Malaysia – Dispute Resolution Update: Missed the deadline. Brief factsThe appellants filed their witness statements several years after the first deadline, shortly before trial and without first obtaining the High Court’s permission. The High Court struck out their claims together with those of eight other plaintiffs who had not filed any witness statements. However, it emphasised that its decision neither condoned the appellants’ conduct nor trivialised the importance of complying with pre-trial directions. Compliance with court directions, whether pre-trial, interlocutory or during trial, therefore remains paramount.