What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
I-Berhad Group is a conglomerate public-listed company based in Malaysia that emphasises the following three business segments: (i) property development, (ii) real estate and property investment, and (iii) hotels. In 2020, Ong Johnson undertook the challenge to join I-Berhad, amid the Covid-19 pandemic to execute forthwith effective legal strategies in achieving the core objective of the organisation, which was to ensure the successful debut of both most significant launches of Mercu Maybank and DoubleTree by Hilton i-City in the Finance Avenue of i-City by 2022.

Mercu Maybank and DoubleTree Project were the largest multi-million transactions exercised and completed by I-Berhad in 2022.

The Mercu Maybank project was the most significant development for I-Berhad in 2022. Ong Johnson was entrusted with overseeing the multi-million deal between City Centrepoint, a subsidiary of I-Berhad, and Malayan Banking Berhad.

Maybank was desirous of establishing its new permanent alternate site office in Finance Avenue of i-City, intending to rent 14 floors of the latest high-rise office building development from City Centrepoint, a total of up to 162,000 square feet, by converting and exercising the naming right of the building to Mercu Maybank.

In the Mercu Maybank Project, Ong Johnson ensured that Mercu Maybank could successfully launch by 2022. By maintaining a steadfast focus on meeting the launch timeline of the Mercu Maybank Project, Ong Johnson collaborated closely with the management team of Maybank and its external panel solicitor in drafting, reviewing and negotiating all relevant legal documents. Throughout the process, Ong Johnson led the negotiation process by keeping a holistic view of all legal and commercial issues and striving to find the most practical solution so that Mercu Maybank could be successfully launched by 2022.

As a result of the dedicated efforts and commitment from all parties involved, the launch timeline for Mercu Maybank was successfully achieved. In July 2022, Maybank officially debuted its new permanent alternate site office, Mercu Maybank, at the Finance Avenue of i-City.

In 2015, City Centrepoint, a subsidiary of I-Berhad, entered into a management agreement with Hilton Worldwide Management.

In the DoubleTree Project, the hotel building was entirely constructed by the end of 2021. In contrast, the final stage of the project was the execution and completion of all strategic contractual transactions with Hilton and its third-party service providers. Ong Johnson was entrusted with overseeing and executing all strategic contracts with third-party service providers by ensuring that DoubleTree by Hilton I-City would be successfully launched by the end of 2022.

After many months of tireless effort and dedication in overseeing the DoubleTree Project, Ong Johnson has successfully executed and completed all strategic transactions with Hilton and its third-party service providers three months ahead of schedule. On August 2022, DoubleTree by Hilton I-City officially celebrated its debut with a grand opening ceremony that was initiated by the esteemed Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj.

What are some of the main legislative or regulatory changes that have impacted you?

In recent times, the most significant legislative changes that will substantially impact all organisations and in-house legal teams within Malaysia would be the extensive amendments made to the Employment Act 1955. In August 2022, the Minister gazetted the Employment (Amendment Of First Schedule) Order 2022, ushering in radical changes to the employment landscape in Malaysia. These amendments mark a significant shift in the legal framework governing employment practices, necessitating thorough understanding and adaptation by all in-house legal teams in Malaysia.

Before the amendments, the Employment Act 1955 had limited the scope of application to employees who earn RM 2,000.00 and below or specific categories of blue-collar employees who are engaged in manual labour, supervision of manual labour, the operation of mechanically propelled vehicles, in specific capacities onboard a vessel registered in Malaysia and as domestic employees. Whereas, for employees earning above RM2,000.00 or other employees not within the limited scope of the Employment Act 1955, their employment benefits generally depend on the terms of their respective employment contracts. However, with the recent amendment introduced, the scope of application of the Employment Act 1955 will now be extended to any person who has entered into a contract of service, and this means that, generally, the workforce within Malaysia will be covered under the Employment Act 1955.

The recent amendments to the Employment Act 1955 have been widely applauded and embraced by the public due to their comprehensive coverage of fundamental employment issues. These amendments address various aspects of employment, including maternity and paternity protections, working hours, sick leave, annual leave, rest days, and the right to request flexible working arrangements. They reflect the commitment to enhancing employee rights and welfare in Malaysia. For instance, the amendments stipulate a reduction in the maximum working hours from 48 to 45 hours per week, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance and the well-being of employees. Additionally, there has been an extension of paid maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, recognising the significance of providing adequate support to working mothers during this crucial period. Notably, married male employees are now entitled to seven consecutive days of paid paternity leave, underscoring the importance of gender equality and shared parenting responsibilities.

Overall, these amendments demonstrate a progressive approach towards employment practices in Malaysia, prioritising the welfare and rights of employees. They have been positively received by the public and are seen as a significant step forward in ensuring fair and equitable employment conditions for workers nationwide.