Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim has admitted to having received several poison-letters claiming corruption among some judges.

Apart from poison-pen letters, there are coffee-shop gossip and whispers that affirm the presence of corrupt judges in our country. The general perception among Malaysians is that corruption is rampant at all levels of the administration including some among the judges. The government and judiciary must take drastic measures to change this perception among the people.

While agreeing that, in general, poison-pen letters should not be entertained, it must be remembered that some of them may be genuine and written in frustration by the poor victims of injustice as a result of a corrupt judicial system.

Of course, it is right that the chief justice take appropriate action against corrupt judges as and when proven. The biggest hurdle to rid the system of these errant judges is to prove their guilt.

We are often told that justice must not only be done but it must also be seen to be done. The judiciary must be seen to be clean in the eyes of the rakyat. In this context, it is of utmost importance for judges to act and behave in a manner appropriate to the highly noble responsibility entrusted upon them, which is to safeguard the rule of law at all costs. The rights and welfare of the rakyat must be the only consideration when they deliberate and deliver their judgments.

The ordinary man on the street has nowhere to turn to except the judiciary and if this institution established to grant him justice fails, it would be a great tragedy not only to the person who seeks fair play but also to the institution itself.

Increasing the number of judges to preside over trials to reduce corruption would have limited effect as those who resort to bribery are the rich and powerful. It is more important to choose the right person for the job, one with a high integrity and passion to do justice to all mankind.