Malaysian Nature Society to conservation chief: See you in court

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) says it is aware of a report published by Twentytwo13 on claims made by its head of conservation Donovan Casimir Louis against the Society, but it will not litigate the matter through the media and remains confident in its governance.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has chosen not to comment on the merits of a civil suit filed by its head of conservation against the Society and its council members.

On Saturday, Twentytwo13 reported that Donovan Casimir Louis had claimed in his suit, among others, that he was unable to provide free consent and was threatened by MNS that he would lose his job if he did not sign a demotion letter.

Responding to Twentytwo13’s article, MNS said in a Facebook post that it would not litigate the matter through the media or social media.

“MNS is aware of the article published today concerning legal proceedings commenced against the Society and several members of its council,” the statement read.

“We wish to clarify that the matters reported are allegations contained in a statement of claim and have not been determined by the court. MNS therefore will not litigate the matter through the media or social media, and will respond fully through the appropriate legal process.”

MNS said it remains confident in its governance, its council and, most importantly, the strength and professionalism of its conservation team.

“Our conservation programmes are institutional commitments of the Malaysian Nature Society, supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, donors and members who have contributed to our work over many years.”

“The Society also wishes to reassure our members, partners, funders and the wider conservation community that our conservation programmes continue uninterrupted. Our commitments to biodiversity protection, scientific research, habitat conservation, environmental education and community engagement remain firmly in place.”

MNS added that it had served Malaysia’s natural heritage for more than eight decades and that its work had never been the achievement of one individual, but the collective effort of generations of conservationists, scientists, volunteers, members and partners.

“We remain focused on what matters most: protecting Malaysia’s nature for present and future generations. The Society will have no further comment on matters currently before the court.”

The suit, filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Aug 4, concerns both Louis’ employment status and his ability to carry out his responsibilities as head of conservation.

In his statement of claim, sighted by Twentytwo13, Louis claimed there had been a continuing course of conduct by members of MNS’ elected council, including an attempt to convert his employment from an indefinite-term position to a six-month fixed-term arrangement, interference with the performance of his duties and workplace retaliation through MNS’ employment and disciplinary processes.

Louis said the suit was significant beyond his individual employment circumstances, given his responsibility for ongoing conservation programmes involving government, civil society and funding partners through MNS.

In his claim, Louis said he had served as MNS head of conservation since August 2022 and was confirmed in the position after completing his probation in April 2023.

On July 7 this year, Louis was issued a letter seeking to convert his employment from an indefinite-term position to a six-month fixed-term arrangement ending on Dec 31, 2026, subject to subsequent review by the MNS Council.

Louis said he objected to the proposed change to his employment status and sought additional time to obtain legal advice. He was subsequently required to sign and return the continuation letter by July 24, failing which, according to the claim, MNS stated that July 24 would be his final working day.

Louis also said he signed the letter on July 24 under protest.

He said that since becoming MNS head of conservation in 2022, he had overseen the rebuilding and management of MNS’ Conservation Division, which currently comprises seven scientific officers.

Louis, in his statement of claim, said he and the conservation division had secured more than RM2 million in conservation project funding, including a US$300,000 grant supporting mangrove landscape restoration along the north-central Selangor coastline.

The plaintiff is seeking, among others, a declaration that he is a permanent employee of MNS and that the letter dated July 7, 2026, is null and void.

He is also seeking a declaration that MNS is allowed to utilise RM2,390,624.37 in funds obtained by him, subject to the continuance of his subsisting employment with the organisation on a permanent basis.

Louis is also seeking other relief from MNS’ eight council members named in the suit, including a declaration that elected council members for the 2024-2026 term had failed, jointly and/or severally, to discharge their fiduciary duties owed to him.

He is also seeking a permanent injunction restraining MNS, whether through its council, exco, office-bearers, employees, servants and/or agents, from terminating him through the conversion letter.

Louis is represented by counsel Lai Chee Hoe and Taysher Nair. The case is fixed for case management on Aug 26.