No matter how much or how hard I try not to comment on judicial matters or pronouncements, two recent events can hardly keep me at bay.

The first was the Lina Joy matter. While the decision was based on a divided opinion, sadly there is nothing much one can do as far as due legal process is concerned as this was a decision of the highest court in the land.

But what rather surprised or irked me was the words chosen by the Chief Justice where he mentions that one cannot change his/her religion at 'whim and fancy'. Oh no, Chief Justice, you are dead wrong. If today I sleep as a Hindu and wish to wake up tomorrow as a Christian or of any other religion, that is my damn right.

If the day after, I wish to revert to my original religion, that is also my God-given right. If the Chief Justice of the nation, no less, can pronounce thus, then much is to be desired of him gracing the highest judicial office.

The second is the recent appointment of Zaki Azmi as a Federal Court judge. From the news reports, his conduct does not bode well for such a position. I am surprised that the prime minister would recommend such a person who seems to lack the strength of character to grace such a noble position.

What is even more surprising is the accommodative statement by the Bar Council chairperson. Where are we actually heading to?