Section Twenty Representation Questions Answered
You were dismissed and want to know how to lodge your complaint.
Section twenty representation, explained for workers
Lodging a written representation is the formal first step after a dismissal without just cause, so it pays to get the basics right.
These are the questions workers ask most about this step.
What is a Section twenty representation?
It is a written complaint to the Director General of Industrial Relations, seeking reinstatement after a dismissal without just cause or excuse.
You must make it within 60 days of the dismissal date.1
Where do I submit the representation?
It goes to the Department of Industrial Relations, known by its Malay abbreviation JPPM.
The department takes in the complaint and arranges the next steps, which the JPPM conciliation page explains.
Do I need a lawyer to lodge it?
No. You can lodge it yourself, and the form is meant to be straightforward.
Some workers still prepare their facts with an employment lawyer first so the representation is clear.
What happens after I submit it?
The department typically arranges a conciliation meeting between you and your employer to try to settle the matter.
If that fails, the case moves on to the next stage.
What if conciliation does not resolve anything?
Since the 2021 amendment, the Director General refers an unresolved case directly to the Industrial Court.2
This replaced an earlier step where the Minister decided whether to refer it at all.
What if I miss the 60-day window?
Missing the deadline can stop your representation from being accepted at all, so count from the date of dismissal.
There is generally no routine extension for lateness. Check the deadline calculator as soon as you can.
What information should my representation include?
Your employment details, the date and circumstances of the dismissal, and the outcome you want.
Clear, factual language works better than a long emotional account.
If you want a lawyer to prepare and lodge it, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send your dismissal date and documents directly to that lawyer. They can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can act.
If you are ready to lodge a Section 20 representation, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send your dismissal date and documents. An independent employment lawyer can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can file it for you.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
What is a Section 20 representation?
It is a written complaint made to the Director General of Industrial Relations seeking reinstatement after a dismissal without just cause or excuse. It must be made within 60 days of the dismissal date.
Where do I submit the representation?
It goes to the Department of Industrial Relations, known by its Malay abbreviation JPPM. The department takes in the complaint and arranges the next steps.
Do I need a lawyer to lodge it?
No. You can lodge it yourself, and the form is meant to be straightforward. Some workers still prepare their facts with a lawyer first so the representation is clear.
What happens after I submit it?
The department typically arranges a conciliation meeting between you and your employer to try to settle the matter. If that fails, the case moves on to the next stage.
What if conciliation does not resolve anything?
Since the 2021 amendment, the Director General refers an unresolved case directly to the Industrial Court. This replaced an earlier step where the Minister decided whether to refer it at all.
What if I miss the 60-day window?
Missing the deadline can stop your representation from being accepted at all, so count from the date of dismissal. There is generally no routine extension for lateness.
What information should my representation include?
Your employment details, the date and circumstances of the dismissal, and the outcome you want. Clear, factual language works better than a long emotional account.
Sources
- A worker dismissed without just cause or excuse may make a written representation to the Director General of Industrial Relations seeking reinstatement within 60 days of the dismissal under Section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967. Mah Weng Kwai & Associates
- Since the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2020 came into force on 1 January 2021, a case that does not settle at conciliation is referred by the Director General directly to the Industrial Court. MECA, Industrial Relations Act 1967 Guide
Keep reading
If you are ready to lodge a Section 20 representation, request lawyer contact first; only after an identified independent lawyer has contacted you and specifically requested the material, send your dismissal date and documents. An independent employment lawyer can review the facts and reply on whether and how they can file it for you.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.