I wrote a Will while working in the United States for five years. Now that I am back in Malaysia, is that Will recognised by the Malaysian courts?
A It will be recognised by the courts here if the Will was made in accordance with the manner required by the Wills Act in Malaysia, or the laws of the United States pertaining to Wills. Q: I am a Malaysian with assets overseas. Do I have to write separate Wills in each of the country where my assets are located? The nature of the assets has to be determined, that is, whether it is movables or immovables. The general rule for “movables” is the law of the testator’s domicile applies; whereas for “immovables”, the law of the country where the property is situated applies. If it involves immovables, then it is advisable to write another Will applicable to that country. The country concerned must be identical governing laws, such as Singapore and England. The administration of the estate will be more efficient and faster. For example, if a Malaysian has a piece of immovable property in United Kingdom, and he only writes one Will, the Grant of Probate has to be extracted from the Malaysian
