KOTA KINABALU: Counsel Sherzali Herza Asli said the Attorney-General’s recent remarks on the “Tiada Guru” case overlook the fact that the Federal Government had consciously chosen not to appeal the High Court’s 2023 ruling in favour of three former students.
Sherzali, who represented the three former students, said the unchallenged judgment meant the government and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) were legally obliged to initiate the RM150,000 payment without delay.
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He said it was therefore inaccurate and unfair to imply fault on the part of the plaintiffs, as more than two years had passed without the AGC taking steps to fulfil the court order.
He noted that the High Court had also directed a 5 per cent annual interest from the date of judgment, stressing that the order exists to prevent injustice to litigants who have already succeeded in court.
Sherzali said it was unreasonable to suggest that the students should “claim” or “apply” for damages already granted by a valid judgment, adding that the onus remains on the losing party to pay.
He added that expecting citizens to chase government agencies for updates reinforces a bureaucratic culture that erodes confidence in public institutions.
Sherzali urged the AGC to act without further delay to honour the ruling and bring long-awaited closure for the three students — Rusiah Sabdarin, Nur Natasha Allisya Hamali, and Calvina Angayung.
