The Court of Appeal has unanimously dismissed an appeal by Sobri Che Hassan, a former engineer with the Seberang Perai Municipal Council, who was seeking RM2 million in damages, including pension and gratuity, after being dismissed for misconduct in 2013.

A three-judge panel led by Justice Nazlan Ghazali ruled that Sobri was only entitled to compensation up to October 21, 2019, in line with a previous Federal Court decision. The High Court had earlier assessed and awarded him RM440,000 in damages, including bonus payments and a golden handshake, but denied his claims for future earnings, retirement benefits, and other compensations up to his expected retirement date in 2035.

Sobri was also ordered to pay RM10,000 in costs to the council. His legal team stated they will be appealing the latest ruling to the Federal Court.

The case stems from Sobri’s dismissal in 2013 for misconduct, which followed due process under the Local Government Act 1976. While his initial judicial review at the High Court was rejected, the Court of Appeal later ruled in his favor. However, the Federal Court ultimately limited the period of compensation to six years, without ordering his reinstatement.

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