TERMA DAN SYARAT PELANTIKAN PEGUAM

Dokumen ini disediakan bagi memberi penerangan yang jelas mengenai skop kerja kami sebagai peguam bagi urusan permohonan Harta Pusaka Tuan/Puan. Bahagian berikut menerangkan apa yang termasuk dan tidak termasuk dalam skop perkhidmatan kami. 

Mahkamah Tinggi:   Surat Kuasa Mentadbir (Letter Of Administration atau “LA”); atau  Probet ; atau  Perintah Peletakhakkan (Vesting Order atau “VO”); atau  Perintah Pembahagian (Distribution Order atau “DO”); atau  Perintah Jualan Mahkamah (Order for Sale atau “OFS”)	JENIS PERMOHONAN	Akta Harta Pusaka Kecil (Pembahagian) 1955:  Pentadbiran / Pembahagian Harta Pusaka Kecil (Seksyen 8); atau  Perintah Selanjutnya (Seksyen 17)
Menyediakan kertas kausa mengikut jenis permohonan  Mengendalikan proses tandatangan kertas kausa oleh pemohon dan waris-waris.  Memfailkan permohonan di Mahkamah Tinggi  Menghadiri sebutan, dan pengurusan kes di Mahkamah Tinggi  Menyediakan, memfailkan dan mendapatkan ‘sealed order’ mengikut jenis permohonan.  Mendapatkan salinan diakui sah perintah daripada Mahkamah Tinggi (jika perlu)   Mengindorskan perintah di pejabat tanah (jika terpakai)	SKOP PEGUAM	Menyediakan Borang A / P mengikut jenis permohonan melalui myLand  Mengendalikan proses tandatangan Borang A / P oleh pemohon dan waris-waris.  Memfailkan permohonan melalui myLand  Menghadiri perbicaraan di Pejabat Pusaka Kecil  Mendapatkan perintah mengikut jenis permohonan  Mengindorskan perintah di pejabat tanah (jika terpakai)
Skop kerja peguam TIDAK TERMASUK kes yang bersifat pertikaian (contested matter) yang mana bagi keadaan ini, pihak kami akan mengemukakan cadangan fi guaman yang baru sebelum kerja-kerja diteruskan.  Sekiranya anak guam hanya melantik peguam bagi proses LA atau Probet sahaja, maka ia TIDAK TERMASUK proses permohonan VO, DO, atau OFS dan sekiranya diperlukan oleh anak guam, maka permohonan berikutnya adalah dianggap sebagai kerja berasingan dan akan tertakluk kepada cadangan fi yang terpakai pada masa tersebut.  Skop kerja peguam TIDAK TERMASUK pengeluaran dan pembahagian Harta-Harta Alih milik si Mati setelah Perintah Surat Kuasa Mentadbir dikeluarkan (contoh: penutupan akaun bank, pencairan saham, tuntutan insurans/takaful, pengeluaran KWSP, pencarian aset kenderaan dll). Pentadbir Harta Pusaka baru yang dilantik boleh mencairkan aset Harta-Harta Alih selepas perintah Geran Surat Kuasa Mentadbir telah dikeluarkan oleh Mahkamah Tinggi.	HAD SKOP PEGUAM	Skop kerja peguam TIDAK TERMASUK kes yang bersifat pertikaian (contested matter) yang perlu dirujuk ke Mahkamah Tinggi di mana bagi keadaan ini, pihak kami akan mengemukakan cadangan fi guaman yang baru sebelum kerja-kerja diteruskan.  Skop kerja peguam hanya meliputi proses permohonan pertama sehingga perbicaraan (hearing) dan keputusan daripada perbicaraan pertama oleh Pejabat Pusaka Kecil. Jika keputusan perbicaraan mengeluarkan Perintah Surat Kuasa Mentadbir (Borang F) yang memerlukan proses Ulang Bicara di bawah Seksyen 17 Akta Harta Pusaka Kecil (Pembahagian) 1955 (contoh: harta tertinggal, turun milik, perintah jualan, dll), maka permohonan bagi proses berikutnya, sekiranya diperlukan oleh anak guam, adalah dianggap sebagai kerja berasingan dan akan tertakluk kepada cadangan fi yang terpakai pada masa tersebut.  Skop kerja peguam TIDAK TERMASUK pengeluaran dan pembahagian Harta-Harta Alih milik si Mati setelah Perintah Surat Kuasa Mentadbir dikeluarkan (contoh: penutupan akaun bank, pencairan saham, tuntutan insurans/takaful, pengeluaran KWSP, pencarian aset kenderaan dll). Pentadbir Harta Pusaka baru yang dilantik boleh mencairkan aset Harta-Harta Alih selepas perintah telah dikeluarkan oleh Pejabat Pusaka Kecil.  Skop kerja peguam TIDAK TERMASUK permohonan pentadbiran di Mahkamah Tinggi Sivil sekiranya nilai keseluruhan harta si mati melebihi RM5,000,000.00.
Cadangan fi guaman adalah merujuk kepada KOS PROFESIONAL GUAMAN sahaja.  Cadang fi guaman bagi LA/VO/DO/Probate secara asasnya merangkumi perkara berikut:  2 Harta Tak Alih (HTA)   5 Harta Alih (HA)  5 Waris  Cadangan fi guaman bagi OFS merangkumi perkara berikut:  1 Harta Tak Alih (HTA)   5 Waris  (1 Hartanah : 1 Permohonan OFS)	LIPUTAN FI ASAS	Cadangan fi guaman adalah merujuk kepada KOS PROFESIONAL GUAMAN sahaja dan secara asasnya merangkumi perkara berikut:  Gabungan HTA + HA + Waris yang keseluruhannya tidak melebihi 12
Bagi LA/VO/DO/Probate:  Tambahan HTA (melebihi 2) : RM500/HTA  Tambahan HA (melebihi 5) : RM150/HA  Tambahan Waris (melebihi 5) : RM150/waris  Bagi OFS:  Tambahan Waris (melebihi 5) : RM150/waris	CAJ TAMBAHAN	Selagi mana jumlah keseluruhan HTA + HA + Waris tidak melebihi 12, tiada fi tambahan.   Sekiranya jumlah keseluruhan melebihi 12, maka tertakluk kepada bayaran tambahan sebanyak RM150/item tambahan (HTA/HA/Waris).

1. Skop kerja peguam juga TIDAK TERMASUK kerja-kerja berikut: 

   
   

   a) Menyediakan, menyetem dan mendaftarkan Borang Pindah Milik (Borang 14A) (sekiranya diarahkan oleh Pejabat Tanah); 

   
   

   b) menyediakan dan mendaftarkan Borang Tukar Nama (Seksyen 378) atau Borang Tukar Alamat (Seksyen 379) sekiranya terdapat kesilapan ejaan pada nama simati dalam hak milik sedia ada; 

   
   

   c) menyediakan dan membuat permohonan gantian hak milik hilang / rosak / musnah di Pejabat Tanah; 

   
   

   d) menyediakan dan membuat permohonan pelepasan gadaian, ‘Deed of Receipt and Reassignment’, penyempurnaan pindah milik, penyempurnaan gadaian, atau transaksi yang berkaitan;  

   
   

   e) menyediakan dan memfailkan Borang Keuntungan Cukai Hartanah (CKHT) bagi pihak Pentadbir Si Mati dan/atau waris-waris; 

   
   

   f) menyediakan Perjanjian Jual Beli dan menguruskan urusan transaksi jual beli, pindah milik dan/atau gadaian bagi hartanah yang hendak dijual; dan 

   
   

   g) permohonan Sijil Faraid, Perintah Pengesahan Hibah atau Wasiat, Perintah Harta Sepencarian, atau khidmat nasihat berkaitan syariah yang tidak berkaitan dengan bidang kuasa Mahkamah Tinggi sivil dan Pejabat Pusaka Kecil. 

   
   

2. Cadangan fi guaman juga adalah TIDAK TERMASUK perkara-perkara berikut: 

   
   

   a) anggaran cukai perkhidmatan (SST) pada kadar 8% dan duti pusaka di bawah Enakmen Duti Harta Pusaka 1941 yang digunapakai bagi kes kematian sebelum 1 November 1991; 

   
   

   b) caj pentadbiran yang dikenakan oleh pihak ketiga seperti Amanah Raya Berhad atau syarikat amanah lain (jika melibatkan Permohonan Penolakan Pentadbiran) atau syarikat pemaju / pelikuidasi (jika terpakai); 

   
   

   c) bayaran penyediaan Borang DDA untuk ditandatangani oleh waris yang tidak dapat menghadiri perbicaraan pusaka kecil. Caj penyediaan Borang DDA: RM108.00/orang (tidak termasuk akuan sumpah sebanyak RM10.00); 

   
   

   d) kos carian di Bahagian Surat Kuasa Mati di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur (jika perlu); 

   
   

   e) Kos membuat pembetulan ke atas kesalahan butiran simati dalam geran / hak milik (jika perlu), kos proses melepaskan gadaian daripada Bank (jika berkenaan), kos permohonan gantian geran hilang/rosak dan/atau kos menyempurnakan pindah milik kepada Pentadbir (bagi Hartanah yang masih di atas nama Pemaju); 

   
   

   f) Kos mendapatkan salinan dokumen yang telah hilang termasuklah membuat draf polis repot (jika perlu), surat akuan dll bagi tujuan mendapatkan salinan dokumen daripada mana-mana pihak ketiga seperti pemaju, Liquidator, mahkamah, pejabat tanah dll. 

   
   

   g) Kos mendapatkan perintah jualan atau memindah milik hartanah kepada pihak ketiga selepas proses mendapatkan perintah pusaka selesai; 

   
   

   h) Kos permohonan perintah berikutnya / ulang bicara (sekiranya di peringkat pertama ini waris hanya memperolehi Surat Kuasa Mentadbir sahaja) yang hendaklah dianggap sebagai kerja berasingan dan akan tertakluk kepada cadangan fi yang terpakai pada masa tersebut. 

   
   

   i) kos perbelanjaan bagi perjalanan dan pengangkutan, kos fotokopi dan percetakan, kos pengeposan dan kurier, kos telefon dan faksimili, dan kos alat tulis yang akan sewajarnya dicaj mengikut keperluan kes secara berasingan; 

   
   

   j) kos dan perbelanjaan bagi penyaksian oleh waris-waris jika penyaksian dibuat di luar pejabat peguam/luar daerah/luar negeri/luar negara; 

   
   

   k) kos tambahan perjalanan, pengangkutan dan penginapan peguam jika perlu hadir bicara pusaka di luar Lembah Klang / Johor / Melaka / Negeri Sembilan (anggaran kos awal akan dimaklumkan kepada klien terlebih dahulu); 

   
   

   l) kos perbelanjaan yang dibayar ke pihak ketiga seperti kos pemfailan mahkamah, bayaran perintah, kos salinan perintah yang diakui sah oleh Mahkamah, kos carian ke atas hartanah, caj pentadbiran yang dikenakan oleh mana-mana agensi bagi mengeluarkan pengesahan akaun simati, kos carian lain, kos pesuruhjaya sumpah (ikrar afidavit/akuan sumpah berkanun), kos duti setem, kos pemfailan perintah di pejabat tanah dan lain-lain kos yang berkaitan. Anggaran kos belanja lain-lain ini bergantung kepada jumlah/jenis harta dan jumlah waris dan akan sewajarnya dicaj mengikut keperluan kes secara berasingan; 

   
   

   m) kos perbelanjaan yang melibatkan perolehan pemilikan asing seperti bayaran permohonan kebenaran perolehan asing, bayaran kelulusan, bayaran levi, bayaran pendaftaran dll.  

   
   

3. Peguam berhak membuat pindaan dan/atau tambahan sewajarnya mengikut latar belakang / keadaan semasa kes. Pihak kami akan memaklumkan kepada tuan/puan dari semasa ke semasa sekiranya terdapat pindaan dan/atau tambahan kepada kos dan perbelanjaan di atas.  

DEPOSIT BUKA FAIL 

Sekiranya pihak Tuan/Puan bersetuju dengan cadangan fi guaman dan ingin melantik pihak kami selaku peguam cara, pihak Tuan/Puan dikehendaki membuat pembayaran deposit buka fail, yang jumlahnya bergantung kepada jenis permohonan dan skop kerja, lazimnya dalam lingkungan RM1,000.00 hingga RM2,000.00. 

Deposit ini adalah bagi membolehkan pihak kami membuka fail secara rasmi serta menyediakan dokumen-dokumen yang diperlukan bagi skop kerja yang dipersetujui. Pihak kami berhak untuk memohon deposit tambahan bagi pembukaan fail sekiranya difikirkan perlu dan sesuai, bergantung kepada keperluan kes. 

Maklumat akaun firma guaman kami adalah seperti berikut: 

Nama Pemegang Akaun : AKMAL SAUFI & CO – Client’s Account 

Nama Bank : RHB BANK BERHAD 

Nombor Akaun Klien : 25109400028919 

Alamat Emel : kualalumpur@ascolaw.co / johor@ascolaw.co 

Sila maklumkan kepada pihak kami berserta bukti pembayaran sekiranya pihak Tuan/Puan membuat sebarang pembayaran ke dalam akaun kami untuk membolehkan kami membuat semakan dan mengeluarkan resit rasmi.  

Sila ambil maklum bahawa sekiranya pihak Tuan/Puan membatalkan transaksi di atas pada bila-bila masa selepas fail dibuka secara rasmi, pihak kami berhak untuk melupuskan (forfeit) keseluruhan deposit yang telah dibayar sebagai bayaran kos guaman minimum kami, yang mana jumlah tersebut adalah tidak termasuk sebarang kos perbelanjaan, atau bayaran balik (reimbursement) kepada pihak ketiga yang telah ditanggung atau dibayar oleh pihak kami, yang mana kos-kos tersebut akan dicaj secara berasingan.  

Walau apa pun yang dinyatakan sebelum ini, sekiranya pihak kami telah melaksanakan keseluruhan atau sebahagian besar skop kerja yang dipersetujui, sebagaimana yang ditentukan secara munasabah oleh pihak kami, maka pihak kami berhak untuk mengenakan fi guaman penuh sebagai saraan guaman kami tanpa keperluan untuk memperincikan kerja-kerja yang telah dijalankan. 

INVOIS GUAMAN 

Pihak kami akan mengeluarkan invois guaman kami kepada pihak tuan/puan secara secara berperingkat / sekali gus pada setiap peringkat penyiapan kerja mengikut kesesuaian. 

Invois tersebut hendaklah dibayar secara penuh dalam tempoh 30 hari daripada tarikh penerimaan invois tersebut. Pihak kami berhak mengenakan penalti ke atas kelewatan pembayaran pada kadar 8% setahun ke atas baki yang tertunggak dikira mengikut kadar harian bermula daripada tarikh akhir pembayaran hingga pembayaran penuh diterima oleh pihak kami. 

Sebarang anggaran fi guaman kami yang diberikan kepada pihak tuan/puan untuk jangkaan transaksi hanyalah anggaran berdasarkan pengetahuan kami mengenai transaksi yang serupa serta penilaian kami mengenai jumlah kerja yang diperlukan bagi tujuan memenuhi arahan tersebut pada masa anggaran tersebut diberikan.  

Sekiranya salah satu daripada anggapan tersebut, atau penilaian kami pada masa itu terbukti tidak tepat, atau arahan kami diubah, anggaran itu mungkin tidak tepat. Oleh itu, apa-apa anggaran yang diberikan di atas tidak boleh dianggap sebagai muktamad atau dianggap sebagai menetapkan had ke atas fi guaman kami. 

Selagi mana invois akhir tidak dikeluarkan, tertakluk kepada perubahan dan semakan semula berdasarkan latar belakang sebenar dan keadaan semasa kes dan/atau perubahan dasar percukaian oleh Kerajaan Malaysia dan kadar urusan tanah oleh Kerajaan Negeri yang berkuat kuasa dari semasa ke semasa. 

AKUJANJI KERAHSIAAN 

Kami berjanji untuk menjaga dan memelihara kerahsiaan semua maklumat dan dokumen, yang dibekalkan kepada kami sepanjang perkhidmatan perundangan yang diberikan oleh pihak kami kepada semua pelanggan kami.  

Semua maklumat dan dokumen yang pihak Tuan/Puan kemukakan kepada peguam-peguam kami akan digunakan semata-mata untuk tujuan kerja kami dan kami mengaku janji untuk tidak mendedahkan sebarang maklumat atau dokumen tersebut kepada pihak ketiga yang lain atau menggunakannya bagi tujuan lain tanpa persetujuan bertulis pihak Tuan/Puan terlebih dahulu, kecuali sekiranya pendedahan dikehendaki di bawah mana-mana undang-undang, peraturan atau di bawah sepina. 

Ini adalah kewajipan berkanun di bawah Akta Profesion Undang-Undang 1976 dan Peraturan Profesion Undang-Undang (Amalan dan Etika) 1978 di Malaysia.  

Pihak kami juga akan mematuhi semua kewajipan yang berkaitan dengan perlindungan data peribadi dan privasi pihak Tuan/Puan. Pihak kami akan mengambil langkah yang wajar untuk memastikan bahawa data peribadi anda dikendalikan dengan cara yang sah dan dilindungi dari akses dan/atau penghapusan, pengubahsuaian, pendedahan atau pemusnahan yang tidak dibenarkan dan kami akan mengambil semua langkah keselamatan yang bertanggungjawab yang diperlukan untuk pelaksanaan kewajipan ini.  

Ini adalah kewajipan berkanun di bawah Akta Perlindungan Data Peribadi 2010 di Malaysia. 

GENERAL TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT 

Dengan persetujuan anda untuk melantik kami, adalah dipersetujui bahawa semua terma dan syarat di bawah General Terms of Engagement yang dinyatakan di bawah ini akan terpakai sepenuhnya dan membentuk sebahagian daripada terma pelantikan. 

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ASCO LAW – General Terms of Engagement 

1. Introduction 

   
   

These General Terms govern the provision of services by Akmal Saufi & Co in representing you. They will apply to all engagements and services provided by us unless we mutually agree otherwise in writing. Any such deviations or modifications to these General Terms must be expressly agreed upon in writing by both parties to be valid. These terms supersede any prior agreements or understandings between us unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing.  

2. Definitions and Interpretations 

   
   

For the purpose of these General Terms, references to:  

a) “Associate Entity” mean any partnership, company, wherever incorporated, or other legal person or entity controlled or represented by you or, if you form part of a group, all legal entities in that group; 

b) “Engagement” means our engagement by you; 

c) “Fee Proposal” means the engagement letter or client care letter from us with which these General Terms of Engagement were provided; 

d) “Engagement Terms” means the Fee Proposal and these General Terms of Engagement and any variation or addition which may be agreed in writing between you and us; 

e) “us”, “our”, or “we” refers to Akmal Saufi & Co; 

f) “General Terms” means these general terms of engagement; 

g) “you” are to the body corporate or other person originally instructing us in relation to a matter, or such other person as you and we agree shall be treated as our client, or the prospective client. In the latter scenario, you shall nevertheless be bound by these terms of engagement until a replacement Fee Proposal is signed by that other person. 

In the case of any inconsistency between these General Terms and the Fee Proposal or any other written terms and conditions agreed concerning our Engagement, the Fee Proposal or other written agreement shall prevail.  

The Engagement Terms supersede any earlier terms concerning our Engagement that we have provided to you. We reserve the right to amend these terms in the future in particular to reflect changes in law or practice. 

In these General Terms, headings are for convenience only and are not to be taken into account in construing the text. 

3. Application 

   
   

The Engagement Terms shall apply to all matters on which you, or any Associate Entity, may instruct us, unless otherwise agreed in writing. In cases where the Engagement relates to an Associate Entity, we may require you to ensure that the relevant Associate Entity enters into separate, written Engagement Terms with us. This will ensure that the terms and conditions governing our relationship with each Associate Entity are clearly defined and legally binding, protecting all parties involved.  

Any instructions from Associate Entities that fall outside the scope of these terms will require separate agreement or amendment to the Engagement Terms.  

4. Scope of Engagement 

   
   

The scope of our work for each Engagement will be clearly defined and agreed upon in writing at the outset of the Engagement. Should there be any variations or changes to the scope of our Engagement during the course of our work, such variations must be mutually agreed by both parties. This may include, but is not limited to, adjustments to the Engagement Terms, timelines, or any other material aspects of the Engagement. Any work performed outside of the agreed scope will be considered as additional services and subject to separate billing and terms. 

5. Fees, Reimbursement and Disbursement 

   
   

Our fees for professional services rendered will be calculated on a fair and reasonable basis, taking into account competitive fee rates in the legal services market, our expertise, the nature and extent of the work, and the overall circumstances surrounding the Engagement. 

In most cases, our primary method of charging is based on a fixed rate, which will be agreed upon for specific matters. For matters falling under the Solicitors’ Remuneration Order 2023 (SRO), our fees will be charged according to the prescribed rates set by the SRO. In cases where a fixed rate is not agreed upon or the matter does not fall under the SRO, we will charge based on time spent, calculated at our hourly rates as follows:  

Designation	RM
Partners	500.00 per hour
Senior Associates	250.00 per hour
Associates	200.00 per hour

Notwithstanding the above, we reserve the right to adjust our fees to reflect other factors, including but not limited to the urgency of the matter, the complexity or novelty of the issues involved, the location of the work, any unsocial hours worked (by fee earners or other personnel), and the overall importance or value of the work to you. 

Our work may include preparatory activities such as reviewing relevant documents, making notes of important telephone calls and meetings, briefing others for delegation, and other activities where time involvement may not be immediately apparent. 

Where practical, we will provide an estimate of our likely fees based on the information available. However, any estimate of fees is purely an approximation based on our knowledge of similar transactions and an assessment of the work required at the time the estimate is provided. Such estimates are not definitive and should not be regarded as an upper limit on fees. If assumptions or assessments underlying the estimate prove incorrect or if instructions change, the estimate may no longer apply. We will make reasonable efforts to keep you informed of ongoing fees if requested. 

All hourly rates and fee estimates are exclusive of reimbursements and disbursements that are reasonably and properly incurred by us during the course of our Engagement. 

You will be charged for any disbursements or expenses we incur in the course of providing services, and by engaging us, you authorize us to incur such expenses as we deem necessary. These disbursements may include, but are not limited to, travel, accommodation, postage, courier services, printing, photocopying, court fees, searches, stamp duties, registration and filing fees, and the costs of engaging other counsel or experts with your consent. Where significant disbursements are anticipated, we will inform you before incurring them. We may require advance payment for disbursements and additional charges for substantial telephone calls, faxes, and photocopying. 

Our indicative rates for travel and accommodation expenses are as follows: 

Item Rate	Partners	Senior Associate	Associate
Transport   (exclusive of toll):  Intra-state  Inter-state	RM2.00/km  RM2.00/km	RM1.50/km  RM1.50/km	RM1.00/km  RM1.00/km
Accommodation:  Per night per room (in Malaysia)  Per night per room (outside Malaysia)	Deluxe Room  Deluxe Room	Deluxe Room  Deluxe Room	Deluxe Room  Deluxe Room
Air travel:  Inter-state travel  Inter-country travel	Business class or equivalent.  Business class or equivalent.	Premium Economy class or Economy class, whichever is higher.  Premium Economy class or Economy class, whichever is higher.	Premium Economy class or Economy class, whichever is higher.  Premium Economy class or Economy class, whichever is higher.

In the event that our Engagement is terminated or abandoned prior to completion, our fees will be charged based on the time spent at the aforementioned hourly rates, plus any disbursements, reimbursements, and SST for work completed up to the date of our receipt of your written notification of termination or abandonment. If a fee cap applies, it will be applicable to work done up until the point of termination. 

6. Taxes and Charges 

   
   

All hourly rates and fee estimates quoted by us are exclusive of any applicable taxes, including sales and service tax (SST). Where applicable, SST will be charged at the prevailing rate and will be payable in addition to our fees. 

You are solely responsible for any and all taxes, duties, or charges that may apply to payments made to us or services rendered by us, including but not limited to withholding taxes, bank remittance charges, or any other levies imposed by any governmental or regulatory authority.  

Should we be required to pay any of these taxes, duties, or charges on your behalf, you agree to reimburse us in full for the amounts paid. This reimbursement will be made promptly upon receipt of our request for such payment. 

In the event of any withholding taxes, you are required to pay us such additional amounts as necessary to ensure that we receive the full amount of our fees, without deduction for any taxes. You shall also provide us with any documentation or evidence related to the withholding tax payments, as required by law.  

7. Invoice and Payment  

   
   

We issue invoices in accordance with pre-agreed milestones or at such intervals as we deem appropriate. In periods of particularly high activity, interim invoices may be rendered more frequently if warranted by the circumstances. At our discretion, as a condition of acting or continuing to act for you, we may require payment in advance on account of fees and disbursements to be incurred, or immediate payment of interim invoices upon delivery. 

All payments must be made within 30 Days from the date of the invoice. If any invoice (whether interim or final) remains unpaid, in whole or in part, after the expiration of this period, we reserve the right to charge interest on the overdue amount, calculated daily at a rate of 8% per annum.  

Additionally, we reserve the right to exercise a lien over any monies or documents belonging to you and/or your associated entities in our possession, irrespective of the matter to which they relate or whether our engagement has been terminated. We may also suspend or cease providing services for any ongoing matters until all outstanding invoices have been settled. 

All sums payable by you must be made free of any deductions or withholdings, except as required by law. If any withholding is legally required, you agree to pay such additional amounts as will ensure that we receive the full amount that would have been payable in the absence of such withholding. 

All invoices will be addressed to you, our client, and not to any third party, even if you have instructed otherwise. We may, however, agree to have our invoices paid by a third party, provided we have verified the identity and address of the third-party payer for anti-money laundering purposes and have satisfied ourselves as to the legitimacy of the source of the funds. 

All payments must be made via e-banking, online transfer, cheque, or bank draft. We will not accept cash payments for invoices exceeding RM5,000. Any payments made by cash for amounts exceeding RM5,000 will be rejected, and the invoice will remain outstanding. We also reserve the right to refuse payments from sources that are unexpected or unexplained, and in such cases, our invoices will remain due and payable. 

Payments of invoices outside Malaysia must be made via e-banking in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 

8. Appointment of Experts, Agents and Overseas Lawyers 

   
   

Where necessary for the effective handling of your engagement, we may procure the services of independent experts, agents, and overseas lawyers, both within Malaysia and internationally, to act on your behalf. Any such appointments will be made as independent contractors or agents, and their services will be provided directly to you. We will not be held responsible for any negligent advice, error, or default on the part of such experts, agents, or overseas lawyers. In the event of any claims or disputes related to their services, you agree to take any necessary legal action directly against the respective expert, agent, or overseas lawyer, and not against us. 

If we engage lawyers or other advisers on your behalf, you will be billed directly by them for their services, and you will be personally responsible for any fees, disbursements, or other charges incurred by them. We will not be liable for any fees or costs incurred by these third parties, and all payments must be made directly to them in accordance with their billing terms. 

9. Specific Deliverables 

   
   

Subject to the terms and conditions agreed upon in our Engagement, our deliverables may include documents, templates, literature, reports, advice, and any other materials as specified in the scope of the Engagement. The exact nature and extent of the deliverables will be determined based on the specific requirements outlined in the Engagement Agreement. 

Any deliverables will be provided to you in a format that is mutually agreed upon, and the final delivery will be subject to the completion of the work as outlined in the Engagement. Unless otherwise agreed, we are not obligated to provide any deliverables beyond what is specifically outlined in the scope of the Engagement. 

10. Money on Client Account 

    
    

Any money held by us on your behalf as stakeholders will be kept in our trust or client account and dealt with in accordance with the terms of our Engagement or, in the absence of such terms, in any other arrangement agreed to in writing. Unless we receive prior express written instructions from you, we have no obligation to keep any such monies in an interest-bearing account or similar account. For money held by us, if it is not fully disbursed to the relevant party or parties, or if the balance does not fall below RM5,000.00 within four months of receipt, we will not be required to place it in an interest-bearing account unless you provide written instructions to the contrary. 

You acknowledge that any money held by us for you or your Associated Entities, along with any accrued interest, may be applied towards payment of any pending or outstanding invoices for work in progress, or to settle any existing invoices, whether overdue or not. 

11. Communications 

    
    

Unless you provide us with specific instructions to the contrary, we will use the means of communication we deem appropriate to facilitate our work. This may include direct communication with parties (such as your staff, advisers, or other relevant individuals) whom we reasonably believe are involved in the transaction or matter for which you have engaged our services, or who can assist in the provision of our services. 

We will make reasonable efforts to ensure that such communications are consistent with your interests and the scope of our engagement. However, we are not required to obtain your prior consent before liaising with such parties, provided that such communication is necessary for the effective and efficient execution of our work. 

If you have specific preferences regarding communication methods or parties we should liaise with, you must notify us in writing, and we will take such preferences into account when determining how to proceed.  

12. Electronic Communications 

    
    

While we take reasonable precautions to protect the security of our electronic networks, we cannot guarantee the security or integrity of electronic communications, including emails, and accept no liability for any degradation, viruses, or other infections that may affect such communications. By engaging our services, you acknowledge and agree that we may communicate with you and others via email or other electronic means, unless you expressly notify us in writing that additional protection is required for specific communications. 

If you require heightened security measures for any communication, including encryption or other safeguards, you must notify us in writing in advance, and we will take reasonable steps to accommodate your request, subject to the availability and feasibility of such measures. You also agree to assume responsibility for any risks associated with your own use of electronic communications, including but not limited to any security issues arising from your email system, networks, or devices.  

13. Limitations on our Liability 

    
    

Our services under this Engagement are provided solely to you, and we shall not be liable to any third party, unless explicitly agreed in writing. Except as expressly set forth in these General Terms, all warranties, conditions, or other terms implied by statute, common law, or otherwise are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

We will not be liable for any failure, delay, or the consequences of any failure or delay in the performance of your instructions if such failure or delay arises from events beyond our reasonable control. These events include, but are not limited to, acts of God, war, industrial disputes, power failures, fire, flood, storms, explosions, terrorism, national emergencies, disease outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, global health emergencies, or government-imposed actions such as lockdowns, circuit breakers, movement control orders, or similar restrictions, which may prevent or hinder the performance of our obligations under the relevant Engagement or cause the temporary cessation of our operations.

Our liability for any loss or damage shall be limited to the proportionate extent of our responsibility for such loss or damage, considering any contributory negligence by you, your other advisers, or any third parties involved in the matter. 

We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive loss or damage, nor for any loss of profit, revenue, or business opportunities, whether arising directly or indirectly from the Engagement. Nothing in these General Terms excludes or limits our liability for personal injury or death caused by our negligence, or for any loss arising from fraud, misrepresentation, or willful misconduct. We may agree with you, in the specific Engagement Terms, on an appropriate financial limit to our liability, which will be subject to the limitations set out in this clause. 

For the purposes of this clause, the terms "liability" and "liable" encompass all forms of liability, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise. 

14. Anti-Money Laundering Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (AMLATFA) 

    
    

Under Part IV of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (AMLATFA), we are a reporting institution and are required to maintain records of any transaction involving domestic or foreign currency that exceeds the amount specified by the competent authority. Such records must include, but are not limited to, the following information: (a) the identity and address of the person in whose name the transaction is conducted; (b) the identity and address of the beneficiary or the person on whose behalf the transaction is conducted; (c) the identity of the accounts affected by the transaction; (d) the type of transaction involved, such as deposit, withdrawal, exchange of currency, cheque cashing, purchase of cashier’s cheques or money orders or other payment or transfer by, through or to such reporting institution; (e) the identity of the reporting institution where the transaction occurred; and (f) the date, time and amount of the transaction, and shall also include such other information as the competent authority may specify in writing. 

As a condition of our engagement, you agree to promptly provide the required information and documents (originals or certified true copies) when requested by us. These documents will be specified separately. Failure to provide the requested information or documents within the time specified may result in us ceasing to act on your behalf and may trigger the need to report the failure to the relevant authorities. 

We accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, or expense, whether direct or indirect, incurred by you or any person or entity seeking to become a client, in circumstances where we have acted in compliance with our obligations under the AMLATFA, or any other applicable legislation, regulations, or guidelines. 

Furthermore, you acknowledge that we may be legally obligated to take certain actions, including making reports to the authorities, in the event of non-compliance with the AMLATFA or any other related laws. Such actions are not subject to our liability. 

15. Politically Exposed Persons 

    
    

Under the AMLATFA and the policy issued by Bank Negara Malaysia, we are required to implement a risk management system to determine whether any individual we are asked to act for is a Politically Exposed Person ("PEP"). For the purposes of our Engagement Terms, a "PEP" is defined as any individual who is or has been within the 12 months preceding the date of our Fee Proposal any of the following: (a) foreign PEPs – individuals who are or have been entrusted with one of the following prominent public functions by a foreign country. For example, Heads of State or Government, senior politicians, senior government, judicial or military officials, senior executives of state-owned corporations and important political party officials; (b) domestic PEPs – individuals who are or have been entrusted domestically with one of the following prominent public functions in Malaysia or by Malaysian government. For example, Heads of State or Government, senior politicians, senior government (includes federal, state and local government), judicial or military officials, senior executives of state-owned corporations and important political party officials; or (c) persons who are or have been entrusted with a prominent function by an international organisation which refers to members of senior management. For example, directors, deputy directors and members of the Board or equivalent functions. 

In addition to the above primary categories of PEPs, we also consider individuals who are closely connected to a PEP, either socially or professionally, to be a PEP. Close associates include, but are not limited to: (a) extended family members, such as relatives (biological and non-biological relationship); (b) financially dependent individuals (e.g., persons salaried by the PEP such as drivers, bodyguards, secretaries); (c) business partners or associates of the PEP; (d) prominent members of the same organisation as the PEP; (e) individuals working closely with the PEP (e.g., work colleagues); or (f) close friends. 

If you are a PEP, you are required to inform us immediately. By signing and returning our Fee Proposal, you represent and warrant that you are not a PEP. If you subsequently inform us that you are a PEP, the law obligates us to formally assess whether we can continue to act on your behalf. In such a case, we will notify you of our decision to proceed or decline our representation in writing.  

16. Confidentiality  

    
    

We are under a statutory obligation, as governed by the applicable laws and regulations of the legal profession, to maintain and preserve the confidentiality of all information and documents that come to us in the course of providing legal services to our clients.  

All information and documents provided by you will be used solely for the purpose of performing our work for you. We will not disclose such information or documents to any third party or use them for any other purpose without your prior written consent, except as required by law, regulation, or pursuant to a subpoena or court order. 

From time to time, we may need to outsource certain tasks, such as translation, printing, or photocopying. While we take reasonable steps to ensure that outsourced work remains confidential and secure, you acknowledge that such arrangements may carry a potential risk to confidentiality, for which we accept no liability unless caused by our negligence or willful misconduct. 

In compliance with the AMLATFA, we are a designated reporting institution and are legally obligated under Part IV of AMLATFA to report any suspicious transactions. If, during the course of acting for you, it becomes necessary for us to make a suspicious transaction report, we are prohibited by law from notifying you of the reporting or the reasons for it. You acknowledge and agree that we will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from compliance with our statutory reporting obligations under AMLATFA. 

17. Data Protection 

    
    

You acknowledge that, for the purpose of acting on your behalf and ensuring the proper and effective performance of our work under this Engagement, we may collect, use, process, and store information provided by you, including personal data. By engaging our services, you consent to the collection and processing of such data in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).  

You further acknowledge that, in the course of our Engagement, it may be necessary to share or transfer your information, including personal data, within our practice or to third parties, such as service providers or regulatory authorities, where required for the effective execution of our services. Any such sharing or transfer will be conducted in compliance with the PDPA and any other applicable laws. 

We confirm that your personal data will be managed in accordance with our obligations under the PDPA and our privacy policy, which is available on our website at www.ascolaw.co.  

By engaging us, you confirm that you have reviewed our privacy policy and understand how your data will be handled. If you provide us with personal data of third parties (e.g., employees, agents, or counterparties), you confirm that you have obtained the necessary consent or have a lawful basis for sharing such data with us.  

18. Potential Conflicts of Interest 

    
    

We have established procedures to prevent us from acting in matters where a conflict, or potential conflict, exists between the interests of one client and another. Upon receiving information regarding a prospective matter, our firm-wide internal checks will promptly identify potential conflicts. To ensure these checks are effective, it is essential that you provide us with complete and accurate information regarding all persons and entities involved, or potentially involved, in the matter. 

If you are aware of or become aware of a potential conflict, you must notify the client relationship partner or another partner of the firm immediately. If a conflict arises, we will assess the situation in accordance with applicable rules, best practices, and the interests and wishes of the parties involved. We reserve the right to decide, at our sole discretion and in compliance with regulatory obligations, whether we can act for both parties, one party, or neither. 

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, if we have not been instructed by you on a particular matter, we may accept engagements on that matter from another client, provided this is permitted under the applicable rules and does not compromise confidentiality or professional independence. 

You acknowledge that, as a law firm representing numerous clients across various industries and jurisdictions, we may now or in the future act for clients whose interests differ from yours or your affiliates’ interests, provided such matters are not substantially related to the matter for which you have engaged us. 

In certain situations, such as transactions involving multiple interested parties (e.g., acquisition by auction or competitive tender processes), we may represent more than one client, provided we maintain strict client confidentiality for each party. This includes implementing appropriate safeguards, such as separate legal teams for each client. By engaging us, you consent to this arrangement, subject to the safeguards described. 

19. Complaints and Concerns 

    
    

If you have any complaints or concerns regarding our work, we encourage you to raise them initially with the client relationship partner responsible for the respective Engagement or any other partner of the firm. Should the issue remain unresolved, you may escalate the matter to our Managing Partner, Akmal Saufi Mohamed Khaled. If the matter is still not resolved to your satisfaction after escalation, our formal complaints procedure will be implemented. A copy of this procedure, detailing the steps and timelines for resolution, is available upon request. We are committed to addressing all concerns promptly and professionally to ensure client satisfaction. 

20. Tax Advice 

Our services do not extend to comprehensive tax advice, as we have limited expertise in matters related to taxation. If you require specific advice on tax-related issues, we encourage you to discuss your needs with us. Where appropriate, we may assist in referring you to a qualified tax expert. However, any reliance on such referrals will be at your discretion, and we do not accept liability for the advice provided by third-party tax experts. 

21. Storage of Documents 

We will store files or documents relating to your matters for such time as we deem reasonable or as required by law, including compliance with the Bar Council Rules and Rulings and the Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978. The following retention periods will apply as recommended by the Bar Council: 

Document Type	Retention Periods
Conveyancing / Probate and administration files	12 years
Family matters / General Matters /                             Litigation files – General litigation	6 years
Litigation files – Unenforced judgments	12 years from the date of judgment

Notwithstanding the above, all files or documents will be retained for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date we issue our final invoice for the matter in question. Thereafter, we reserve the right to securely destroy or dispose of them in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and any other applicable regulations, without further reference to you unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

Files or documents may be stored through image processing, electronic records, or other secure methods. This provision does not apply to title deeds, wills, and other original documents specifically retained by us for safe custody, which will be handled in accordance with the terms of our safe custody agreement with you. 

You are responsible for requesting the return of any original documents or physical files prior to the expiry of the applicable retention period. Failing this, we will be entitled to destroy or dispose of them as stated above. 

22. Acceptance of General Terms

    
    

Your continued instructions will be deemed as acceptance of our Engagement Terms, including these General Terms. These General Terms may be reviewed and updated periodically at our discretion. A copy of the revised General Terms will be provided to you, and such revised terms will take effect immediately upon issuance unless otherwise stated, superseding any previous versions. If you continue to provide instructions after receiving the revised terms, this will constitute your acceptance of the updated General Terms. 

23. Termination of Engagement 

    
    

Either party may terminate this Engagement at any time by giving not less than 7 Days’ written notice to the other party, specifying the reasons for termination, which may include failure to pay outstanding invoices. For litigation matters where we are on record as acting on your behalf, we will provide you with no less than 7 Days’ written notice of our intention to take all necessary steps to discharge ourselves as your lawyers, in compliance with the Rules of Court 2012 and any other applicable regulatory requirements.  

If we do not receive any instructions or communication from you for a continuous period of 3 Months, we reserve the right to deem the matter as abandoned. In such cases, we may terminate this Engagement and charge abortive costs incurred up to the date of deemed abandonment, including administrative and preparatory work. 

In all cases of termination, you remain responsible for all fees, disbursements, and expenses for work performed up to the point of termination, as well as any abortive charges, if applicable. We further reserve the right to render invoices for work performed but not yet billed, recover any outstanding fees, disbursements, or other charges, and enforce any other accrued rights under this Engagement. 

24. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction 

    
    

All opinions and advice given will be given under the Malaysian law. Our Engagement Terms and all matters arising from our contract are governed by Malaysian Law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Malaya. 

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