KUCHING: The Federal Court has unanimously rejected the application of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of its member, Wong Ching Yong.
The Court of Appeal had ruled in favour of Wong, overturning MIA’s 2016 decision to charge him before the disciplinary committee for unprofessional conduct.
In addition to dismissing the appeal, the Federal Court instructed MIA to compensate Wong with RM45,000 in costs, which includes RM30,000 awarded by the Federal Court and RM15,000 ordered by the Court of Appeal in June 2022.
Upon settling legal disbursements, Wong planned to donate a portion of the costs to the Sibu Autistic Association.
Wong expressed relief after a seven-year legal battle with the MIA, stating that no member should have to endure the suffering and mental anguish he experienced.
He hoped that MIA would learn from the Federal Court’s decision and reevaluate its practice review procedure.
The Federal Court’s decision confirms the Court of Appeal’s ruling and represents the first instance in MIA’s history where a member has taken legal action against the organisation through multiple levels of court.
The Court of Appeal had identified procedural improprieties and breaches of natural justice by MIA during Wong’s disciplinary hearing.
“MIA’s charges were based on duplicity, and the Court of Appeal determined that the organisation had failed to conduct a fair hearing and as a result, Wong’s professional reputation and integrity have now been vindicated by the highest level of court in Malaysia.”
