Lee Zii Jia and family settle management dispute in court

Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s lawsuit against LZJ Management Sdn Bhd and three family members was resolved amicably at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, October 20. Under the agreed terms, the company will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on October 31.

The case concerned the management and finances of LZJ Management. Zii Jia filed the originating summons against the company, his father Lee Chee Hin, his sister Zii Yii and his younger brother Tao.

Settlement confirmed in court

Zii Jia’s counsel, Ahmad Zayd Ahmad Zuber, told Judge Leong Wai Hong that the parties had reached a settlement and asked the court to record a consent judgment. The EGM will be held in accordance with a notice dated October 16, with its costs borne by LZJ Management.

After Ahmad Zayd read the draft consent, Judge Leong asked Zii Jia to confirm his agreement in person. “Yes, I agree,” Zii Jia told the court.

Chee Hin and Tao also confirmed their agreement. Their counsel, Andrian Ng Chen Yip, said Zii Yii was abroad and had agreed to the order. Counsel Samantha Cheng appeared for LZJ Management.

“Thank you to the parties for resolving this case amicably. This is good for all parties, and everyone can move on with their lives,” Judge Leong said.

Restrictions before the meeting

Pending the disposal of the EGM, Chee Hin and Zii Yii are restrained from approving, paying, disbursing or causing the payment of directors’ fees, allowances, bonuses, remuneration or financial benefits to themselves from the company. The agreed terms make an exception for monthly salaries calculated with effect from September 1.

They are also restrained from approving, signing or ratifying board or company resolutions without the court’s leave. The restriction covers decisions on directors and the company secretary, material assets, new shares, the shareholding structure, and the company’s management, administration or control.

October 31 meeting ahead

In his originating summons filed on July 2, Zii Jia said he had tried unsuccessfully to convene an EGM to discuss LZJ Management’s management and governance. He had sought a court order for a meeting within 14 days of the date of the court order that could proceed even if a member, director or company secretary was absent or refused to attend.

Zii Jia holds a 90 per cent stake in the company, while Zii Yii holds nine per cent and Tao holds one per cent. The agreed October 31 meeting is now the next step set out in the settlement.