AZHIER FARHAN

Azhier Farhan bin Arisin is the founding partner of Azhier Arisin & Jaafar, a distinguished law graduate with double degrees from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Honours), both with Second Class Upper distinctions.

Azhier began his legal career as a pupil under Datuk Adnan Puteh Esq., a senior member of the Bar and the Managing Partner of Messrs. Adnan Puteh & Saleh. Upon successfully completing his pupillage, he was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak and joined Adnan Puteh & Saleh as an Associate.

In a remarkably short period, Azhier gained invaluable experience, appearing as counsel in the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court. His litigation portfolio spans both civil and criminal cases, including high-profile matters. He notably served as defense counsel for Tan Sri Musa Aman, the former Chief Minister of Sabah, in an election petition and has been consistently retained by prominent politicians in the state. His notable appearances include representing YB Yamani Hafez Musa before Malaysia’s apex court, the Federal Court.

Azhier has successfully defended numerous high-profile cases, including dangerous drug trafficking cases carrying the mandatory death penalty. His practice areas also include infrastructure and energy disputes, recovery of movable and immovable property, matrimonial matters, as well as probate and letters of administration. While his primary focus lies in civil and criminal litigation, he also brings experience in corporate matters and infrastructure-related assignments, particularly in the energy sector.

Beyond his legal practice, Azhier is a sought-after speaker, regularly invited to local seminars and conferences on corporate governance. He is frequently consulted by private clients, multinational companies, public authorities, and governmental bodies on complex legal issues. Azhier is deeply committed to advocating and defending the rights of individuals, believing that the role of a lawyer is to uphold these rights within the boundaries of the law.

Azhier previously served as an EXCO member of the Sabah Law Society, the statutory body governing the legal profession in Sabah under the Advocates Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 2). His dedication to the legal profession continues to inspire confidence in his clients and peers alike.

Abdul Fikry Jaafar bin Dato’ Abdullah

Mr. Abdul Fikry Jaafar bin Dato’ Abdullah obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Multimedia University. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2013 and subsequently to the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in 2015. He began his legal career at Messrs. Jumahad Julkarnain & Ahmadshah, where he gained valuable experience in both civil and criminal litigation.

As a skilled litigator, Mr. Abdul Fikry has appeared in all tiers of Malaysian courts, handling cases of significant complexity. Notably, he represented the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) as lead counsel in the Federal Court, successfully resisting an application to stay the Kimanis parliamentary election. He has also achieved significant victories in the Court of Appeal, including a complex dispute over a power of attorney and contentious land matters.

Mr. Abdul Fikry regularly appears in High Court trials, appeals, and hearings, representing both government agenciesand private companies. His notable cases include:

• Acting as counsel for Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) in judicial review proceedings.

• Representing the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) in four election petitions.

• Successfully defending the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) in a civil suit involving a Sale and Purchase Agreement.

• Resisting an inter-partes injunction on behalf of a private timber company.

In addition to his litigation expertise, Mr. Abdul Fikry has extensive experience in banking litigation, including debt recovery, foreclosure, garnishee proceedings, bankruptcy, and winding-up cases. He has represented financial institutions such as Bank Islam Berhad, Sabah Credit Corporation, and Lembaga Pembiayaan Perumahan Sektor Awam (LPPSA). He also provides advisory services to government-linked companies, including Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (SOGDC), Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), and Perkasa Hotel Sdn. Bhd., on litigation and corporate matters.

Mr. Abdul Fikry is adept at drafting, preparing, and vetting agreements for both government-linked and private companies. His portfolio includes drafting Joint Venture Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Heads of Agreement (HOA), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Sale and Purchase Agreements (SNP), Tenancy Agreements, Consultancy Agreements, and Settlement Agreements.

In criminal law, Mr. Abdul Fikry has handled numerous high-profile cases, including charges of:

• Drug trafficking under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act.

• Murder.

• Criminal breach of trust.

• Cheating and forgery.

• Sexual offences.

• Offences under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA).

• Offences under the Commissioners for Oaths Rules 2018.

Beyond his legal career, Mr. Abdul Fikry is a car enthusiast and enjoys reading in his leisure time, reflecting his passion for continuous learning and growth.

IN MEMORIAM: ARISIN ARIPIN

With heavy hearts, we remember Arisin bin Aripin, a beloved father, respected colleague, and distinguished public servant.

Arisin bin Aripin was the Internal Consultant at Messrs. Azhier Arisin & Co. and a proud business graduate from Institut Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (now known as Universiti Teknologi MARA). He embarked on a remarkable career in public service in 1979 with the Chief Minister’s Department, dedicating 35 years of his life to serving the people of Sabah.

Throughout his esteemed career, he held various significant roles, including ex-officio Magistrate in Tongod and Kinabatangan Districts, Assistant District Officer, Collector of Land Revenue, and Administrative Officer in the Chief Minister’s Department. His commitment to excellence and integrity culminated in his appointment as District Officer (DO) and Chairman of the Kinabatangan District Council, where he provided invaluable leadership and contributed greatly to the development of the district.

Arisin bin Aripin’s vast experience extended to the implementation and governance of local council by-laws, land matters, and administrative policies in Sabah. His extensive knowledge and dedication left an indelible mark on the communities he served.

In addition to his public service, Arisin held significant roles in the private sector as a Non-Executive Director of Megagreen Energy Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture of FELCRA Berhad and Mega Hijau Makmur Sdn. Bhd., and as a Commissioner for Oaths in Kinabatangan.

He passed away on 17 October 2016, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, wisdom, and service to his family and community. His guidance and contributions will forever be cherished.

Al-Fatihah. May Allah grant him eternal rest and place him among the righteous. Ameen.