High Court rejects Bestinet's unconventional bid to serve Bloomberg lawsuit

In a decision underscoring the importance of adhering to established international legal procedures, the High Court rejected Bestinet's application to serve a lawsuit against Bloomberg through courier delivery rather than following proper channels for cross-border service of documents.

The court determined that the company's proposed method of service circumvented internationally recognised protocols designed to ensure that legal proceedings respect the sovereignty and legal frameworks of other nations. Such conventions exist to maintain comity between countries and ensure proper notification of defendants in international disputes.

Justice Azahar Mohamed ruled that while companies have legitimate rights to pursue legal remedies, these rights must be exercised within established boundaries of international law and procedure. The judgment sends a clear signal that Malaysian courts will not sanction shortcuts in serving foreign defendants, regardless of the circumstances.

The court ordered Bestinet to pay RM10,000 in costs as a consequence of the failed application. The decision reflects broader judicial principles that govern cross-border litigation throughout the Commonwealth and common law jurisdictions, emphasising that proper service of legal documents through official diplomatic and legal channels remains mandatory when dealing with international defendants.