JUDGMENT

Mary Lim Thiam Suan JCA:

[1] The respondent successfully sued the appellants for damages arising from the tort of conversion. As the proceedings are bifurcated on agreement of the parties, the learned judge ordered damages to be assessed after finding the appellants liable. That exercise is presently awaiting the disposal of this appeal.

Material Facts

[2] The respondent was the registered proprietor of commercial properties known as Putra Place and The Legend Resort (collectively referred to as "the Hotels"). It was also in the business of owning and operating a hospitality training business/centre ("the Leisure Business"). Under a Leisure and Office Management Agreement dated 1 October 2010 entered into between the respondent and a company known as Legend Management Group Sdn Bhd ("LMG"), the entire management, administration, marketing and operation of the Hotels and the Leisure Business was contracted to LMG for a term of eight years ("Management Agreement") subject to various terms and conditions.

[3] Amongst the properties and businesses located at Putra Place was a shopping complex then known as "the Mall" and a hotel also then known as "The Legend Hotel". The