Olofsen v Government of Malaysia

• Jurisdiction: Singapore
• Judgment Date: 25 June 1966
• Date: 25 June 1966
• Court: High Court (Singapore)

Singapore, High Court.

(Ambrose J.)

Olofsen

and

Government of Malaysia

States as international persons State succession Pending actions Action against Federal Government in courts of member State of Federation Withdrawal of State from Federation while proceedings pending Whether Federal Government the Government of a foreign State Whether entitled to sovereign immunity in courts of former member State The Law of Singapore

Jurisdiction In general Territorial jurisdiction Exemptions from and restrictions upon territorial jurisdiction Foreign States State becoming a foreign State while proceedings pending Whether entitled to immunity The law of Singapore

Summary: The facts:On 16 September 1963 Singapore became a part of the Federation of Malaysia. On 21 June 1965 the plaintiff commenced an action against the Government of Malaysia under the provisions of the Government Proceedings Ordinance 1956 of Malaya which had been extended to Singapore. On 9 August 1965 Singapore ceased to be a part of Malaysia and became an independent republic. The Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965 continued in force all existing laws but to be construed with such modifications, adaptations, qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary to bring them into conformity with the Act and with the independent status of Singapore upon...