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]
[1] Order 53 Rule 2(4) of the Rules of Court 2012
[2] Tham Sau Hoon v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2021] MLJU 1087 (HC), at para 10
[3] Tham Sau Hoon v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2021] MLJU 1087 (HC), at para 11
[4] Perbadanan Pengurusan Sunrise Towers v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2020] MLJU 1604 (HC), at paras 5, and 22-25
[5] Caroline Philomena Gomez v Tribunal Pengurusan Strata & Anor [2021] CLJU 2496 (HC), at paras 23 and 28
[6] Hazlinda bte Hamzah v Kumon Method of Learning Centre [2006] 3 MLJ 124 (CA), at p. 128
[7] Ibid.
[8] Denia Development Sdn. Bhd. v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah & Anor [2019] MLJU 783 (HC), at para 5
[9] Denia Development Sdn. Bhd. v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah & Anor [2019] MLJU 783 (HC), at paras 6-9
[10] Denia Development Sdn. Bhd. v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah & Anor [2019] MLJU 783 (HC), at para 6
[11] Seraimas Bina Sdn Bhd v Tribunal Tuntutan Pembeli Rumah Negeri Pulau Pinang & Anor [2017] 1 LNS 181 (HC), at paras 19-21
[12] Oxbridge Height Sdn Bhd v. Rozila Razli [2010] 1 LNS 1085 (HC), at paras 3, 15-16
