The original dismay caused by the possible extension of the service of Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim was alleviated, at least temporarily, by the encouraging landmark decision by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to grant former ISA detainee, Abdul Malek Hussin, RM2.5 million in damages over his unwarranted arrest and torture in 1998.

In making such a bold decision, High Court judge Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus had given us the hope that there still judges out there who could rise up to the occasion to safeguard the integrity and independence of our judiciary. All Malaysians salute him for his brave act that shows his deep sense of patriotism to the nation. We hope his example will prod others like him to rise up to restore the reputation that we were once the envy of others.

His harsh criticism of the police officers at the highest level in causing the inhumane torture of Abdul Malek, is gratifying and is shared by all Malaysians. In endorsing these forms of torture, the government has no doubt lost its moral credibility to condemn the atrocities committed by others like the military junta in neighboring Burma.

If the government and the Conference of Rulers are really serious in wanting to restore the judicial integrity and independence, they should consider Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus and other judges like him to be elevated to higher posts so that together, by their fearless actions, they can restore the status of the judiciary to its past glory.

Syabas justice Mohd Hishamudin and may God bless you and your family.