Veteran lawyer VL Kandan, former Sungai Way assemblyman, dies at 89

Veteran lawyer VL Kandan, a former two-term Sungai Way assemblyman and Selangor executive councillor, died yesterday, aged 89.

Lawyer Karen Abraham of Shearn Delamore & Co confirmed the matter when contacted by FMT.

According to the obituary notice, funeral prayers will begin at 11am tomorrow, and the cremation at the Kampung Tunku crematorium at Section 51 here at 2pm.

Kandan, who was born in Klang, was the younger brother of the late V Manickavasagam, the former MIC president and labour minister from 1974 to 1979.

Kandan followed his brother into public life, serving as the Sungai Way assemblyman for two terms from 1974 to 1982.

Before embarking on his legal career, he worked as a teacher for about five years.

He later left for Britain to read law, was called to the English Bar and returned to Malaysia, where he was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1965.

Kandan went on to build a distinguished legal career with Shearn Delamore & Co, becoming particularly well known for his work in intellectual property law.

He was among the early practitioners in the field and played a role in developing intellectual property practice in Malaysia and the region.

He was the first president of the Asean Intellectual Property Association and was also closely involved with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Association.

He authored Background Reading Material on the Intellectual Property System of Malaysia, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, and served on the board of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation, now known as MyIPO.

He also represented Malaysia at various international intellectual property forums and conferences.

Kandan’s legal practice was not confined to intellectual property.

Shearn Delamore & Co has described him and Mahadev Shankar (retired Court of Appeal judge) as among the firm’s early practitioners before the Industrial Court. He was therefore also associated with the development of employment and industrial relations laws in Malaysia.

He served the legal profession in several capacities, including as a member of the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board.

Outside the law, Kandan remained active in community affairs. He was involved with the Pure Life Society, a home for orphans and underprivileged children, and served in senior positions in the organisation.

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