Court rejects closed-door trial bid in Bandar Utama school stabbing lawsuit

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has dismissed a teenager's request for a closed trial in a civil suit related to the fatal stabbing of his female schoolmate at a Bandar Utama school. Justice P Anand ruled that there was no justification for the more extensive request, which would have barred the public and media from the entire proceedings.

He explained that the child's identity could be protected without such an extreme measure. Anand acknowledged that many cases involving children are heard with protective orders, but media reporting is generally permitted with restrictions. He deemed it necessary to strike a balance between safeguarding the child and allowing the public to be informed.

The boy's legal team can request future in-camera testimony if the evidence could identify him. Currently, only specific evidence that may reveal the child's identity will be heard in camera upon appropriate application. Additionally, the court ordered that all case documents remain sealed from public access. The lawsuit was brought by the family of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, who was fatally stabbed by a male classmate at their school in Bandar Utama last year.

The family named several government agencies as defendants, claiming they failed to address mental health issues in schools, and also named the teenager and his parents, alleging they should have recognized warning signs and taken proper care in preventing such harm. L's lawyers were represented by Surendra, Nicholas Poon, and Liew Horng Bin, while the government agencies were represented by Abraham Au.

The Shah Alam High Court acquitted the 15-year-old of Yap's murder in September, stating he was not of sound mind at the time of the offense. However, the Attorney-General's Chambers recently filed an appeal against the High Court's decision.