AGC moves to block judicial review of 2024 diesel subsidy removal

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) is opposing two men's attempt to challenge the Malaysian government's removal of diesel subsidies in Peninsular Malaysia in June 2024. Legal counsel Sallehuddin Ali stated that the decision to end the subsidies cannot be reviewed through a court, as it is not governed by any written law and is merely a policy decision.

The issue has become academic since diesel prices and subsidy methods were standardized nationwide on July 1. The application to initiate judicial review was filed on October 7, 2024, by Azhani Marlan and Hatta Sanuri, targeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, and several other ministers. Their lawyer, Mohaji Selamat, argued that the decision falls under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution and Section 6(2)(g) of the Control of Supplies Act 1961, which states that the law should apply equally to all persons.

Mohaji also emphasized that the damage or impact arising from the decision should not be dismissed as academic, as it occurred from June 10, 2024, to July 1, 2024, even if the subsidy has been reinstated. Justice Norliza Othman has scheduled a decision on the application for November 16.