Mr. Muhammad Valantino

About Mr. Muhammad Valantino

Mr. Muhammad Valantino graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malaya in 2015 and was called to the Malaysian Bar the following year. His academic grounding at Malaysia's premier law faculty gave him a strong foundation in public law and civil liberties, areas that continue to shape his professional practice today. Since joining Messrs S.K. Song, he has concentrated on constitutional and public interest litigation, defamation matters, and corporate commercial disputes.

Though relatively early in his career compared to some of his colleagues, Mr. Muhammad brings a fresh perspective that complements the firm's collective experience. He is comfortable arguing points of law that involve the interpretation of the Federal Constitution, and he keeps abreast of developments in judicial review and administrative law through continuous reading and case analysis.

Constitutional Law

Mr. Muhammad's interest in constitutional matters stems from his time at the University of Malaya, where public law was a particular focus of his studies. At the firm, he handles cases that involve challenges to the legality of government actions, disputes over fundamental liberties under the Federal Constitution, and judicial review applications filed in the High Court. He is familiar with the procedural requirements under the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 and the Rules of Court 2012 for instituting constitutional challenges, and works to present his client's case within the established legal framework. His work in this area also extends to advising individuals and organisations on their rights when dealing with regulatory bodies and local authorities.

Defamation

Defamation law in Malaysia sits at the intersection of common law principles and statutory provisions, particularly the Defamation Act 1957. Mr. Muhammad acts for both plaintiffs who have been defamed and defendants facing libel or slander claims. His experience covers traditional print defamation as well as online and social media publications, an area that has grown significantly with the expansion of digital communication. He advises clients on whether a statement qualifies as defamatory, the availability of defences such as fair comment and qualified privilege, and the quantification of damages. Where early resolution is possible, he negotiates settlements that include appropriate apologies and retractions; where it is not, he prepares the matter for trial.

Corporate Disputes

In the corporate sphere, Mr. Muhammad handles disputes between shareholders, directors, and business partners. This includes claims of breach of fiduciary duty, unfair prejudice petitions under the Companies Act 2016, and oppression remedies for minority shareholders. He also assists with the resolution of commercial contract disputes, advising on the merits of litigation versus alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation. His approach is to evaluate the commercial realities of each dispute early on, so that clients can make informed decisions about whether to fight or settle.