'My fear is that the PM now thinks that the standing ovation was a show of support for him, rather than what it really was. It was a release of pent-up support for the judges.'

On PM unveils judicial reforms but no apology

Yumcious: What's wrong with this PM? He seems so amused with himself and his speeches. My fear is that the PM now thinks that the standing ovation was a show of support for him, rather than what it really was. It was a release of pent-up support for the victims.

In spite of how Abdullah Badawi tried to spin it, offering money as compensation is crass and sullies the gravity of the issue. Representing the government of the day, he should firstly just come right out and say these justices are owed an apology. Apologise first, and the compensation can come later. Perhaps he was advised by his Fourth Floor boys that these justices may then have a legal case to sue to government till kingdom come.

Typically, he again forgot about the rakyat. Some suffered at the hands of fallacious judgments given by the courts over the years. As it is, everything he offered in the speech are half-measures. The apologies that were not. The Judiciary Appointments Commission that behaves like a working committee.

I read his speech with a distinct deja-vu. It is a speech that says much, yet offers too little. All these pussy-footing around the main issues is the hallmark of his governance, or lack thereof. A distinct disappointment.

Bangsa Malaysia: It is heartening to hear that the PM promises to do something on the judiciary. But as in his first year of prime-ministership, during which he has talked/promised very BIG but lacked follow up action, will we see action now? I have my doubts based on his past performance. Anyway, let us not give him too much high hopes but at the same time pray that the PM will walk his talk.

I do not understand why the PM mentioned that: ‘It is not wise or useful to revisit this past decision as it would serve to prolong the sense of crisis - something our nation can do without’. I believe that the government should look into the issue, in order that mistakes or misuse of power is not repeated.

Is the PM trying to sweep this issue under the carpet? Why won’t the matter be investigated and cleared in order that we can learn a lesson no matter how bitter it is? In the event that injustice was done, the government should than make an apology to those affected.

Xroy: This ex-gratia thing. Seating the ex-Lord President at his table shows Abdullah's ignorance. The de facto Law Minister has not advised his boss properly again and Abdullah has goofed yet again.

You do not bring them in for such a highly-publicised function then insult them in this way, this is part and parcel of the Umno culture - this is the way they insult people and then look up and around like they have done nothing wrong.

Still Not Satisfied: Ultimately, I still believe that the Judicial Appointments Commission should report to no one to make the judiciary completely independent of the executive and legislature. The prime minister, who is the head of the executive, should not be involved, either directly or indirectly in deciding on the appointments, promotions and remuneration of those in the judiciary.

Apart from that, those involved in causing the judicial fiasco 20 years ago should be booked to face the law. Twenty years is significant to a 50-year-old nation. Compensation in the form of ex-gratia payment or back pay is another matter. Those responsible for causing the judicial fiasco should be held accountable for their own acts.

Ahmad Fuad: Thank you Abdullah Ahmad Badawi! This probably was the best move that you have made in a long, long time, the ‘no apology’ notwithstanding. I am in full agreement that we draw a line to close the episode.

However, I am still holding my breath! For when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announces, ‘This, and other measures which will be announced in due course’ I panic!

The IPCMC was but one measure which was announced and to which was to have been ‘...implemented in due course’. We all know what happened, don’t we?

Capt Aziz: Tears flowed from my eyes as I was driving to work upon hearing extracts of Pak Lah's speech. More tears came when, upon reaching office, I read the news on same from the print media. Hopefully, that unsettling feeling that has been in me all these 20 years vis-a-vis that ignominous act will slowly, but, surely, dissipate.

Yes - in my mind this is the most decent thing to do. Admit the errors done, confirm the immorality of the action taken and, as a token to ameliorate the injustice heaped upon these icons of our fountain of justice, that offer of ex-gratia payment, may, indeed, be appropriate - not to absolve the then perpetrators of the dastardly acts, but, perhaps, more to relieve the anguish and pain that these six personalities had to endure all those 20 years.

Pak Lah, whatever I and many more may have remarked about your competency and leadership qualities, on this matter, and, in this particular instance, sir, you stand way above most!

Indeed, you outshine the one who claims he only followed procedures in getting rid of these towering figures of our judiciary and subtly points a finger at the then monarch as being the ‘instigator’.

Michael Ng: Like many Malaysians, I cannot fathom why the present government is not in favour of an apology to the judges who were unceremoniously sacked in the 1988 judicial crisis. Zaid Ibrahim was definitely right in proposing to the cabinet that an apology from the government should be given so that this shameful assault on the judiciary by our PM's predecessor can be closed once and for all.

However, it was pleasing to read that the PM did mention that the government will make amends to the former Lord President and the three other judges. If and when the government has a change of heart later on and decides that an apology is long overdue, please do it while the four judges are still alive.

Sadirah K: This is the problem with politicians. They just do not know how to apologise. They can speak about Islam Hadhari and all its ideals and values but when it comes to practice they are just hollow. I expected more from the PM. Here was a chance for him to plough his own trail and he came short by a long distance. He could have shown himself as a very different politician and gained on moral authority. He could have taken responsibility for an earlier government and the serious lack of governance shown by his predecessor.

This is the most that Malaysians can expect from an Umno-led government. People have been hurt, benefits have been lost and the integrity of men who have championed the cause of justice have been compromised. We lack the leadership that is akin to statesmanship. This was an opportunity to do what is right by other men – to honour the pledge of your sacred oath of office. Nevertheless, one only hopes that this is the beginning of many other more professional actions to follow in the context of our judiciary.

Ghifari al Mukhtar: Umno, there would be no healing, no change, no reform for you for you are indelibly void of remorse and your token payment is an insult to the people of Malaysia. The judges injured represented Malaysia - not any individuals or party.

Umno likes to think of itself as Malaysia and all others as guests until this myth was demolished on March 8. Your arrogance seems not to be on the wane. An apology to Tun Salleh Abas and the other judges is also an apology to the nation. Can’t you see that?

On Najib: Payment is no apology

SNS: Najib emphasised that the formation of this judicial appointments commission is only at an advisory capacity. The final authority still lies with the prime minister to make the formal recommendation to the Yang Di Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers. If this is true, then we might as well forget about this commission.

Let Pakatan Rakyat do the cleaning up job when they come to power.