, and collective agreements
• Global mobility and immigration
• Occupational safety and health
• Employment insurance and social security compliance
• ESG – Social (labour and workplace governance)

Sector Expertise

• Real Estate & Construction
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Iron & Steel
• Retail
• Technology & Digital
• Hospitality
• Education Institutions

Representative Experience

• Acted for a renowned property developer in Court of Appeal proceedings arising from the termination of a C-suite employee during probation.
• Advised a major shareholder of Malaysia’s national car manufacturer on employment and workforce matters.
• Represented multinational and listed companies in Industrial Court and Labour Court proceedings involving unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and retrenchment.
• Acted as counsel in appellate proceedings arising from employment disputes.
• Advised global technology companies on minimum wage, overtime, and COVID-19 compliance.
• Regularly provide legal supports and advisory services to multinational companies on employment matters and compliance issues in Malaysia.

Key Contacts

• Thoo Yee Huan | Senior Partner
• Siva Kumar Kanagasabai | Senior Partner
• Chau Yen Shen | Principal Associate

Practice Overview

Our construction law practice supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, from structuring the contract framework and managing delivery risk to resolving disputes efficiently when issues escalate. We have advised various prominent developers, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders on complex construction and infrastructure matters with practical, commercially focused guidance grounded in project and cashflow realities.

At the front end, we draft, review and negotiate construction and engineering documentation, including bespoke arrangements and major standard forms (PWD, PAM and FIDIC). We work closely with project teams to align procurement strategy, risk allocation, payment mechanisms, variations, EOT regimes, security instruments and dispute resolution provisions, ensuring contracts are workable on site and robust if challenged.

During delivery, we provide ongoing project advisory and contract administration support from procurement and tender through completion, including claims preparation, EOT and variation assessments, certification and payment issues.

When disputes arise, we represent clients in CIPAA 2012 adjudication, mediation, domestic and international arbitration, and court proceedings, including urgent interim relief, performance bond and retention disputes, and enforcement of awards and judgments.

Our Construction practice is led by our Partner, Ankit R. Sanghvi, an experienced dispute counsel with specialised construction law and adjudication credentials.

Why HHQ

• A single team providing end-to-end support, covering contracts, project delivery advice, CIPAA adjudication, arbitration and litigation. Driving one consistent strategy from start to finish.
• Practical solutions that are grounded with commercial, cashflow and stakeholder realities, while preserving legal leverage.
• Major projects and infrastructure exposure, and regularly handling complex, multi-party disputes pertaining to LAD, EOT, architect’s instructions, defects and performance bonds across employers, main contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Proven experience with urgent interim relief such as injunctions pertaining to performance bonds, retention and asset-preservation measures.
• Partner-led, and fast turnaround with clear, actionable advice when time-sensitive decisions are required.

Key Services

Contract Drafting & Review
Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and finalising construction and engineering contracts, including bespoke agreements and major standard forms such as PWD, PAM and FIDIC.

Project Advisory & Contract Administration
Advising owners, developers, contractors, consultants and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle (from procurement, tender and award through to completion) on key contractual issues, including claims preparation, EOT and variation assessments, certification and payment matters.

Statutory Adjudication (CIPAA 2012)
Acting for claimants and respondents in adjudication proceedings under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA), including preparing payment claims and responses, submissions, and advising on enforcement, stay applications and applications to set aside the adjudication award.

Dispute Resolution (Arbitration & Litigation)
Representing clients across mediation, domestic and international arbitration, and court litigation, including urgent interim relief, complex disputes, and the enforcement of awards and judgments.

Team Experience

• Advised a consortium of 11 prominent property developers and a local municipal council, and led the drafting and formalisation of a RM52 million cost-sharing agreement to finance the construction of a flyover at a key intersection in Selangor.
• Acted for the owner of a major mixed-use development (comprising a luxury hotel and serviced apartments) in a complex dispute involving the main contractor, sub-contractors, and suppliers. The dispute encompassed issues such as liquidated and ascertained damages (LAD), extensions of time, architect's instructions, defect rectification, and performance bonds.
• Represented a property developer in an arbitration arising from a joint venture for a mixed-use development on the counterparty's land. Under the joint venture agreement, the developer was to construct the project according to the counterparty's specifications, with a portion of the land to be transferred for commercial and residential use. The dispute arose after the counterparty terminated the agreement, and involved complex issues of joint venture obligations and termination rights.
• Represented sub-contractors in contractual disputes with main contractors and project owners regarding unpaid certified works on a major property development project.
• Acted for main contractors in disputes arising from defectively manufactured construction materials, involving multi-party claims against project owners (employers), sub-contractors, and suppliers.
• Represented main contractors in addressing grievances from neighbouring landowners affected by construction activities, successfully managing claims and securing favourable resolutions.
• Obtained an injunction on behalf of a main contractor to prevent an employer from calling on a performance bond. Additionally, represented a sub-contractor in securing an injunction to restrain a main contractor from drawing on retention sums held in trust.
• Advised stakeholders involved in the construction of a large-scale solar power plant in Malaysia, providing strategic counsel on construction-related legal issues.
• Represented a main contractor in a complex dispute with an employer regarding the construction of a high-end condominium, addressing issues including contract termination, project delays, and performance bond disputes.
• Acted on behalf of property developers in defect-related claims initiated by property purchasers, formulating dispute resolution strategies and facilitating favourable resolutions.
• Defended a property developer in adjudication proceedings initiated by a main contractor over certified works, successfully challenging the validity of the contractor's claims.
• Acted for a property developer in a dispute with a main contractor concerning the impact of construction works on adjoining properties.
• Represented the Government of India in proceedings before the Malaysian courts to set aside arbitration awards totalling USD 200 million.
• Successfully defended a client in arbitration proceedings initiated by a prominent organisation seeking unpaid architects' fees. The dispute required interpretation of the Architects (Scale of Minimum Fees) Rules 2010.

Key Contacts

• Ankit R. Sanghvi | Partner
• Chew Jin Heng | Senior Associate
• Tan Zec Kie | Associate

Practice Overview

We advise and act for clients across a wide range of real estate and land disputes. We represent registered proprietors, beneficial owners, developers, purchasers, strata management bodies and management committees, landlords and tenants in matters involving land ownership and possession, stratified developments, sale and purchase agreement disputes (including LAD, rescission and misrepresentation claims), tribunal proceedings and judicial reviews (including Homebuyer’s and Strata Management Tribunal matters), land encroachment and boundary disputes, private caveat applications, and tenancy and lease enforcement.

These matters are often time-sensitive and have material commercial impact. We take a practical, commercially informed approach and align strategy with the client’s objectives. We regularly act in urgent applications for injunctions and other interim proprietary relief, as well as in negotiated settlements, tribunal proceedings, and court litigation, including judicial review and appellate work. We provide clear advice and focused advocacy to protect clients’ proprietary interests and manage dispute risk effectively.

Why HHQ

• Extensive experience in complex land and real estate litigation across all levels of courts, including disputes involving ownership, possession as well as strata and HDA-related matters.
• Strong focus on speed and turnaround, prioritising urgent early action to protect property rights and secure timely resolutions.
• Practical, strategic, and solutions-driven approach, balancing robust legal strategy with commercial realities to ensure clients’ property and commercial objectives are met.
• Trusted adviser to developers, property owners, joint management bodies, and purchasers, regularly instructed in high-stakes and precedent-setting property matters.
• Consistently ranked and recommended in leading legal directories, reflecting deep specialist knowledge and strong client outcomes in the real estate sector.

Key Services

• Representation in land ownership and title disputes, including constructive trust and beneficial ownership claims.
• Advisory on and representation in HDA-related claims, including delayed delivery, defects and statutory compliance issues.
• Handling claims arising from breaches of sale and purchase agreements, including specific performance, liquidated ascertained damages (LAD) and misrepresentation.
• Resolution of strata title and strata management body disputes, including rectification of strata title and claims by or against joint management bodies or management corporations.
• Advisory on and representation in actions relating to trespass, encroachment, and unlawful occupation of land.
• Resolution of landlord-tenant disputes, including termination matters, eviction and recovery of possession of property from holding-over occupiers.
• Advisory on caveatable interests as well as representation in proceedings for caveat protection and removal.

Team Experience

• Advised and acted for leading housing developers in purchaser claims for liquidated ascertained damages (LAD), including matters arising from Federal Court decisions such as PJD Regency Sdn Bhd v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah and Ang Ming Lee & Ors v Menteri Kesejahteraan Bandar.
• Advised and represented property developers in judicial review proceedings challenging awards of the Tribunal for Homebuyer’s Claims under the Housing Development framework.
• Advised and acted for property developers and management bodies in judicial review proceedings involving the Strata Management Tribunal.
• Advised and represented housing developers in defending rescission claims arising from alleged misrepresentation and non-disclosure.
• Held watching briefs for the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) in landmark matters.
• Advised and represented clients in land encroachment and boundary disputes, including unlawful occupation claims.
• Acted for landlords in recovery of rental arrears, eviction, and vacant possession proceedings.
• Represented clients in private caveat removal proceedings under the National Land Code.
• Acted for developers, landowners, and investors in complex disputes involving joint ventures and land development arrangements.
• Regularly acts in urgent proprietary matters, including injunctions and caveat-related proceedings.
• Advised and represented developers in defect claims and statutory housing disputes, including judicial review applications.
• Experienced in disputes involving adjoining land, nuisance, construction interference, and property damage.

Key Contacts

• Thoo Yee Huan | Senior Partner
• Ankit R. Sanghvi | Partner
• Lum Man Chan | Partner
• Chew Jin Heng | Senior Associate
• Meyer Thor Xiao Xin | Senior Associate

Practice Overview

Our team provides end-to-end legal support and advisory services throughout the entire compulsory land acquisition process.

Our services span from the earliest stage when the statutory notice for compulsory acquisition is issued, right through to representing clients in the inquiry before the Land Administrator and in land reference proceedings before the High Court.

We regularly advise and act for private landowners, developers, and corporations, assisting them in understanding their constitutional rights, available options, and the steps required to safeguard the true value of their land; ensuring that no land is acquired without compliance with the law; and with adequate and fair compensation as guaranteed by Malaysian law.

Our approach is valuation-driven and strategy-led. We combine deep familiarity with statutory procedures and valuation methodology, together with extensive court practice and practical experience, to secure outcomes that reflect the true value and development potential of the land.

Why HHQ

• We robustly advocate for the rights of landowners affected by compulsory acquisition to challenge the acquisition and to receive fair and adequate compensation, as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.
• A practical, solutions-driven team focused on achieving commercially sensible outcomes.
• Direct and close collaboration with experienced private valuers, enabling strategic challenges to valuation methodology and maximisation of compensation outcomes.
• Experienced in acting in appeals before the appellate courts in land acquisition matters.
• Strong working relationships with relevant authorities and industry regulators, facilitating efficient engagement and resolution of acquisition disputes.
• End-to-end capability, guiding clients seamlessly from the initial acquisition notice through litigation or negotiated settlement.

Key Services

• End-to-end legal support from the early stages of the acquisition process, including the issuance of statutory acquisition notices, through to challenging the acquisition and/or the adequacy of compensation awarded by the Land Administrator.
• Representation in land reference proceedings before the High Court of Malaya, including appeals arising from land acquisition disputes before the appellate courts.
• Advising on and initiating judicial review proceedings to challenge the legality, purpose, or procedural validity of compulsory land acquisitions.
• Initiating, managing, and facilitating out-of-court negotiations with acquiring authorities and relevant government bodies to achieve commercially sensible settlements.
• Conducting legal and strategic assessments of valuation reports, including in-depth analysis of methodology, assumptions, and comparable data relied upon by valuation experts.

Sector Expertise

• Real Estate & Construction
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Iron & Steel
• Retail

Representative Experience

• Acted for a subsidiary of a listed company in compulsory land acquisition proceedings involving acquisition value exceeding RM60 million.
• Advised a foreign-owned manufacturing company with investments exceeding RM200 million on negotiations with local authorities and acquiring party relating to the realignment of a federal government railway infrastructure project.
• Represented local agricultural companies in land reference proceedings arising from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
• Acted for numerous individual landowners and local corporations in challenging acquisition awards and seeking additional compensation for lands acquired for public utility purposes and public interest projects.
• Regularly advises on complex acquisition issues, including injurious affection, severance, landlocked parcels, amendments to planning permissions or development orders, loss of income and relocation of business operations.

Key Contacts

• Thoo Yee Huan | Senior Partner
• Chau Yen Shen | Principal Associate
• Chew Jin Heng | Senior Associate

Practice Overview

We support clients through every stage of regulatory and quasi-criminal matters, from proactive compliance and risk management to navigating investigations and mounting defenses in enforcement actions.

The team advises corporations, financial institutions, directors and senior management on high-stakes issues spanning insider trading, anti-money laundering (AMLA), anti-corruption (MACC Act) and environmental compliance (EQA).

We are frequently engaged at critical junctures where legal exposure, regulatory scrutiny and business pressures converge, providing decisive counsel when the stakes are highest. With end-to-end support, we guide clients from initial internal investigations and dawn raid response through to court proceedings and enforcement defense, emphasizing practical, commercially sensible solutions.

Our approach is strategic and hands-on, aiming to protect business continuity and reputation while achieving favorable outcomes in the face of regulatory scrutiny. We work closely with industry experts and specialists to achieve our clients’ intended objectives and goals as well as in conducting training.

Our ESG & Regulatory Compliance Practice Group is led by Partner Ankit R. Sanghvi, an experienced litigator known for his work in regulatory enforcement and white-collar defense.

Why HHQ

• Partner-led counsel: Each matter is directly led by a partner, ensuring top-level expertise, accountability and tailored strategy from start to finish.
• Regulatory insight & commercial sensibility: We combine deep knowledge of Malaysian regulatory frameworks with a pragmatic understanding of business realities, delivering advice that is legally sound and commercially sensible.
• Crisis management expertise: Extensive experience handling dawn raids, urgent investigations and parallel proceedings with a calm, strategic approach that preserves business continuity and manages reputational risk even under pressure.
• Proven enforcement defense track record: A strong record of defending clients in complex, high-profile enforcement actions (MACC, securities, environmental, AMLA), achieving favorable resolutions while minimizing disruption.
• End-to-end solutions: Seamless support covering compliance advisory, internal investigations, regulatory liaison and courtroom defense, allowing clients to rely on one team for comprehensive regulatory compliance needs.
• Fast, clear guidance: Recognized for swift turnaround and actionable advice, especially when time-sensitive decisions are required in regulatory crises.

Key Services

Regulatory Investigations & Dawn Raid Response
Advising and representing clients during investigations by enforcement agencies (e.g. MACC, Securities Commission, environmental regulators), including managing dawn raids, document production and interviews to mitigate legal risk.

White-Collar Crime Defense
Defending companies and individuals in criminal prosecutions for regulatory and white-collar offenses such as bribery, fraud, insider trading and money laundering, from initial charges through trial and appeal.

MACC & AMLA Compliance Advisory
Guiding organizations on anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance, including establishing internal controls, conducting Section 17A MACC Act corporate liability assessments, and ensuring AMLA reporting obligations are met.

Environmental Compliance (EQA) & Enforcement
Assisting clients in understanding and fulfilling Environmental Quality Act obligations, and responding to environmental enforcement actions or prosecutions by authorities – from compliance audits to defense in court.

Insider Trading & Securities Compliance
Providing counsel on securities law compliance and defending clients in capital markets enforcement actions (such as insider trading inquiries), while liaising with regulators to resolve issues.

Corporate Governance Audits & Training
We carry out thorough reviews of governance and compliance to highlight potential weaknesses. We also provide training sessions (including with the assistance of industry experts) and help develop policies that reinforce a strong corporate compliance culture and reduce the likelihood of regulatory violations.

Team Experience

• Defended a multinational corporation in a high-profile MACC investigation into alleged procurement corruption, leading a defense strategy that resulted in no charges against the company.
• Acted for a manufacturing company facing prosecution under the Environmental Quality Act for alleged pollution violations, successfully negotiating a resolution that avoided severe penalties and operational disruption.
• Represented a financial services firm in an anti-money laundering enforcement action, coordinating an internal investigation and remedial measures which persuaded regulators to close the case without further action.
• Counseled a senior executive during a Securities Commission insider trading inquiry, guiding the client through interviews and evidence submissions, and the inquiry concluded with no enforcement action taken.
• Led an internal investigation for a government-linked company after whistleblower allegations of bribery, which involved reporting findings to the board and regulators and helping the company implement enhanced compliance measures to avoid prosecution.
• Advised a public-listed company on implementing "adequate procedures" under Section 17A of the MACC Act, strengthening its anti-corruption compliance framework and readiness against potential corporate liability charges.
• Managed an urgent dawn raid response for a major corporation targeted by authorities, deploying on-site to advise during the raid and steering the company through the ensuing investigation while maintaining business continuity.

Key Contacts

• Ankit R. Sanghvi | Partner
• Chew Jin Heng | Senior Associate
• Tan Zec Kie | Associate

Practice Overview

We advise companies and boards facing financial distress, as well as creditors and investors seeking to protect their position and to maximise recovery when counterparties face financial issues. Clients typically engage us when liquidity tightens, enforcement risk escalates or stakeholder positions harden and a legal process is required to manage risk and control outcomes.

Led by Lum Man Chan, our team advises on restructuring and insolvency matters across schemes of arrangement, judicial management and private liquidations. Our experience is grounded in contested court processes under the Companies Act 2016, including matters involving creditor opposition, enforcement risk and time-sensitive applications.

We focus on helping clients evaluate viable pathways at an early stage, formulate strategies that are legally defensible and manage the transition from restructuring to enforcement or exit where continuation is no longer realistic. Our role is to bring clarity, discipline and control to situations where outcomes are uncertain and options seem constrained.

Why HHQ

• Restructuring and disputes capability in one practice: distressed situations frequently escalate into contested proceedings, and we manage restructuring execution alongside the litigation, priority and enforcement issues that arise in parallel.
• Court-tested restructuring experience: our advice on schemes of arrangement, judicial management and insolvency processes is shaped by hands-on experience in contested court applications, not purely advisory structuring.
• Speed and control in urgent windows: we assist clients in securing interim protection where necessary and in managing compressed timelines so restructuring pathways remain viable and legally defensible.
• Integrated execution with external specialists: we work closely with insolvency practitioners, accountants and financial advisers to ensure legal strategy aligns with valuation, investigation and stakeholder engagement realities.

Key Services

• Distress and restructuring advisory: assessment of viability, restructuring pathways, stakeholder dynamics and board-level risk.
• Schemes of arrangement, including pre-packaged schemes, and related court applications and implementation processes.
• Judicial management: advisory and applications on both debtor-side and stakeholder-side.
• Restraining orders and creditors’ meeting processes under the Companies Act 2016.
• Private liquidations: appointment of liquidators, creditor advisory and insolvency process management.
• Creditor enforcement and recovery strategy: security enforcement, priority analysis and recovery planning in distressed scenarios.
• Insolvency-related disputes: opposition to restructuring steps, priority challenges and litigation arising from insolvency processes.
• Director and shareholder advisory where insolvency risk intersects with fiduciary duties, personal exposure or shareholder conflict.

Team Experience

• Acted for a property developer on a proposed pre-packaged scheme of arrangement involving approximately RM70 million in claims by 126 purchasers.
• Acted for various creditors in applications for the appointment of private liquidators and in subsequent post-winding-up disputes.
• Advised a developer and resort operator in a debt restructuring exercise involving a judicial management application.
• Represented a national fashion retail chain in its debt restructuring, including court applications for interim protection and to convene creditors’ meetings.
• Acted for an industrial manufacturer in a restructuring exercise involving creditor opposition and contested court proceedings.
• Acted for a strategic investor in a dispute arising from an abandoned commercial project, involving recovery and profit distribution issues following project failure.

Key Contacts:

• Lum Man Chan | Partner
• Esther Lee Zhi Qian | Associate

Practice Overview

We advise companies, boards, majority shareholders and minority shareholders in disputes arising from breakdowns in governance and contested control. Clients typically engage us when boardroom decision-making becomes paralysed, shareholder relationships deteriorate beyond repair, or allegations arise involving unfair prejudice, diversion of assets or improper management, requiring decisive legal intervention.

Led by Siva Kumar Kanagasabai and Lum Man Chan on strategy-critical and high-stakes disputes, our shareholder disputes practice focuses on contentious matters under the Companies Act 2016, including minority oppression claims, boardroom disputes and “just and equitable” winding-up proceedings where commercial relationships have irretrievably broken down. Our work is grounded in contested court processes, including applications for urgent interim relief to preserve assets, protect governance structures and stabilise positions at critical stages.

We place particular emphasis on early-stage strategy and leverage. We work with clients to identify pressure points, available remedies and procedural advantages, and to deploy them decisively. Where shareholder relationships are no longer salvageable, we act to protect value and control through contested proceedings, interim applications, negotiated buy-outs or structured exits with a clear focus on outcomes rather than prolonged stalemate.

Why HHQ

• End-to-end shareholder dispute capability – In managing minority oppression, winding-up exposure, interim relief and related misconduct claims, we not only manage your dispute strategically, we also work with our corporate team to find commercial solutions and to implement settlements.
• Court-driven, outcome-focused advice – Our approach is shaped by extensive experience in contested court proceedings under the Companies Act 2016. We advise with a clear understanding of how shareholder disputes are tested, resisted and resolved in practice, not in theory.
• Decisive action in compressed timelines – We are experienced in acting within urgent and high-pressure windows, including applications for interim relief to preserve assets, control and governance positions at critical stages of a dispute.
• Strategic coordination with external specialists – Where disputes involve valuation issues, forensic investigations or financial complexity, we work closely with accountants, financial advisers and other specialists to align legal strategy with evidentiary and commercial realities.

Key Services

• Shareholder dispute strategy and early-stage triage – Advising shareholders and boards at the outset of disputes on leverage, remedies, procedural positioning and risk exposure, including whether disputes should be contained, escalated or driven towards exit.
• Minority oppression proceedings - Acting in claims involving unfair prejudice, exclusion from management, diversion of value and oppressive conduct, including pursuit or defence of statutory remedies under the Companies Act 2016.
• “Just and equitable” winding-up proceedings - Initiating or resisting winding-up applications where shareholder relationships have irretrievably broken down and the company can no longer function as intended.
• Boardroom disputes - Disputes involving directors’ powers, validity of meetings and resolutions, access to information, appointment and removal of directors, and control of management.
• Urgent interim relief and protective applications - Applications to preserve assets, restrain conduct, maintain governance status quo or secure tactical advantage pending determination or settlement.
• Settlement, buy-out and exit structuring - advising on negotiated exits, share buy-outs and separation outcomes following or alongside contested proceedings, including documentation and implementation support.
• Misconduct-linked shareholder disputes - Managing disputes involving allegations of fraud, diversion of assets or improper conduct, including coordination of litigation strategy and evidentiary pathways.

Team Experience

• Acted for shareholders in boardroom and control disputes, including advising on allegations of fraud, misappropriation and forensic accounting issues.
• Represented shareholders in multiple minority oppression actions involving disputes over management control, exclusion and unfair prejudice.
• Acted in just and equitable winding-up disputes arising from shareholder deadlock and breakdown of trust between owners.
• Defended corporate clients in high-value commercial claims involving supply chain and manufacturing disputes.
• Acted for corporate clients in recovery claims against counterparties, including public listed companies.

Key Contacts

• Siva Kumar Kanagasabai | Senior Partner
• Lum Man Chan | Partner
• Esther Lee Zhi Qian | Associate