Court of Appeal overturns RM1.1m damages award in Ivana Smit case

KUALA LUMPUR — In a significant reversal, the Court of Appeal has quashed a High Court ruling that had mandated the government and Royal Malaysia Police pay RM1.1 million in damages in connection with the investigation into Ivana Smit's death.

The appellate court's decision overturns the earlier judgment against the authorities, effectively dismissing the damages claim that had been awarded to the plaintiff. The case centres on the handling and investigation of the death of the Swedish woman, which had generated considerable public attention.

The Court of Appeal's intervention marks a turning point in the protracted legal proceedings, with the judicial review of the High Court's decision resulting in a complete reversal of its findings. The ruling underscores the complexity of legal matters involving government liability and investigative procedures.

The case had previously drawn scrutiny over investigative protocols and the treatment of the deceased's family during the inquiry process. With the appeal court's decision, the legal dispute has effectively been concluded at the appellate level, though further recourse may remain available to the parties involved.