KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — Several law firms from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Australia (Simba) yesterday signed an agreement to form an affiliation of legal firms called Simba Law Alliance.
In a conference attended by six law firms today, Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, representing Malaysia was elected as its (Simba) chairman whereas Ahmad Nizam Abbas (from Singapore) was elected its vice-chairman while Azman Marsaleh (also from Malaysia) as honorary secretary.
In a statement yesterday, Zainul Rijal said the affiliated body was established to build a cross-border legal network, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, as well as to provide space for its active involvement at the international level.
Zainul Rijal said the collaboration involving the five countries is to improve the legal services across borders and have expertise in the region involved, together with shared knowledge and best practices among firms, as well as to facilitate business and investment opportunities.
“Simba Law Alliance will also play a role in promoting and upholding the high quality of ethics and professional conduct within the alliance as well as increasing the credibility of the firms involved in their respective countries including at the global level," he said.
He also said Simba Law Alliance will not only benefit member firms but clients in each of the member countries.
"Today, the Simba Law Alliance members also agreed to an annual members' conference to be held soon.
A discourse to increase knowledge and training will also be held from time to time to raise professionalism among members.
"We welcome law firms to join this affiliation by contacting Azman via email at Simbalawalliance@gmail.com,” he added.
— Bernama
