Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) reaffirmed its commitment to defending Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement, saying the issue remains “live” as the Attorney General’s Chambers pursues appeals against a recent High Court ruling, said its President Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin.
He said the judgment delivered on Oct 17, which declared the Federal Government’s failure to honour the constitutional entitlement as unlawful, marked a significant milestone for Sabah and must be safeguarded as the appeals move forward.
“SLS will continue exercising institutional oversight during the appellate process and will insist on strict adherence to existing court orders while monitoring any negotiations between the Federal and State Governments,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
Nazim also acknowledged the legal team led by Dr David Fung, Jeyan Marimuttu and Datuk Roger Chin, noting that the lawyers will continue representing SLS throughout the appeal as part of the mandate given by its membership.
He said the Society’s commitment to the appeal would be maintained regardless of any political or administrative developments between the Federal and State Governments.
“Pending the outcome of the appeals, SLS would remain vigilant over all related developments arising from the decision, including any negotiations, and would insist on full compliance with the orders of the court,” Nazim said.
He said the Society entered the new 2025–2027 term with continuity, institutional discipline and a clear sense of purpose, guided by the principle that a strong Bar was essential to the effective administration of justice.
Among the Society’s priorities, he said, are strengthening governance and regulatory standards, enhancing professional capacity and training, expanding access to legal education and supporting reforms to further strengthen Sabah’s legal ecosystem.
He also said all office bearers were returned unopposed at the Society’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, reflecting members’ continued confidence in the leadership and direction of the Society.
Nazim also congratulated Chin, the immediate past president for the 2023–2025 term, on his appointment as a nominated member of the State Legislative Assembly, adding that although Chin was no longer serving on the Executive Committee, he remains a member of the Society.
For the current 2025–2027 term, Nazim continues as President, with Soo Chin Fook @ Ryan Soo as Vice President, Song Wei Wan as Secretary, Marianne Antoinette Ghani as Assistant Secretary and Dominic Ghani as Treasurer.
The committee members are Jamadi Saleh, Adrian Cham Chee Khong, Alvin Leong Yin Yuan, Annin @ Ann Gilong, Saroja A/P Palaniappan and Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh.
