Prior to 1985, the court structure in Malaysia is a three-tier system.

The highest
court at that time is Privy Council which will be followed by the Supreme Court
and the High Courts. The High Courts are divided into two where one is located in
West Malaysia and the other in East Malaysia. The Subordinate courts are the
Sessions court, the Magistrate Court and the Penghulu Court which is specially
located in Sabah and Sarawak.
During this time, the decision of the Privy Council will bind the courts below. It
acted as the apex court of the federation until 31 st December 1984 following
Malaysias abolishment of civil appeals to Privy Council in 1985. The highest
appeals is the Privy Council and the its decisions bind all the decisions of the
courts below. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court did not bind itself but it will bind all
the other courts below it. The same thing goes to High Court. All the subordinate
courts will have to follow the higher courts decision.