About Teja Penesar

Teja Penesar, the founding partner of the firm, graduated with a B.A. (Honours) in Economics from University Malaya in 1975. He then pursued legal studies and was called to the English Bar in August 1978, where he was admitted to the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, London. Upon his return to Malaysia, he commenced pupilage under Mr. Goh Lim Eam of Ms. Goh Lim Eam & Company and received instructions primarily in Civil Law. Mr. Penesar was called to the Malaysian Bar on 11th October 1979, and thereafter was employed by his master as a legal assistant. In or about 1983, Mr. Penesar, together with G. Sutherson, commenced the practice of Ms. G. Sutherson & Teja. In or about 1996, Yahaya Hashim joined the practice and the name of the firm was changed to M/s. Yahaya, Sutherson & Teja. The new firm expanded its practice and successfully obtained a position on the panel of legal advisers for several banks and financial institutions including Ban Hin Lee Bank Bhd, Asia Commercial Finance and UDA. In or about 1996, Mr. Penesar commenced the practice of M/s. Teja Singh Penesar & Company. In his 39 years of legal experience, Mr. Penesar has been involved in a plethora of defining cases, most notably the Supreme Court decision of Thow Chow Goon & Anor v. Khor Kar Chooi & Anor — the current leading case on adoption and infant welfare — as well as Abu Bakar Jaafar & Anor v. Malayan Banking Berhad, the current leading case which fortified the principles applicable to the doctrine of 'relating back'. Currently, Mr. Penesar assumes the role of Managing Partner and only takes on briefs in relation to land disputes, his specialised area of practice. He also covers bankruptcy, family and probate & administration.