Medico Legal Society of Malaysia

Future Events

MLSM 2017 Conference

Date:     4 November 2017, Saturday
Venue: Auditorium, Connexion @ Nexus, Bangsar South,
               Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Past Events

A half-day Seminar was held on 24th July 2010 at Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka. The Seminar was jointly organised by the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia and the Medico-Legal Society of Singapore, in co-operation with Mahkota Medical Centre. The Seminar featured prominent speakers and moderators from Malaysia and Singapore, who discussed the resolution of medical disputes through mediation and the different tests for liability for medical negligence in Singapore and Malaysia. The Seminar was very successful and was attended by over 200 participants.

A two-day Conference on Managing Medico-legal and Medical Ethics Events and Disputes The Current Challenges was organized by the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia on 30th and 31st October 2010 at the Putra World Trade Centre. The keynote address was delivered by the Director-General of Health of Malaysia, and prominent speakers and moderators from Malaysia, Singapore and England addressed topical medico-legal issues. The topics that were addressed included managing adverse events, grievance mechanism procedures, dealing with adverse publicity, medical tourism, dealing with negligence and professional misconduct, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution tools in medical disputes, and mediation of medical disputes. There was also a mock mediation, and debates on liberalising advertising in healthcare and on increasing healthcare regulation. The Conference was very successful and was attended by over 200 participants. A copy of the Opening Adress by the Director-General of Health is attached.

Lecture at Taylor's University on 23 February 2011Medico-legal Liability in Healthcare
Consistent with the Society's objective of involving itself more actively in education. The President of the Society, Darryl SC Goon accepted an invitation from Taylor's Law School to take part in its Law Speaker Series. Raja Eileen Soraya, the Secretary of the Society also attended to represent the Society.
The lecture examined and explained the Malaysian litigation system and traced the juridical basis for liability for healthcare professionals. It also traced the development of the laws relating to the civil and criminal liabilities of those involved in healthcare and explored the different types of claims that may be faced by healthcare professionals.
The session was well attended by about 80 students and lecturers from the foundation in science, law, medical, pharmacy and biosciences programmes of the university. There was a healthy and active question and answer session at the end of the lecture suggesting that the area has indeed generated much interest amongst the young. We would like to extend our appreciation to Dr Rajeswari Kanniah, the Dean of the Taylor's Law School for inviting us to the beautiful and scenic campus of Taylor's University.

The Medico-Legal Society of Singapore is hosting their Annual Medico-Legal Seminar on 8th and 9th October 2011 at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. Please see the attached programme and registration form for more details.

Please see the status update by the President

The MLSM organized a Conference on "CONFLICTS & CONTROVERSIES IN MEDICINE, ETHICS & THE LAW" on 16th & 17th November 2011 at The Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The Keynote Address was delivered by Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda Perak Darul Ridzuan Raja Nazrin Shah Ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah. The Conference programme featured exciting and thought-provoking topics. The event was carried in the media. The NST article is attached.

The MLSM, together with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, the Singapore High Commission and the Gandhi Memorial Trust of Malaysia, launched a book entitled "The Dancing Girl: A History of Early India" written by the late Dr Balaji Sadasivan at the Royal Lake Club on 1st February 2012. The NST article on the book launch is attached.

Mr. T. Sagadaven represented the MLSM at a forum at Institut Latihan Kehakiman dan Perundangan (ILKAP)
on 20th March 2012, and delivered a talk on "Apology = Admission of Liability" to judicial officers, medical practitioners
and healthcare providers. His talk dealt with, among others, the duty of a doctor to provide an explanation to his patient in the event of an adverse outcome, and the implications of an apology tendered by the doctor.

On 22nd March 2012, the MLSM organized a talk by Dr Teoh Ming Keng on "Litigation Trends & Professional Challenges in Medical Practice Today" at the Royal Selangor Club. Dr Teoh, who is Head of Medical Services (Asia) of the Medical Protection Society, England gave the audience, consisting of doctors, lawyers and healthcare providers, an overview of current trends in medical negligence claims in various countries including Malaysia. The talk was followed by a question and answer session, during which participants also shared their experiences in dealing with medico-legal issues in their respective fields.

10.

Puan Maidzuara Mohammed represented the MLSM and presented a talk on â€œGood Medical Practice: Common Issues for Medical Practitionersâ€ to doctors of the Primary Care Unit at University Malaya Medical Centre on 27th March 2012. The talk covered various issues including consent, a doctorâ€™s duty to explain material risks, proper record keeping, relevant statutory provisions, and the Malaysian Medical Council Guidelines and their practical implications. This was followed by an active question and answer session.

11.

The MLSM held its Annual Conference on 13th and 14th July 2012. The Conference was attended by almost 200 delegates, and addressed pressing and controversial medical and medico-legal issues. The issues included the Medical (Amendment) Act 2012 which has introduced important changes to medical practice. The Keynote Address was delivered by the Attorney-General of Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. The speakers included the former Director-General of Health of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Haji Mohd Ismail bin Merican, and the Director of Medical Services of Singapore, Prof K Satkunanthan. The Conference was immediately followed on 14th July 2012 by the MLSM's Annual General Meeting.

12.

The Medical Protection Society, together with the Academy of Medicine Malaysia of Malaysia and the MLSM, organised a training course for medical experts at the Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 14th July 2012. The course was attended by almost 80 participants.

13.

The Medico-Legal Society of Singapore and the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia held their 3rd Annual Joint Seminar on Saturday, 15 September 2012 at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. About 100 people attended the Seminar, including 8 from the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia. The speakers (2 from each Society) covered various topical areas of interest, which were followed by very active question and answer sessions.

14.

Press statement on Statutory Rape

15.

Throughout 2013, Dato’ Dr. NKS Tharmaseelan presented the following papers at various talks organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA):

How to avoid a Medico Legal Situation’ organised by MMA Kuantan.
How to deal with Difficult Patients’ organised by MMA Alor Star.
Legal Terms in Medical Practice’ organised by MMA Seremban.
Consent’ organised by MMA Malacca.
Legal Developments in Medical Practice’ organised by MMA Ipoh.

16.

On 16th July 2013, a training Course for Medical Experts was jointly run by the Medical Protection Society (MPS), Academy of Malaysia of Medicine, Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia and with support from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). Topics that were discussed included “Roles of Medical Experts”, “The Litigation Process in Malaysia”, “Principles of Medical Negligence”, “Claims Handling Ethics” and “Problems and Challenges: An Expert’s Perspective”.

17.

The MLSM had its annual medico-legal conference on 23rd and 24th November 2013 at Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The Conference themed “Law, Ethics & Medicine: Friends or Foes?” was attended by 120 delegates and addressed current controversial medico-legal issues. The Keynote Address was delivered by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Suleiman, President of the International Medical University and Former Director-General of Health of Malaysia. Topics that were discussed included “Withdrawing or Refusing Medical Treatment- Good Practice in Decision Making”, “Medical Records and Data Protection: A Practical Approach”, “Immediate Steps to Curbing Custodial Deaths”, “Roundup of Significant Medico-Legal Cases in 2012/2013”, “Liability of Medical Directors-Is the Legal Exposure Worth it?”, “The Doctors Comprehension of Law & Ethics”, “Statutory Rape Laws-Is there a Need for Change?” and “Internal Inquiries- A Fair Process?”.

18.

During the Annual Conference on 23rd and 24th November 2013, the MLSM launched its own inaugural newsletter ‘Steth & Gavel’. A hardcopy of the newsletter was posted to all MLSM members.

19.

On 16th June 2014, the MLSM had its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Mr. Dhinesh Bhaskaran was elected as the new President of the MLSM, replacing Dato’ Dr NKS Tharmaseelan.

20.

On 20th July 2014, Ms. Sharon Pallani represented the MLSM at a round table discussion on Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

21.

Ms. Sharon Pallani represented the MLSM at the Healthcare Management Excellence 2014 Seminar which was held on 11th-12th August 2014 in Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. She delivered a talk on "Resolution of Medico-Legal Challenges & Risks for Doctors and Hospitals.”

22.

On 23rd August 2014, the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia (MLSM) & the Medico-Legal Society of Singapore (MLSS) held a joint-seminar on “Practising Medicine in a Litigious Society”. It was kindly hosted by Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh at Bayview Hotel, Malacca and well attended by doctors, hospital administrators and representatives of both the MLSM and MLSS. Raja Eileen Soraya (MLSM) spoke on “Recent Developments in the Law of Consent in Malaysia”, Dr. Bertha Woon (MLSS) spoke on “Medico-legal Risks of Breast Surgery in Singapore”, Mr. Dhinesh Bhaskaran (MLSM) spoke on “Recent Developments in Liability for Hospitals in Malaysia”, Dr Tan Soo Yong (MLSS) spoke on “Personal Data Protection Laws in Singapore” and Mr. Jeffrey Chan (MLSS) gave a case presentation on Singapore Medical Council v Dr Susan Lim Mey Lee.

23.

On 16th October 2014, Mr. Dhinesh Bhaskaran represented the MLSM at a talk organised by the Department of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine of University of Malaya Medical Centre. He spoke on Medico-Legal Aspects of End of Life Care.

24.

On 29th November 2014, the Medical Protection Society (MPS), the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia (MLSM) and the Academy of Medicine, Malaysia co-organised a Medical Experts Training Course 2014 at Prince Court Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur. The whole day event was well attended by doctors from both the public and private sector.

25.

The Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia (MLSM) and the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) held a dialogue with Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram on the topic "Has the Law Forced Doctors to Practise Defensive Medicine?" on 10th December 2014 at the KLRCA’s new premises in Bangunan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur. It was well attended by approximately 110 attendees comprising of doctors from both the public and private sectors, lawyers and members of the general public.

26.

On 23rd and 24th May 2015, the MLSM held its first ever Regional Conference. The Regional Conference featured interesting and diverse topics with presentations by local and foreign speakers, including speakers from Singapore, India and Hong Kong. The 1 and a half day Conference was held at The Royal Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The keynote address was delivered by Datuk Dr. Jeyaindran Tan Sri Sinnadurai (Deputy Director General of Health, Malaysia). Speakers included Dr. Alison Metcalfe (Head of Medical Services, Medical Protection Society) who spoke on Discernible Trends and Patterns of Medico-Legal Complaints and Cases in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, Dr. David Kan (Partner, Howse William Bowers, Hong Kong) who spoke on Medico-Legal Issues Relating to Traditional and Complementary Medicine- The Hong Kong Experience and various panel sessions which included speakers Dr. Joseph Lau (Chairman Medical Council of Hong Kong), Sreevathsa C.S.(Vice President – Legal, Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt Ltd), Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Ariff (Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Institut Jantung Negara), Ahmad Shahizam bin Mohd Shariff (Chief Executive Officer, Pantai Operations Division and Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations IHH Healthcare Berhad), Dr. Chong Su-Lin (Chief Executive Officer, Prince Court Medical Centre), Christopher Chong (Partner, Messrs. Rodyk & Davidson LLP), Dr. Terence Leslie De Silva (Medical Director, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur), Tim Fernandez (Social Media Consultant, Live & Inspire) and Dr. Naemah Amin (Associate Professor, Department of Civil Law International Islamic University Malaysia). To end the Regional Conference, there was a Mock Mediation which was chaired by The Honourable Justice Vazeer Alam Mydin (High Court Judge, Kuala Lumpur).

27.

On 17th June 2015, the MLSM together with the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) co-organised the APHM Medico-Legal Conference which was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Speakers included Maidzuara Mohammed who spoke on Release of Medical Records – The Competing Legal Provisions, Dhinesh Bhaskaran who spoke on Discovery of Internal Investigations and Reviews – The Legal Position and the Practical Implications, Sharon Palani who spoke on Technology and Medical Records – The Medico-Legal Implications, T. Tharumarajah who spoke on Medical Records as Evidence – An Analysis of Reported Cases, Harikannan Ragavan who spoke on Amendments to the Medical Act – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Sharmini Navaratnam who spoke on Refusal of Staff to Treat Infectious Cases – The Legal and Ethical Implications, Gunavathi Subramaniam and Suganthy David who both spoke on Is Mediation of Medico-Legal Disputes a Feasible Alternative to Litigation? This Conference was a success and the Society looks forward to collaborate with the APHM again in the future.

28.

On 8th and 9th July 2015, the MLSM collaborated with the South African Medico-Legal Society and the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Singapore at the Medico-Legal Conference 2015 (Raising the Bar in Healthcare). The Conference was held at Holiday Inn, Orchard City Centre, Singapore. Ms. Sharon Palani represented the Society and spoke on Professional Indemnity-The Malaysian Perspective. Mr. Dhinesh Bhaskaran and Dr. S. Balaraja also attended the Conference of behalf of the Society.

29.

The Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia (MLSM) and the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) co-organised a talk on "Mediation of Medico-Legal Disputes: Is It A Viable Alternative?" on Thursday, 30th July 2015. A representative from KLRCA spoke on The DNA of Medico-Legal Disputes – Is Mediation A More Effective Dispute Resolution Method? and Ms. Shanti Abraham (Alternative Dispute Resolution Sub-Committee of the Bar Council) spoke on Medico-Legal Mediation 101 – Practical Steps And Avoiding Pitfalls. The talk was well attended by members of both the legal and medical fraternity. This talk was continued with the MLSM’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was scheduled at 6.00pm.

30.

On 28th November 2015, the Medical Protection Society (MPS), Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and MLSM jointly organized the “Malaysia Medical Experts Training Course 2015” which was also supported by the Ministry of Health. This Course was held at the Auditorium of Prince Court Medical Centre.

31.

On Saturday, 12th December 2015, MLSM organized a Seminar on “Rising Medico-Legal Awards” which was held in InterContinental Kuala Lumpur Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This event was supported by Columbia Asia This Seminar was organized following great concern over recent high awards by the Malaysian Courts. The aim of this event was to have speakers updating the participants on recent Court awards and following this, the MLSM was interested to have the views of doctors and those in the healthcare fraternity. This talk was free of charge for MLSM members.

32.

On 14th May 2016, MLSM organized a Workshop on “Rising Medico-Legal Awards” which was supported by Sunway Medical Centre. The Workshop was held at SWAN Convention Centre, Sunway Medical Centre and was a follow-up to the Seminar on Rising Medico-Legal Awards held in December 2015. This Workshop a smaller working group with invited representatives from various bodies in the medical and legal fraternity.

33.

The MLSM’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, 28th July 2016
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Perdana Hall, Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur
Taman Tasek Perdana
Jalan Cenderamulia, Off Jalan Parlimen
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Nominations for election to the Executive Committee are invited from members and must be received by the Secretariat by 1st July 2016 at 5.00pm. The AGM Notice dated 17th June 2016. Nomination Form and Agenda is attached for your attention.

34.

Prior to the AGM on 28th July 2016, there will be a talk on “Pushing The Boundaries Of Medico-Legal Social Responsibilities” & “A Legal Update” which will be presented by Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai [Consultant, MahWengKwai & Associates; Retired Judge, Court of Appeal; Arbitrator (KLRCA); Mediator (Malaysian Mediator Centre)]. This talk will be free of charge for MLSM members (RSVP required- Please contact Meena at 03-2027 2807 or email nurulhuda@shearndelamore.com).

35.

The Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia (MLSM) and the Medico-Legal Society of Singapore (MLSS) will be holding their annual joint Medico-Legal Seminar in Johor this year. This seminar will provide a forum to address some of the issues relating to recent medico-legal concerns in Malaysia and Singapore. Please note that this Seminar is complimentary for both MLSM & MLSS members. Further details of the seminar can be seen in the flyer attached.

Date:     6th August 2016
Time:    12.00pm – 6.00pm (Lunch will be provided)
Venue: Holiday Villa Johor Bahru
               No. 260, Jalan Dato’ Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250. Johor Bahru

Please note that the hotel is providing a discounted rate of RM230.00 per room/night for participants attending this event. Please email Puan Normawati at ados@holidayvillajb.com.my for room bookings.