COMMENT | There is a nefarious pattern of intimidation against judges in Malaysia from discharging their functions independently of late. 

Unfortunately, this issue has been sidetracked by discussions on whether MACC has the power to investigate a sitting judge, and whether this amounts to a threat to the separation of powers. 

In my respectful view, that is not the right question to ask. 

The more important question is this: Looking at the relevant facts in recent months, is there a pattern of intimidation against the judiciary in relation to former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s criminal case?

To me, the facts are very telling:

1. The source of the allegation against Court of Appeal judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali (who convicted Najib at the High Court) first came from a discredited blogger and a well-known supporter of Najib. 

2. The MACC chief commissioner then publicly declared that they are investigating Nazlan, even though this...