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, passed away yesterday at the age of 89. Karen Abraham of Shearn Delamore & Co confirmed his demise following a request for information. Funeral prayers are set to commence at 11am tomorrow, with the cremation to take place at the Kampung Tunku crematorium at Section 51 at 2pm.

Born in Klang, Kandan was the younger sibling of the late V Manickavasagam, the former MIC president and labor minister from 1974 to 1979. Entering public life following his brother's footsteps, Kandan represented Sungai Way as an assemblyman for two terms between 1974 and 1982. Prior to his legal profession, he pursued a career as a teacher for approximately five years before relocating to Britain to study law.

Upon his return to Malaysia, he was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1965. Kandan carved a notable legal career at Shearn Delamore & Co, where he gained recognition for his expertise in intellectual property law. He played a pivotal role in establishing intellectual property practice in Malaysia and the region, becoming the inaugural president of the Asean Intellectual Property Association.

Kandan was also deeply involved with the Malaysian Intellectual Property Association and authored Background Reading Material on the Intellectual Property System of Malaysia. He served on the board of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation, now known as MyIPO, and represented Malaysia at various international intellectual property events and conferences.

Kandan's legal practice extended beyond intellectual property, as Shearn Delamore & Co highlighted his association with the development of employment and industrial relations law in Malaysia. He actively participated in the legal profession as a member of the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board. Apart from his legal endeavors, Kandan continued to engage in community affairs, contributing to the Pure Life Society, an institution catering to orphans and underprivileged children, holding senior positions within the organization.