KOTA KINABALU - The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has entered a new term following the conclusion of its Annual General Meeting held on December 9, 2025, marking both the end of the previous term and the start of the 2025–2027 leadership period.
All office bearers were returned unopposed at the meeting, reflecting the collective confidence of members in the Society’s leadership, institutional direction and ongoing work. The Society recorded its appreciation to the membership for the trust placed in it and reaffirmed its continued commitment to serving the legal profession and upholding the rule of law.
During the meeting, SLS also noted a significant development arising from litigation undertaken pursuant to resolutions passed by its members. In relation to the judicial review concerning Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent net revenue, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak at Kota Kinabalu on October 17, 2025 delivered a judgment declaring that the failure to honour Sabah’s share was unlawful and in breach of constitutional obligations. The Court further ordered that a fresh revenue review be conducted within 90 days, with an agreement to be reached within 180 days covering the period from 1974 to 2021.
The Attorney General’s Chambers has since filed Notices of Appeal challenging material aspects of the decision, rendering the matter ongoing. SLS said it will continue to exercise institutional oversight, closely monitor the appellate proceedings, insist on compliance with existing court orders, and take all necessary steps to safeguard the constitutional position affirmed by the High Court. The Society emphasised that its commitment to the appeal will remain unchanged regardless of any developments between the State and Federal Governments.
SLS placed on record its appreciation to the legal team involved in the proceedings, namely Dr David Fung, Mr Jeyan Marimuttu and Datuk Roger Chin, together with the rest of the team. It noted that Dr David Fung and Mr Jeyan Marimuttu will continue to act as counsel for the Society in the appellate process. The Society reaffirmed that these efforts are carried out pursuant to a clear mandate from its membership and reflect the collective resolve of the Sabah legal profession acting through its statutory body.
Pending the outcome of the appeals, SLS said it will maintain vigilant oversight of all related developments, including any negotiations arising from the decision, and will insist on strict adherence to court orders. The Society reiterated that its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law remains firm and undiminished.
As the new term begins, SLS said its priorities remain forward-looking and centred on members. Guided by the principle that a good Bar must also be strong and formidable, the Society aims to discharge its duties without fear or favour. Its priorities include strengthening governance and regulatory standards, enhancing professional capacity and training, expanding access to legal education, and supporting reforms to strengthen Sabah’s legal ecosystem over the long term.
The Society also acknowledged and congratulated Datuk Roger Chin, the Immediate Past President of the Sabah Law Society for the 2023–2025 term, on his appointment as a nominated member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. Although no longer serving on the Executive Committee, he remains a member of the Society.
The newly elected office bearers and Executive Committee members of the Sabah Law Society for the 2025–2027 term are:
- President: Mohamed Nazim Maduarin
- Vice President: Soo Chin Fook @ Ryan Soo
- Secretary: Song Wei Wan
- Assistant Secretary: Marianne Antoinette Ghani
- Treasurer: Dominic Ghani
Committee Members:
Jamadi Saleh, Adrian Cham Chee Khong, Alvin Leong Yin Yuan, Annin @ Ann Gilong, Saroja A/P Palaniappan, and Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh.
SLS said it enters the new term with continuity, institutional discipline and a clear sense of purpose, focused on serving its members, safeguarding its mandate and upholding the rule of law. The Society said it will proceed with discipline, professionalism and a strong focus on delivery.