In the above paper (Kwan, 1995 [Sliding mode control of linear systems with mismatched uncertainties. Automatica, 31, 303-307]) a sliding mode control for handling mismatched uncertainties explicitly was proposed. In this correspondence it is pointed out that the proof of stability, the adaptation law and the control given by Kwan are incorrect. Previously published results for handling mismatched uncertainties explicitly are cited. An alternative treatment of the problem is suggested.