Judicial Review Applications based on Oral Decisions

Judicial Review Applications based on Oral Decisions

Can applications for judicial review (“JR Applications”) be filed with regard to oral decisions that relate to the exercise of a public duty or function?[1]

Based on the cases explored in this article, the answer to this question is in the affirmative.

Decisions of the Strata Management Tribunal (“SMT”)

In Tham Sau Hoon v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2021] MLJU 1087, the SMT delivered both its decision and the reasons for its decision orally.[2] The applicant therein then filed a JR Application based on the SMT’s oral decision and reasons.[3]

A similar instance occurred in Perbadanan Pengurusan Sunrise Towers v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2020] MLJU 1604.[4]

In Caroline Philomena Gomez v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2021] CLJU 2496, the SMT delivered its decision orally but did not provide its reasons for its decision.[5] The applicant therein then filed a JR Application based on the SMT’s oral decision.

Decisions of the Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims (“THC”)

In Hazlinda bte Hamzah v Kumon Method of Learning Centre [2006] 3 MLJ 124, a decision of the Court of Appeal, the THC delivered both its decision and the reasons for its decision orally.[6] The applicant therein then filed a JR Application based on the THC’s oral decision and reasons.[7]

The THC in Denia Development Sdn. Bhd. v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah & Anor [2019] MLJU 783 allowed the Claimant’s claim and granted its Award.[8] However, the THC did not provide its reasons for its decision.[9] The applicant therein filed a JR Application based on the THC’s oral decision.[10]

A similar situation occurred in Seraimas Bina Sdn Bhd v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah Negeri Pulau Pinang & Anor [2017] 1 LNS 181,[11] and Oxbridge Height Sdn Bhd v. Rozila Razli [2010] 1 LNS 1085.[12]

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