Cecil Abraham & Partners is a boutique dispute resolution firm known for handling commercial disputes, especially cases heard before the Federal Court of Malaysia. Led by litigator Cecil Abraham, the team has a strong record acting on landmark litigation and arbitration matters, with a focus on corporate and commercial, administrative and white-collar crime. The firm often acts for Fortune 500 companies, media conglomerates, government-linked companies, high-net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit entities and charities.
Client feedback
“High level of competence. Ability to navigate through complex facts.” – Corporate and M&A
“They have a great reputation, the highest standards of work ethic and professionalism. This gives the client great confidence. Definitely the go-to firm for civil and commercial disputes. Outstanding, especially when the stakes are high.” – Dispute resolution
“Prompt, reliable and senior practitioners. Well versed in litigation matters. They have always been able to provide accurate legal advice.” – Dispute resolution
Sunil Abraham
“Calm disposition.”
“He is sharp, intelligent and meticulous work as well as a strong advocate.”
Work highlights
Acting for Malaysian Resources Corporation (MRCB) in respect of four separate arbitrations relating to the Desaru Coast development. This forms part of the Malaysian government’s plans to bring investment and tourism to the East Coast Economic Region, with an integrated destination encompassing Legoland Malaysia Resort and The Els Club Desaru Coast Resort. This was a significant dispute between two sets of government-linked companies – with MRCB having the Employment Provident Fund of Malaysia as its substantial shareholder, while the Desaru entities are linked to Khazanah Nasional.
Acting as counsel for Shopee Mobile Malaysia in defending copyright infringement claims instituted by two film production companies. The significance of the cases is emphasised by the growth of e-commerce platforms in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The question arises as to whether the Copyright Act 1987 has provided sufficient protection for e-commerce platforms to allow for their smooth operation and growth in preventing a flood of copyright infringement claims against them for the infringing acts of sellers on such platforms.
Acted for gold-mining company Raub Australian Gold Mining in a defamation suit against the online blog Malaysiakini, owned by MKini Dotcom, and three of its journalists. The dispute is significant as it was the first time a Malaysian court properly considered the interplay and distinction between the defences of responsible journalism and reportage. The Court of Appeal’s decision was significant in holding that responsible journalism and reportage defences are separate and distinct.
Key clients
Amalgamated Plant Engineering, Catajaya, Hercules Engineering, Kining Exeton, Lynas Corporation, NRY Architects
