Lawyers are often the ones you trust to handle a legal matter – but unfortunately for this local family, they were betrayed by the law firm they entrusted with selling their home. One of the family members, Timothy Prakash, took to Facebook to detail the family’s horrifying experience with the Azam Idzham Azman & Partners law firm, alleging that the firm not only mishandled the case but also stole from his family.
In his post, Timothy explained that his family decided to sell their house for RM500,000 in May 2023. After finding a buyer, they proceeded with the sales and purchase agreement, handled by the buyer’s chosen law firm, Azam Idzham Azman & Partners, and the lawyer, Yusyairi Ahmad. The process initially went smoothly, with the buyer making a full payment via a cheque to the law firm in June 2023.
However, even after months, Timothy’s family didn’t receive the RM500,000. When asked, the firm would only “give excuses and even deliberately avoid contact” with the family. The issue led to the family visiting the firm’s main office in Kuala Lumpur to find out what happened. To their shock, not only did the firm admit to taking the RM500,000, but they have also confessed to spending the money.
When confronted with a Letter of Demand and a report to the Bar Council, the law firm agreed to pay back RM200,000. The firm added they will pay the RM300,000 balance by 20th January only if the family withdraws the report. Timothy noted that the family had intended the stolen RM500,000 for a new property, for which they had already signed an agreement. The family is now renting the property for RM2,000 but could face eviction if they don’t settle their payment by the end of January 2024.
As of writing, the family are seeking advice and assistance to get the issue known. In an interview with a local news outlet, Timothy explained that his family had filed an official report against the law firm, highlighting an alleged criminal breach of trust (CBT). The issue has also been reported to the Advocates & Solicitors Disciplinary Board but will take time to resolve.
We hope that Timothy and his family can resolve this issue as soon as possible and that the Disciplinary Board will take appropriate action towards the law firm.
UPDATE (12th January 2024):
The legal firm, Azam Idzham Azman & Partners, released a statement to clarify the issue regarding the sales and purchase dispute with the family. The following is the statement provided to Hype Malaysia:
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