Chief Justice Richard Malanjum (above) has reminded judges to remain independent in upholding their oath of office and not succumb to external and internal pressures.

He said judges, especially those of the superior courts, were not civil servants as their salaries were from a consolidated fund.

"They are appointed by the Yang di Pertuan Agong (to dispense justice). They (judges) should not be executive-minded in their role," he said.

Justice Malanjum said this in his speech today at the launch of a book by former Court of Appeal judge Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus entitled Hishamudin Yunus: Celebrating judicial independence.

The book was launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The chief justice acknowledged Hishamudin's independence whilst on the bench noting that he dared to write a strong dissenting judgment against a majority decision.

In quoting one of Hishamudin's dissenting judgments, he said his former colleague had commented: "let justice be done or heavens fall", but now the chief justice noted that "heavens are smiling on Hishamuddin.

Despite being retired from the judiciary, Hishamudin (photo) is also now a member of Judicial Appointments Commission, chairperson of the Competitions Commission of Malaysia and chairperson of the Independent Committee on Foreign Workers.

The book is a commentary of Hishamudin's judgments by external commentators and various legal eagles including those from the firm of Lee, Hishammuddin, Allen and Gledhill, where he is a consultant.

Justice Malanjum reminded judges that judicial independence is part of the basic structure in the constitution of the country as stipulated in the landmark judgments in Semenyih Jaya Sdn Bhd and the M Indira Gandhi cases.

He said judicial independence is to uphold the "rule of law" and judges must impartially apply the law.

Justice Malanjum also warned judges to not be greedy.

"When greed knocks, the door of justice and independence fly out the window.

"In Malaysia, if you are greedy, you may one day receive a knock (on the door) from the MACC (Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission)," he warned.

Also present at the event were all the top judicial officers including Court of Appeal president Ahmad Maarop, Chief Judge of Malaya Zaharah Ibrahim, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak David Wong Dak Wah, Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court judges, retired judges and Malaysian Bar president George Varughese.