Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today called on the people in the country to respect and uphold the principle of independence of the judiciary, and avoid from making baseless allegations against judges or judicial officers.

He said this because the judiciary was one of the three major bodies in the country, along with the legislative and the executive, with rights and freedom that needed to be protected to ensure the stability of the country.

Sultan Ibrahim said no one branch, whether the judiciary, legislative or the executive, held absolute power, which ensured checks and balances to be implemented in ensuring the stability of the country.

“Judges and judicial officers should be free from interference by any quarters, although the rulers have the responsibility to ensure the lives of the people are peaceful and prosperous, they are also subject to the law and disallowed from meddling with the judiciary.

“I believe judges are wise in upholding justice and not affected by personal or political interests," he said at the opening of the Muar Court Complex today.

Also present were Johor Tengku Mahkota Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (photo), and Johor Tunku Temenggong Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, as well as chief justice Md Raus Sharif, Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said.

He also recommended that the previous amendments made in the Federal Constitution be corrected if they have negative effects presently.

In the meantime, he urged the federal government to expedite the construction of the Johor Bahru Court Complex as the existing court was unable to meet the needs of the community.

- Bernama