Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham
Nationality: Malaysian
Languages: English & Malay

Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham has sat as Arbitrator in multiple disputes across the globe and is regularly
appointed as an arbitrator in complex commercial international arbitrations. He is also the only Malaysian to be
regularly appointed as an arbitrator in investment treaty disputes.
Cecil’s expertise expands over a wide breadth of areas that include; Corporate and Commercial, Environmental,
Banking and Securities, Insurance, Maritime, and Competition Law.
In a career spanning over 50 years, Cecil is regularly recognised as a leading individual by Legal 500 Asia Pacific,
Asia Law Profiles and is ranked in Tier 1 by Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific, as well as Who’s Who Legal in thearea of dispute resolution and arbitration.
He has appeared regularly before the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, the Special Court and the Privy
Council and he has over 300 reported decisions of note to his name. In addition, he has sat as arbitrator inexcess of a 100 disputes. He is regarded by his peers and clients alike as one of Malaysia’s leading legal
figures.
He holds the distinction of having acted for the former Prime Minister of Singapore, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew,
and several Prime Ministers of Malaysia.
He is regularly recognised as a leading individual by Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Asia Law Profiles and is ranked in Tier
1 by Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific as well as Who’s Who Legal in the area of dispute resolution for both
litigation and arbitration. In 2020, he was named by Asian Legal Business as Malaysia’s Dispute Resolution
Practitioner of the Year. In 2021, he was named by Benchmark Litigation as Malaysia’s Dispute Resolution
Practitioner of the Year.
Honours
He was awarded the title Dato” by His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Kelantan in 2003 and awarded the title“Tan Sri” by His Majesty, the King of Malaysia on 5th June 2010.

Sector Expertise
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Banking, Finance & Fintech
Anti-Corruption, Competition and Fraud
Banking, Finance & Fintech
Construction, Engineering & Infrastructure
Energy, Oil & Gas

Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham

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Environnent, Renewables & Climate Change
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Insurance, Reinsurance & Bermuda Form
Investment Treaty Disputes
Media & Entertainment
Mergers, Acquisitions & Shareholder Disputes
Public International & Administrative
SportsExperience
Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham has in excess of 300 reported decisions. To request a full list of cases pleasecontact the Management Team – info@arbitra.co.uk
He has in recent times argued the leading cases in Malaysia concerning:
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the applicable principles relating to the termination of contracts in Catajaya Sdn Bhd v Shoppoint Sdn
Bhd [2021] 2 MLJ 374.
the applicable test to applications for review under Rule 137 of the Rules of the Federal Court 1995 as
well as the application of the de-facto doctrine in Yong Tshu Khin & Anor v Dahan Cipta Sdn Bhd &Anor and Other Appeals [2021] 1 MLJ 47.
the adjudication of construction claims in Ireka Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd v PWC
Corporation Sdn Bhd [2020] 1 CLJ 193.
constitutional law issues relating to the proper practice and procedures to be adopted by State
Legislative Assemblies in The Speaker of Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak, Datuk Amar Mohamad
Asfia Awang Nassar v Ting Tiong Choon & Ors and other appeals [2020] 2 AMR 313.
the validity of introducer agreements within the meaning of Section 24 of the Contracts Act 1950
in Wong Yee Boon v Gainvest Builders Sdn Bhd [2020] 2 CLJ 727.
enforcement and setting-aside of arbitration awards in Far East Holdings Bhd & Anor v Majlis Ugama
Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang and another appeal [2018] 1 MLJ 1.
unjust enrichment in Dream Property Sdn Bhd v Atlas Housing Sdn Bhd [2015] 2 MLJ 441.
the doctrine of separate legal entities in Gurbachan Singh v Vellasamy s/o Ponnusamy [2015] 1 MLJ
773.
equitable fraud in Zung Zang Wood Products Sdn Bhd v Kwan Chee Hang Sdn Bhd & Ors [2014] 2 MLJ
799.
the powers of liquidators in Ooi Woon Chee & Anor v Dato’ See Teow Chuan & Ors [2012] 2 MLJ 713.
the exercise of royal prerogative powers in Dato’ Seri Ir Hj Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin v Dato’
Seri Dr Zambry bin Abdul Kadir (Attorney General, intervener) [2010] 2 MLJ 285 and His Royal Highness
Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra v His Royal Highness Tengku Mahkota Tengku
Muhammad Faris Petra & Anor and another suit [2011] 1 MLJ 1.
non-delegable duty and vicarious liability in Dr Hari Krishnan & Anor v Megat Noor Ishak bin Megat
Ibrahim & Anor and another appeal [2018] 3 MLJ 281.

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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham

Arbitration Experience:
In addition to having sat as an arbitrator in arbitration disputes, he has argued some of Malaysia’s leading cases
on arbitration and adjudication, namely:•
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Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan v Kining Exeton Sdn Bhd [2021] MLJU 536 High Court
Ireka Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd v PWC Corporation Sdn Bhd & Other Appeals [2020] 1 CLJ
193.
Siemens Industry Software GmbH Co Kg (Germany) (formerly known as Innotec GmBh) v Jacob and
Toralf Consulting Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Innotec Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd [2020] 3 MLJ 1.
Arch Reinsurance Ltd v Akay Holdings Sdn Bhd [2019] 5 MLJ 186.
Far East Holdings Sdn Bhd v Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang [2018] 1 MLJ 1.
Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd v Av Asia Sdn Bhd [2014] 3 CLJ 915.
AV Asia Sdn Bhd v Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd [2014] 3 MLJ 61.
AV Asia Sdn Bhd v Pengarah Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre For Arbitration & Anor [2013] 10 CLJ 115.
Government Of The Lao People's Democratic Republic v Thai-Lao Lignite Co Ltd ('Tll'), A Thai Co & Anor
[2013] 3 MLJ 409.
Dancom Telecommunication (M) Sdn Bhd v Uniasia General Insurance Bhd [2008] 6 MLJ 52.
Sarawak Shell Bhd v Ppes Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd & Ors [1998] 2 MLJ 20.
Klockner Industries-Anlagen Gmbh v Kien Tat Sdn Bhd & Anor [1990] 3 MLJ 183.
Kien Tat Sdn Bhd v Klockner Industrie-Anlagen GmbH [1989] 1 MLJ 498.
Ganda Edible Oils Sdn Bhd v Transgrain Bv [1988] 1 MLJ 428.

Investment Treaty Experience:
As counsel:••

Working for the Government of Malaysia in respect of an investment treaty claim under the ICSID
Rules instituted by Malaysian Historical Salvors Sdn Bhd by reference to the UK-Malaysia BIT.
Working for Astro All Asia Network Ltd and South Asia Entertainment Holdings Ltd in two investment
treaty claims against the Government of India under the UNCITRAL Rules.

As arbitrator:•

Member of the Tribunal in ICSID Case No ARB/21/6 between Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd v United
Republic of Tanzania.
• President of the Tribunal in ICSID Case No. ARB/15/44 between Watkins Holdings v. Spain Watkins Holdings
S.a.r.l. and others v. Kingdom of Spain.
• President of the Tribunal in ICSID Case No. ARB/01/3 between Enron Corporation and Ponderosa Assets,
L.P. v. Argentine Republic.

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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham• President of the Tribunal in ICSID Case No. ARB/13/5 between Ossama Al Sharif v. Arab Republic of Egypt.
• President of the Tribunal in ICSID Case No. ARB/11/31 between Gambrinus Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic ofVenezuela.
• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/03/17 between
Suez, Sociedad General de Aguas de Barcelona S.A., and InterAguas Servicios Integrales del Agua S.A. v The
Argentine Republic.
• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/18
between Ioannis Kardassopoulos v. The Republic of Georgia,• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/07/15
between Ron Fuchs v. The Republic of Georgia,• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/14
between RSM Production Corporation v. Grenada,• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/08/12
between Caratube International Oil Company LLP v. The Republic of Kazakhstan,• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/09/15
between H&H Enterprises Investments, Inc. v. Arab Republic of Egypt,• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case No. ARB/10/5
between Tidewater Inc., Tidewater Investment SRL, Tidewater Caribe, C.A., et al. v. The Bolivarian Republicof Venezuela; and• Member of the Ad Hoc Committee in respect of Annulment Proceedings, namely, ICSID Case
No. ARB/07/27 between Venezuela Holdings, B.V., et al (case formerly known as Mobil Corporation,
Venezuela Holdings, B.V. et al.) v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”Academic & Professional Qualifications
Academic
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Barrister at Law of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple
Bencher of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple
Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya
Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom
Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
Fellow of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration Limited
Fellow of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Education••

LLB. Hons. Queen Mary College, University of London
Fellow (Faculty of Law) Queen Mary College, University of London

Arbitra London
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Arbitra Washington DC
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Call: +44 (0)20 7936 7070
Email: info@arbitra.co.uk

Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham

Professional Associations & Recognitions
Panel of Arbitrators
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International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
Hong Kong Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)
Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)FICCI Arbitration and Conciliation Tribunal (FACT) India
Indonesian National Board of Arbitration (BANI)
Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA)
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)Shanghai Arbitration Commission (SHAC)
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Sports Resolution UK
Russian Arbitration Centre
Vienna International Arbitral Centre

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Member of the Advisory Council of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA)
Chairman of the Arbitration Committee, ICC Malaysia
Board Member of the AIAC Academy

Past
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Past Vice President of Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Group (APRAG), (2006-2009)
Past Deputy President of the Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
Past Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
Past Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Malaysia Branch (CIArb)
Past President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA)
Past Member of the Review Committee of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC)
Past Vice Chair of Committee D, which was the Arbitration and ADR Section of the International Bar
Association
Past Member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court representing Malaysia
Past Member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration
Past Member of the ICC Task Force on Financial Institutions•

Past Member of the Advisory Panel of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)

Arbitra London
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Arbitra Washington DC
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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham

Thought Leadership
Past services to the profession:•••

Past Chair of the Practice Section of the Malaysian Bar Council on Civil Procedure tasked with
amending the Malaysian Rules of the High Court
Past Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee
Past Member of the Malaysian Bar Council

Directory & Client Quote
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific••“Cecil Abraham assisted us (and continues to assist us) with various complex high value Malaysian law
disputes with our customers. CA’s deep bench strength, consistently good technical skill and market
knowledge are the key assets which drove us to engage them.”“The team has a great reputation, the highest standards of work ethics and professionalism and thus
provides the client with great confidence about their particular case. Definitely the go-to firm for civil
and commercial disputes. Outstanding, especially when the stakes are high.”•“Cecil Abraham, with his more than 50 years of experience and expertise in the legal profession, isdevastatingly effective in dealing with commercial disputes before the courts. He is very much thedoyen of the legal profession in Malaysia and the standout litigator in Malaysia by far.”•“The team of advocates there are really committed. They engage full time with the clients and instructadvocates to ensure that the case is presented well. In particular, I would like to state that Dato Sunil
Abraham, Tan Sri Cecil Abraham with his vast experience and Mr Syukran Syafiq, make a strong
formidable team that I would regard as one of the best in Malaysia.”•“The Chambers of Cecil Abraham & Partners have broad experience in all sorts of civil litigation
matters, from construction disputes to complex constitutional law matters and they have experience ininternational arbitration matters. Cecil Abraham is the pre-eminent litigator in Malaysia. The firm of
Cecil Abraham and Partners is very much our preferred choice for complex high-profile disputes
involving matters in Sarawak.”•“Specialist firm Cecil Abraham And Partners is headed by Cecil Abraham, one of the ‘most respected’practitioners in the area. The team acts in traditional litigation as well as arbitration matters, dealing

Arbitra London
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Arbitra Washington DC
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Suite 420
Washington DC, 20005

Call: +44 (0)20 7936 7070
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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abrahamwith related complex, high-end disputes spanning, among others, antitrust, securities, banking,construction and infrastructure, and commercial law. It is acting for MUIP in a dispute seeking toascertain whether a court of law is competent to interfere with an award by an arbitration tribunal.
Sunil Abraham is also recommended.”•“… acted for KAF Investment Bank in the Pesaka Astana bonds case, a case concerning the issue of
liability in relation to information provided on investment products which has been closely watched by
the capital markets industry. Cecil has also acted as defence counsel to Lynas Corporation in judicial
review applications and defamation actions regarding its rare earth plant operation; Other clients
include Maxis and The New Straits Times.”•“Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham, is devastatingly effective in dealing with commercial disputes before thecourts. He is very much the doyen of the legal profession in Malaysia. The standout litigator in
Malaysia by far.”•“… We have found both Tan Sri Cecil and Dato Sunil to be excellent dispute resolution lawyers. In
particular, we value their legal expertise in areas including administrative law, commercial law, anddispute resolution. They also have excellent advocacy skills, and their advice is always practical andtimely. Lynas regards Tan Sri Dato Cecil Abraham and Dato Sunil Abraham as our preferred dispute
resolution specialists in the Asia Pacific region.”

Chambers Asia Pacific•“Cecil Abraham is considered by market commentators to be a ‘very eminent personality’ within
Malaysia’s dispute resolution scene. He represents both domestic and international clients across a
broad range of cases, including land, medical negligence, and energy-related disputes.”•“Cecil Abraham is a renowned figure in Malaysia’s dispute resolution circuit, acting on cases relating
to corporate, banking, insurance, and environmental issues. Clients laud his ‘wealth of experience,’
noting that he is especially adept in handling ‘very important matters.’ He acted for Suria KLCC in atenancy case brought against the clothing retailer British India, relating to the expiration of the latter’s
store lease.”•“Cecil Abraham is a renowned figure in the market, highly experienced in both litigation andarbitration and praised by clients as ‘clinically incisive’ in his approach. He played a leading role in the
representation of the MEASAT network in a dispute against AV Asia over the former’s alleged breach ofa mutual non-disclosure agreement.”•“Cecil Abraham is a renowned figure in Malaysia's dispute resolution circuit, acting on cases relating
to corporate, banking, insurance, and environmental issues. Clients laud his "wealth of experience,"
noting that he is especially adept in handling "very important matters." He acted for Suria KLCC in atenancy case brought against the clothing retailer British India, relating to the expiration of the latter's
store lease.”•“Sources praise Cecil Abraham for his long-established profile as one of the top arbitration lawyers in
Malaysia. He has significant experience of acting as arbitrator on major cases across the region,

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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham

notably in Singapore and India, and on high-value ICSID matters. Clients appreciate him for‘understanding the crucial issues’ in arbitration cases.”•“Cecil Abraham…is one of Malaysia’s most respected dispute resolution lawyers. He is also acclaimed
as a ‘very accomplished arbitrator’ and sits on the panels of numerous regional and international
tribunals. He presides particularly frequently over cases considered in India and Singapore or arbitrated
by ICSID. Since publication, Cecil Abraham has joined Cecil Abraham & Partners.”•“Cecil Abraham…remains a prominent disputes practitioner who is recognised for his expert handlingof big-ticket cases. He is frequently called upon as counsel and arbitrator in arbitrations across theregion including ICSID cases.”•“Cecil Abraham has a ‘legendary reputation in Malaysia’ and handles a significant number ofappellate and arbitration cases. He is also regularly involved in international disputes and investment
arbitrations as an arbitrator. Clients particularly appreciate his ‘excellent legal knowledge andstrategic guidance.’ ”•“Cecil Abraham is highly experienced and widely revered, with a broad practice spanning fromdefamation and fraud to construction disputes. He frequently represents clients before the appellate
courts, with one source saying that he ‘has extensive experience in litigation and arbitration’.”Global Arbitration Review 100•“Cecil Abraham is ‘pre-eminent’, and his services are ‘outstanding’.”

Asia Law Profiles•“Cecil Abraham & Partners is a leading boutique dispute resolution firm known for handlingcommercial disputes, especially cases heard before the Federal Court of Malaysia. Led by star litigator
Cecil Abraham, the team has a strong track record acting on unprecedented and landmark litigation
and arbitration matters, with a focus on corporate and commercial, administrative and white-collar
crime. The firm often acts for Fortune 500 companies, media conglomerates, government-linked
companies, high net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit entities and charities.”•“Very experienced and one of the best firms in the field.” – Dispute resolution•“The lawyers are all highly skilled and work as a team. The team members are able to cover for eachother, and for important hearings, Cecil Abraham argues them brilliantly.” – Dispute resolution

Who’s Who Legal•“Cecil Abraham is devastatingly effective in dealing with commercial disputes before the courts, notably
relating to environment, banking and securities litigation.”

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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham•“Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham is a well-respected and polished senior practitioner who maintains astrong reputation thanks to his handling of high-profile commercial arbitrations, particularly those withan international component.”•“Cecil is among Malaysia’s outstanding arbitration practitioners. He is among one of the market’s
best-known arbitrators. Cecil is viewed as Malaysia’s leading international arbitrator.

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Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham is truly an outstanding lawyers who comes highly esteemed for his
longstanding disputes practice spanning more than 50 years in the field.”

Arbitra London
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Arbitra Washington DC
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Call: +44 (0)20 7936 7070
Email: info@arbitra.co.uk