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  • Mandatory Nature of Filing Record of Appeal Within Time - Several sources emphasize that the requirement to file the record of appeal within the prescribed period under Order 55 Rule 4(8) of the Rules of Court 2012 is mandatory. Failure to comply leads to the appeal being struck out or deemed invalid, as courts have consistently upheld the mandatory status of this rule ["

    LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

    "], ["

    CHAI KIN HIN & ORS vs GOH MIAW HENG & ANOR (ENCLS 1 & 5) - High Court Malaya Shah Alam

    "], ["

    TAMIE CHAN SUET YI vs PAVAN RAMESH KHEMANI & ANOR - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "], ["

    ROSLI ALMANZUR vs MOHAMD RIDZWAN KITHUR MOHAMED - High Court Malaya Georgetown

    "].
  • Use of the Word Shall Indicates Mandatoriness - The use of shall in Rule 55(4)(8) is interpreted as a clear indication that the service of the record of appeal within the stipulated time is mandatory and must be strictly adhered to. Non-compliance cannot be overridden by discretionary or procedural rules ["

    LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

    "], ["

    TAMIE CHAN SUET YI vs PAVAN RAMESH KHEMANI & ANOR - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "].
  • Consequences of Non-Compliance - Courts have dismissed appeals or struck out notices of appeal when the record of appeal was not filed or served within the required time, especially if the failure is deliberate or without reasonable excuse. Extensions of time are only granted under specific circumstances, often requiring application and showing acceptable reasons; mere reliance on discretion without proper application is insufficient ["

    NURUL ATHILAH AZMI vs DAYANG SOFIA SHAHRIN & ORS - High Court Malaya Shah Alam

    "], ["

    AT ENGINEERING SOLUTION SDN BHD vs RANK ELECTRONICS SDN BHD - High Court Malaya Georgetown

    "], ["

    KEPONG INDUSTRIAL PARK SDN BHD vs LOW NG MOI - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "].
  • Extensions of Time - While Rules of Court 2012 allow for extensions of time for filing or serving documents (Order 55 Rule 13), such extensions do not override the mandatory requirement for timely filing and service under Rule 55(4)(8). Extensions are granted based on just reasons and proper applications, not as a substitute for compliance ["

    CHAI KIN HIN & ORS vs GOH MIAW HENG & ANOR (ENCLS 1 & 5) - High Court Malaya Shah Alam

    "], ["

    KEPONG INDUSTRIAL PARK SDN BHD vs LOW NG MOI - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "].
  • Electronic Service and Non-Physical Service - Some cases discuss whether email service suffices. The courts have emphasized that the rule explicitly requires physical service on respondents, and email service may not meet the mandatory requirement unless expressly permitted or accepted by the court ["

    TAMIE CHAN SUET YI vs PAVAN RAMESH KHEMANI & ANOR - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "].

Analysis and Conclusion

The requirement to file and serve the record of appeal within the time period specified under Order 55 Rule 4(8) of the Rules of Court 2012 is mandatory. Non-compliance results in the appeal being struck out or rendered invalid. While extensions may be granted, they are not a substitute for strict adherence, and proper application must be made. The use of the word shall underscores the non-discretionary, obligatory nature of this procedural step. Therefore, parties must ensure timely filing and service of the record of appeal to maintain the validity of their appeal.

Strict Compliance with Order 55 Rule 5(3) for Filing Record of Appeal in Malaysian Courts

Is Filing Record of Appeal Under Order 55 Rule 5 Mandatory?

In the fast-paced world of litigation, missing a deadline can spell disaster for your case. One critical procedural step that often trips up appellants is the filing of the record of appeal under Order 55 Rule 5(3) of the Rules of Court. But is this requirement mandatory? This question arises frequently in Malaysian courts, where strict adherence to procedural rules can determine whether an appeal lives or dies.

If you're an appellant racing against the clock or a legal practitioner advising clients, understanding the mandatory nature of this timeline is essential. This post dives deep into the legal framework, key case law, and practical recommendations to help you navigate this requirement effectively. Note: This is general information and not specific legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your situation.

The Core Legal Question

Is the requirement to file the record of appeal within the time period provided under Order 55 Rule 5(3) of the Rules of Court mandatory?

The short answer is yes—it is generally considered mandatory. Courts have consistently interpreted this provision as imposing a strict obligation on appellants. Non-compliance without a valid extension typically renders the appeal incompetent, leading to dismissal. Let's break this down with statutory language, judicial interpretations, and supporting cases.

Statutory Language: The Word 'Shall' Makes It Obligatory

Order 55 Rule 5(3) explicitly states: Within one month after the filing of the notice of appeal under this rule, the appellant shall file the record of appeal in the High Court...

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

.

The use of 'shall' is pivotal here. As established in legal principles, the word 'shall' when used in any legislation means 'obligatory'

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

. This is not mere guidance; it's a binding directive. The rule further specifies that the record must contain copies of the application, pleadings, and other documents, underscoring the procedural rigor

ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

.

Failure to meet this one-month window without extension disrupts the appeal process and is viewed as an abuse of court resources.

Judicial Interpretation: Case Law Confirms Strict Compliance

Malaysian courts have repeatedly upheld the mandatory nature of this timeline through landmark decisions.

In one key case, the court dismissed an appeal due to late service of the record by just 8 days, coupled with the absence of a mandatory memorandum of appeal. The court held: Failure to comply with the mandatory timelines and contents results in an abuse of the court process.

LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

. This illustrates that even minor delays are not tolerated lightly.

Similarly, another decision emphasized that the rule is mandatory and must be strictly adhered to, with non-compliance leading to the appeal's incompetence

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

. The appeal was struck out due to defective service and timeline breaches.

Insights from Related Appeals

Consistency across cases reinforces this stance. For instance, in a landlord-tenant dispute amid COVID-19 challenges, the High Court dismissed a late-filed appeal against a Sessions Court judgment. The court stressed: Strict compliance with procedural rules is mandatory; failure to timely file appeals without cogent grounds leads to dismissal.

ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

. Despite claims of financial hardship from pandemic measures, the lack of justification for the delay sealed the appeal's fate (Paras 1, 8, 11, 14, 18).

In another matter involving professional negligence claims, appellants sought an extension under Orders 3 and 92 but were rebuffed. The court considered factors like length of delay, reasons, prejudice, and success chances, yet dismissed the application for non-compliance with mandatory requirements of Order 55 r 4(4)

TETUAN TERMIZI & CO (AS A FIRM) & ORS vs MASDIAMIN MOHAMAD NOR & ORS

. Explanations citing e-filing issues and COVID-19 were deemed insufficient, highlighting that compliance with procedural rules is essential (Paras 12-14, 18-21).

These cases show a pattern: Courts demand strict compliance, excusing delays only with compelling, proven grounds.

Exceptions: The Court's Discretionary Power to Extend Time

While the timeline is mandatory by default, it's not absolute. Courts may exercise discretion to extend time on just terms

PROLINK MARKETING SDN BHD vs CL RESOURCES SDN BHD - 2020 MarsdenLR 932

. However, this power is exercised judiciously:
  • Length of delay: Shorter delays are more likely to be excused.
  • Reason for delay: Must be cogent and verifiable, not mere oversight.
  • Prejudice to respondent: Significant harm tips against extension.
  • Merits of the appeal: Strong chances of success may sway the court.

In the professional negligence case, despite these parameters, the application failed due to inordinate delay and procedural defects

TETUAN TERMIZI & CO (AS A FIRM) & ORS vs MASDIAMIN MOHAMAD NOR & ORS

. Thus, extensions are possible but far from guaranteed—act promptly if needed.

Practical Recommendations for Appellants

To safeguard your appeal:

  • Adhere strictly to the one-month timeline from filing the notice of appeal.
  • Prepare the record meticulously, including all required documents like pleadings and judgments

    ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

    .
  • If delayed, file for extension immediately with affidavits justifying the delay and demonstrating no prejudice.
  • Serve properly: Late or defective service invites strike-out

    LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

    .
  • Seek professional help early: Procedural pitfalls are common; experienced counsel can prevent disasters.

Non-compliance risks your appeal being deemed incompetent and struck out, as seen repeatedly in case law

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

The requirement under Order 55 Rule 5(3) is mandatory, backed by clear statutory language using 'shall,' reinforced judicial precedents, and consistent commentary. While courts hold discretion for extensions, the default is strict enforcement to ensure efficient justice delivery.

| Aspect | Mandatory? | Key Risk of Non-Compliance ||--------|------------|----------------------------|| Filing Timeline | Yes

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

| Appeal incompetent

LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

|| Record Contents | Yes

ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

| Dismissal for defects || Extensions | Discretionary

PROLINK MARKETING SDN BHD vs CL RESOURCES SDN BHD - 2020 MarsdenLR 932

| Rarely granted without strong justification

TETUAN TERMIZI & CO (AS A FIRM) & ORS vs MASDIAMIN MOHAMAD NOR & ORS

|

In summary, treat the one-month deadline as non-negotiable unless you secure an extension. By prioritizing compliance, you protect your right to appeal. For tailored guidance, consult a legal expert familiar with the Rules of Court 2012.

References:1.

TERAS MAJU UTARA BAHAN BINAAN CM SDN BHD vs TETUAN RAMLI AMAR JIT & TAN - 2017 MarsdenLR 275

– Statutory text and mandatory nature.2.

LIM KWEE FEN & ANOR vs KT HOME MART SDN BHD - 2022 MarsdenLR 296

– Dismissal for late service.3.

PROLINK MARKETING SDN BHD vs CL RESOURCES SDN BHD - 2020 MarsdenLR 932

– Discretion for extensions.4.

ROYEL DEPARTMENTAL STORES SDN BHD vs MTRUSTEE BERHAD (ENCLS 1 10 & 12)

– Strict compliance in COVID-era appeal.5.

TETUAN TERMIZI & CO (AS A FIRM) & ORS vs MASDIAMIN MOHAMAD NOR & ORS

– Rejection of extension for procedural lapses.

Stay procedural-smart in your litigation journey!

#AppealProcess, #CourtRules, #LegalCompliance
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