Malaysians can expect major reforms to take place in the judiciary. These changes under the new Chief Justice will eventually help to alter the public perception of the institution, said de facto law minister Dr Rais Yatim today.

Speaking to malaysiakini , Rais hoped that public confidence of the judiciary will be restored from the changes that will be implemented by newly minted Chief Justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah.

Rais added that he is optimistic that the revamp of the judiciary under Dzaidddin, coupled with the appointment of new Attorney-General Ainum Mohd Saaid, will bring about the much needed reforms in the judicial system.

"It is quite natural to expect them to work closely in attaining a better judiciary," he said.

He added that Dzaiddin's first priority will be to redeem public confidence of the judiciary.

According to him, it is only natural for Malaysians to have an unfavourable perception of the judiciary based on "what had happened in the past".

"The Chief Justice was correct when he said that there is a pressing need to repair the image of the judiciary," said Rais.

Tough job

However, Rais said that Dzaiddin has a tough job ahead of him in achieving his mission. The Chief Justice must see to it that the integrity of the judges and the efficiency of the judicial process are up to the mark, he stressed.

"For this, the personnel (the judges) under Dzaiddin must change their attitude, and they must have integrity."

On new AG Ainum, Rais reiterated that she is free to perform her duties in accordance with her constitutional powers which grant her the discretion to prosecute anyone.

But he said that when performing her role as the legal advisor to the government, she must strictly stick to her schedule to deliver.

Rais added that one of Ainum's first tasks will be to supply the government with a list of all laws which are within the supervision or preparation of the AG's Chambers within the next three months.

"If the AG's Chambers has no expertise to advise the government on certain specific matters or areas of law, we can then seek outside expertise. This will save lots of time and work," he said.

Reopening old cases

He also added that the government will not pressure Ainum not to re-open certain cases if there are sufficient evidence and public outcry.

"Of course, to re-open an old case, the AG must have new substantial evidence," Rais added.

He was specifically referring to allegations of judiciary impropriety by former chief justice Eusoff Chin.

Last month, outgoing AG Mohtar Abdullah announced that the case was closed as no evidence had been found to indicate any wrongdoing by Eusoff.

According to Rais, the short period that Dzaiddin and Ainum have in office to bring about the necessary changes was immaterial.

"Time is not the matter. It is the need to do the changes (which is important)."

Both the new appointees have only two years left before their retirement.

Rais also said that a report on the administration of justice that was being prepared by a committee headed by him will undertake to answer the many drawbacks and criticisms levelled at various government agencies involved in the administration of justice.

These agencies include the court, police, customs and immigration.

Speaking specifically on the courts, Rais said the report, expected to be submitted to the cabinet in March, will cover aspects of case backlog, shortage of staff and other matters to improve the judiciary.

Malaysiakini will run excerpts of the Rais interview on Jan 2, 2001.