Ranking among Malaysia’s most dominant dispute resolution practices, Cecil Abraham And Partners stands out for its ‘mix of erudite and pragmatism’. The firm draws from its ample experience to litigate at all levels of national court, ranging from investment treaty disputes, contractual and environmental claims, defamation allegations. Instructed by Fortune 500 companies, leading corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, the group works across the financial, investment, and hospitality industries. Industry veteran Cecil Abraham, who clients praise for being an ’excellent advocate’, regularly handles landmark cases and international commercial arbitration. Rishwant Singh concentrates on commercial and civil disputes, and ‘sharp litigator’ Sunil Abraham handles banking and corporate claims, in addition to land acquisition proceedings. Aniz Ahmad Amirudin is reputed for his ’in-depth industry knowledge’, particularly in the construction and infrastructure spaces, while Noor Muzalifah Binti Shabudin focuses on fraud litigation, libel claims, and media disputes. All above named individuals collectively lead the department. Shabana Farhaana Amirudin and Mohd Irwan bin Ismail are recommended for their work in high-value adjudication claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Cecil Abraham and Partners is without doubt the leading commercial litigation firm for large scale and complex disputes. They have a close team of experienced partners who work interchangeably with each other. Over the last 10 years I have worked on large cases with them, and I cannot fault their performance and ability.'

  • 'The sheer experience that Cecil Abraham brings and the way he has trained by his example of hard work and precision has brought about a firm ethos for hard work and doing an excellent job in cases, such that they are respected by clients and the courts.’

  • ‘Cecil Abraham is an excellent advocate, good tactician, and works hard. Aniz is calm and gets the work done, very pleasant. Sunil Abraham has gone from strength to strength and is is a pleasure to see how well he has done.’

  • ‘Stand out partners include Dato' Sunil Abraham for his ability to meld legal arguments and Aniz Ahmad Amirudin for his in-depth industry knowledge.’

  • ‘Highly skilled and specialised team focused on dispute resolution, with innovative ideas, diligence, and proficiency in the subject.’

  • ‘Best in class, top shelf candidates, especially Sunil Abraham who is insightful, a master of his subject, tactful and pleasant to work with, even on stressful timelines.’

  • 'Dato' Sunil Abraham is a sharp litigator. He is also very responsive to client queries and requests.’
  • 'The unusual mix of erudite and pragmatism with the ability to make the arguments that matter, find the defences that work and appraise the client of the risks involved at all stages.'

Key clients

  • Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd
  • Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad
  • IOU Pay Ltd (now known as Ovanti Limited) and IOU Pay Asia Sdn Bhd
  • Telekom Malaysia Berhad
  • Setia Utama LRT3 Sdn Bhd
  • Eversendai Constructions (M) Sdn Bhd
  • Euroclear Bank
  • Hap Seng Group Consolidated Berhad and its subsidiaries
  • Marriot International Inc
  • NRY Architects Sdn Bhd
  • Kining Exeton Sdn Bhd
  • Ireka Enginering & Constructions Sdn Bhd
  • Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd
  • Bank Negara Malaysia
  • Amanahraya Investment Bank Ltd and its subsidiaries
  • Sotella Fund Pte Ltd
  • Tropicana Aman Sdn Bhd
  • Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas)
  • Shopee Mobile Malaysia Sdn Bhd
  • Tegas Sejati Sdn Bhd
  • Technygroup Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd
  • Amalgamated Plant Engineering Sdn Bhd
  • Executors of the Estate of Madam Lim Siew Kim
  • Telekom Malaysia Berhad

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended the issuance of a fourth license to Lynas Malaysia to operate the Lynas Advanced Material Plant in Malaysia, valued at $3.5bn.
  • Representing IOU Pay and its group of companies in pursuing seven claims in the Kuala Lumpur High Court to recover over RM100m allegedly siphoned off fraudulently.
  • Representing the sixth Respondent, Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP, in a RM1bn land and agricultural dispute against two sets of applicants that are illegally occupying and cultivating lands within the Pahang State Land and Forest Reserve.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Cecil Abraham, Rishwant Singh, Sunil Abraham, Aniz Ahmad Amirudin, Noor Muzalifah Binti Shabudin

Other key lawyers

Shabana Farhaana Amirudin, Mohd Irwan bin Ismail