A judicial time bomb is about to explode if the report about a witness in a court case in Muar, Johor and his allegation about 'shopping for judges' . The public now tends to wonder aloud on whether there is a possibility that judges can be bought just like other goods.

How in heaven's name can judges give a fair and just judgment if their own hands are not clean? This allegation is reminiscent of the infamous case of two top judicial officers who had gone on holidays with their lawyer friends with all expenses paid by the latter.

Judges are paid high salaries to help them remain clean. They are supposed to lead a hermit-like life away from lesser mortals in order to be impartial in their judgments. They are not supposed to be a social animals who mix around with all and sundry and they should choose their friends judiciously.

Judges should hold true to their oath of office under which they are supposed to be impartial and independent when hearing cases and not let third parties influence their judgments. Neither are they supposed to be too familiar with the lawyers or prosecuting officers who appear before them.

It would besmirch the image of the judiciary if the allegation on 'shopping for judges' proves to be true. One can only hope and pray that the judiciary's top brass would look into the allegation to see whether it holds true.

Corruption will not do if we want an independent judiciary which is as good as other matured societies. Those found guilty of dereliction of duty should be removed from office as a lesson to others.

Our judiciary is the last bastion for us common people to obtain justice when up against the rich and powerful. If judges are not clean, foreign investors too, will shy away from investing in this country.

Independence of the judiciary is sacrosanct and should be protected at all costs. The judiciary is the third leg of our Constitution and it is there to check the power of the legislative and the executive branches.

For the sake of judicial independence and to protect the image of other judges who are clean and do their work without fear or favour, the authorities should look closely into the 'shopping for judges' allegation.

They must stop the rot from eating further in our judicial body.