KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin has been retained as President of the Sabah Law Society (SLS) for the 2025–2027 term after all office bearers were returned unopposed during the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 9 December.
His reappointment, alongside the unchanged executive lineup, reflects the members’ continued confidence in the Society’s leadership, institutional direction, and its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law in Sabah.
In a statement, Mohamed Nazim expressed appreciation to SLS members for the trust placed in the executive committee and reaffirmed its pledge to serve the legal profession with discipline, professionalism and a clear sense of purpose.
The AGM also noted a major legal milestone arising from the Society’s pursuit of judicial review concerning Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement. On 17 October 2025, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in Kota Kinabalu declared that the Federal Government’s failure to honour the State’s revenue share was unlawful and in breach of constitutional obligations.
The Court further ordered that a fresh revenue review be conducted within 90 days, with agreement to be reached within 180 days covering the period from 1974 to 2021.
Mohamed Nazim said the matter remains active as the Attorney General’s Chambers has filed two notices of appeal challenging material aspects of the ruling. The Society pledged to maintain close oversight of the appellate process and ensure strict adherence to the High Court’s orders.
“SLS will continue to ensure compliance with existing court directives and take all necessary steps to safeguard Sabah’s constitutional position affirmed by the High Court,” he said, adding that SLS’ commitment to the appeal stands regardless of political developments between the State and Federal Governments.
The Society also recorded its appreciation to members of the legal team – Dr David Fung, Jeyan Marimuttu and Datuk Roger Chin – along with their supporting team. Dr Fung and Marimuttu will continue to represent SLS in the appellate stage.
“These efforts are undertaken pursuant to a clear mandate from the membership and reflect the collective resolve of the Sabah legal profession acting through its statutory body,” read Mohamed Nazim.
Looking ahead, SLS outlined several priorities for the new term, including strengthening governance and regulatory standards, enhancing professional training, expanding access to legal education, and supporting long-term reforms in Sabah’s legal ecosystem.
The Society also congratulated its immediate past president, Datuk Roger Chin on his appointment as Nominated Member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. Although he no longer sits on the Executive Committee, he remains a member of SLS.
The newly elected office bearers and Executive Committee members for 2025–2027 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
• Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh
