Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad is facing legal action from its deputy group chairman, Dato Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, who has filed an originating summons against the company and 10 others at the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
The group said the summons, dated April 2, 2026, was served on the company on April 6.
The legal action centres on Mahmud’s rights as a director to attend and participate in board meetings, particularly in the context of ongoing legal disputes involving the company. He is seeking declarations that he should only be considered in a conflict-of-interest position when specific pending legal matters are being deliberated, and not otherwise.
Among other reliefs sought, Mahmud is asking the court to affirm his right to attend all board meetings and to only recuse himself when discussions relate directly to the ongoing cases. He is also seeking an injunction to prevent the company and other defendants from excluding him from such meetings, as well as access to past board meeting minutes.
Additionally, the summons challenges the legality of his exclusion from the company’s 328th board meeting held on Feb 24, 2026, which he claims was unlawful.
Cahya Mata, however, maintains that a conflict of interest exists due to ongoing legal proceedings between both parties. These include a separate originating summons filed by Mahmud against the company, as well as a suit initiated by the company and its subsidiary against him and several others.
The group said it is in the process of appointing legal counsel and will take the necessary steps to defend the matter.
Despite the dispute, Cahya Mata noted that the legal action is not expected to have any material impact on its earnings, net assets or operations for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2026.
The group had also announced the change of Mahnud’s position from Deputy Chairman to Director
