The pledge by the newly-appointed Chief Justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad to improve the public’s perception of the judiciary is very encouraging. He has already passed the first test by admitting that the public perceptions of the judiciary were disturbing and needed to be changed. The next step would be to put into practice what he honestly believes to be right to fix that perception.

We are confident he will do just that but it is equally important that he motivates his fellow judges to do likewise. He should impress upon them that as the custodians of justice, the rights and welfare of the rakyat must be their only consideration when discharging the highly noble duties entrusted upon them. The rakyat expects unwavering integrity at all times from them. It that too much to ask?

Of late, the reputation, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary have been seriously tainted by alleged malpractice. Whether they are true or otherwise is not the issue here. What is important is that these events have resulted in negative public perception of the judiciary and must be corrected at all costs. This should be the new chief justice’s top priority and it is encouraging that he has rightly made it so.

We fully agree with Abdul Hamid that the judiciary is the nation’s last frontier and if people have no confidence in the courts there will be chaos. The rakyat’s hope for ultimate justice depends on a judiciary that is seen to be clean, fair and independent rather than subservient to any parties. Unless it can convince the public of its impartiality beyond doubts, it will never gain the confidence of the people.

Abdul Hamid may not have much time to succeed in his endeavour but he can at least initiate changes for the judiciary to regain its past glory as one of the most revered judiciary in the Commonwealth. The government, Bar Council and all citizens must give their full cooperation to him. The ordinary man on the street has nowhere to turn to for justice except the judiciary. If the institution, which is established to grant him justice fails or is seen to have failed, it would be a great tragedy not only to the person who seeks fairness but also to the institution itself.