Circular No: 144/2026
Date: 26 August 2026
Dear Members of the Kuala Lumpur Bar,
On 30 July 2026, the Kuala Lumpur Bar’s Civil Practice & Court Liaison Committee (“CPCLC“) held a meeting with the Managing Judge of the Kuala Lumpur Civil High Courts, Yang Arif Dato’ Mohd Nazlan bin Mohd Ghazali and the Managing Judge of the Kuala Lumpur Commercial High Courts and Civil Subordinate Courts, Yang Arif Dato’ Ahmad Fairuz bin Zainal Abidin. The KLBC was represented by the Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Bar, Nimalan Devaraja, the Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Bar, Shugan Raman, and the CPCLC Co-chairpersons Aarthi Jeyarajah and Tay Kit Hoo.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss matters concerning the administration and practices of the Civil and Commercial High Courts at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex (“KMKL“).
Proposal For Civil and Commercial Cases to be Heard Virtually
We raised concerns about the discrepancies between the Chief Justice Practice Direction No. 2 of 2025 dated 13 November 2025 (“CJ PD”) and the Chief Judge of Malaya Practice Direction No.2 of 2025 dated 13 November 2025 (“CJM PD”).
The Managing Judges clarified that, in the event of inconsistency between the CJ PD and the CJM PD, the CJ PD will take precedence. In respect of the conduct of matters to be heard virtually, the discretion to do so remains with the individual Judges presiding over the matter. Members may write to the relevant Court to request and seek permission for the matter to be conducted online, and this will be considered on a case-by-case basis as stated in the CJ PD.
E-Review Sessions Being Closed Before Receiving Response from Parties
We informed the Managing Judges that we have received several complaints from lawyers regarding Registrars concluding e-review sessions prematurely, before parties can confirm their availability of hearing dates and/or seek additional direction. We also stated that conversely, there also used to be issues about the e-review sessions spanning several days.
This issue in relation to the time period of the e-review sessions was discussed at the meeting and we were informed that directions have been given to the Registrars to complete e-review sessions by 4:00pm or only after parties have confirmed their availability for next hearing dates and confirmed there are no further inquiries, whichever is earlier.
The Court has also asked that Members ensure that lawyers attending e-review sessions be prompt in responding to e-review messages and proactive during the session. In anticipation of dates being fixed for hearings/trials, Members are encouraged to be proactive during the start of the sessions by providing their available dates and/or request for directions from the outset to facilitate the smooth conduct of the e-review session and to save time.
Clarification On The Requirement For Verification Of Muslim Wills By The Syariah Court For Uncontested Probate Applications In The Civil Courts
We informed the Managing Judge that we have received multiple feedback from lawyers that in respect of Muslim wills, the Court now requires confirmation of a will’s authenticity from the Syariah Court, before a grant of probate can be issued by the Civil High Court for uncontested probate matters.
As this was not the previous practice and we have received feedback that there is no legislative requirement to this effect, we requested that the matter be reconsidered.
The Managing Judges have acknowledged this issue and are currently looking into it. The CPCLC will also continue liaising with the Court on this matter and update members accordingly.
Notice of Change of Solicitors Being Automatically Generated By The Court System, Not Allowing For Modifications to be Made
We informed the Managing Judge that we have received complaints on an issue with the filing of a Notice of Change of Solicitors in particular instances such as representation in respect of partnerships.
We have suggested that manual filing of Notices of Change of Solicitors be allowed for instances where the automated notices are inaccurate or insufficient.
The Managing Judges have taken note of the issue and our suggestion, but have informed us that any such changes would require time. In the interim, Members are advised that any member encountering this problem should write directly to the respective Court to clarify any automated notices of change that have been issued in the system that may not be accurate.
Restrictions On File Searches For Probate and Administration Files, With Access Limited To Lawyers On Record, The Applicant, Or Descendants/Beneficiaries
We informed the Managing Judges that we have received feedback from members regarding recent directions issued by the Registrar stating that only solicitors who are on record in the above matters are permitted to conduct manual searches, while third parties are strictly prohibited. We sought the Court’s clarification on the implementation and rationale of this new direction.
The Managing Judge and Registrar clarified that any party, save for the solicitors on record, who intend to conduct any manual searches on a probate or administration matter, may submit a written request to Puan Idamasliza binti Maarof via email at idamasliza@kehakiman.gov.my. The request should include the reasons for the manual file search for the Court’s consideration.
We have also requested the Court to update the notice at the counter to clarify that manual file searches may still be permitted where there are reasonable grounds for the request. This is because the current direction/notice issued by the Registrar dated 30 January 2026 has given the impression that such searches are not permitted by any person other than the solicitors on record or the parties named in the proceedings.
Wi-Fi For The Kuala Lumpur Court Complex
Further to our Circular No: 223/2025 dated 24 December 2025, in which we updated members on the status of the Wi-Fi for lawyers at the KMKL, we have informed the Managing Judges on the limited connectivity in respect of the present Wi-Fi connection and our efforts to try and obtain a budget from the various Ministries to upgrade/improve the Wi-Fi connection available for lawyers attending at the KMKL.
We were informed that efforts are presently underway to enhance the Wi-Fi network at the KMKL. Technical assessments are being conducted and upgrading work on the network is in progress through consultations with the Ministry of Communications.
We will continue to follow up with the Court on the progress of this matter and keep members updated accordingly.
Staggered Hearings
We sought clarification from the Managing Judges on whether Judges are still implementing staggered timings for hearings and case managements, as we believe that such measures would help reduce the number of lawyers attending Court at the same time and alleviate some of the issues arising in relation to parking.
The Managing Judges have informed us that staggered timings were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the Court has found the system to be efficient, as parties do not have to wait for long periods. The Managing Judges have expressed the view that most Judges have adopted this practice and will advise Judges to maintain this practice moving forward.
Feedback About Lawyers
We have also received feedback regarding lawyers and their conduct, which is summarised as follows:
(a) Misconduct during E-review Sessions
The Managing Judges informed us of an occasion where a lawyer had acted provocatively towards a judicial officer during an e-review session by making unnecessarily rude remarks during the session.
Members are strongly advised and reminded to observe strict professional etiquette during all court proceedings, whether held physically or virtually and even during e-review sessions.
Please refer to Circular No: 229/2025 dated 31 December 2025 regarding recommended practices for courtroom etiquette. We strongly advise members to comply with these practices to ensure the smooth conduct of all court proceedings.
(b) Preparation for the Case Management
We have been informed to advise members that lawyers attending case management sessions (“CM”) must be well-prepared and well versed in the subject matter of the claim in Court. Law firms are strongly advised not to assign pupils or lawyers to attend, who are unable to commit to deadlines or schedules.
Lawyers are expected to be able to give firm commitments following the second CM (presumably after the close of pleadings) in respect of, for example, the interlocutory applications to be filed, the number of witnesses to be called during trial, the number of days required for trial and Counsel’ free dates for trial/hearing dates to be fixed.
(c) Uploading of Recordings of Court Proceedings on Social Media
Members are prohibited from posting or uploading photos, videos or recordings of the Court or Court proceedings on social media or on any other platform. Members are also reminded to refrain from making inappropriate or unnecessary comments about Judges, lawyers or Court staff. Any issue relating to these matters ought to be raised through proper channels and not through social media.
Non-compliance with these requirements may result in a complaint being lodged with the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board.
(d) Parking at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex (“KMKL”)
We were informed of a recent incident where an individual suffered a sudden heart attack at the KMKL but could not receive prompt medical attention because the ambulance faced difficulties accessing the road leading to the Court due to illegal parking along the road.
We strongly urge members to refrain from parking along the shoulder of the road leading to the KMKL to prevent similar incidents from occurring. We would also ask that members also advise their clients to also refrain from parking in such a manner as well.
Members are also further reminded that vehicles parked along the road leading to the KMKL may be subject to summonses issued by the Royal Malaysian Police and/or DBKL for obstructing traffic and violating road regulations.
In addition to the parking available within the KMKL, and at the two private parking lots directly outside the KMKL, additional parking is available along Jalan Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. Click here to view the designated area. The Court has opened a small gate at “Post B” (near the Child Care Centre) to provide easier access to the Court premises from that road.
The KLBC and CPCLC are grateful for the opportunity to engage with the judiciary on matters relevant to our members and the administration of the Kuala Lumpur Courts. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue in the interest of facilitating the effective administration of justice and the efficient functioning of the Kuala Lumpur Courts.
Aarthi Jeyarajah
Tay Kit Hoo
Co-Chairpersons
Civil Practice & Court Liaison Committee