Liau Chin Yen (No. K/P: 820717-05-5070) 1. ) Pendaftar Besar Bagi Kelahiran dan Kematian Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara 2. ) Leow Fook Keong No. K/P: 781103-05-5093)

Liau Chin Yen (No. K/P: 820717-05-5070) 1. ) Pendaftar Besar Bagi Kelahiran dan Kematian Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara 2. ) Leow Fook Keong No. K/P: 781103-05-5093)

Appeals allowed. Court held ss13 and 13A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 are mandatory and specific: the Registrar (s28) has no duty to record a putative father or change the child’s surname absent the mother’s joint request and joint signature as required by s13; s28 does not override ss13 and 13A;...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
W-01(A0-292-08-2017 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Parties
Appellant: Liau Chin Yen; Appellant: Pendaftar Besar Kelahiran dan Kematian Malaysia, Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara Malaysia; Respondent: Leow Fook Keong
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
Judgment Date
4 July 2018
Case Number
W-01(A0-292-08-2017 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeals allowed; High Court order dated 1.3.2016 set aside
Legal Topics
Birth Registration, Illegitimacy, Paternity (dna), Mandamus, Interpretation of Ss13, 13 a and 28 of Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957
Family Law Administrative Law Statutory Interpretation Civil Procedure Registration Law Birth Registration Illegitimacy Paternity (dna) +2 more

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Parties

Liau Chin Yen

Appellant

Pendaftar Besar Kelahiran dan Kematian Malaysia, Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara Malaysia

Appellant

Leow Fook Keong

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether Registrar (s28) may correct register to record father of an illegitimate child absent joint request and mother's consent under s13 and s13A
  2. 2 Whether s28 (general duty to procure accurate information) overrides mandatory and specific requirements in ss13 and 13A
  3. 3 Whether mandamus relief under s44 Specific Relief Act 1950 lies against the Registrar in these circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

Appeals allowed. Court held ss13 and 13A of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 are mandatory and specific: the Registrar (s28) has no duty to record a putative father or change the child’s surname absent the mother’s joint request and joint signature as required by s13; s28 does not override ss13 and 13A; mandamus was not available because statutory prerequisites were not met.

Court Disposition

Appeals allowed; High Court order dated 1.3.2016 set aside

Orders

  • High Court order dated 1.3.2016 is set aside
  • No order as to costs