Dr M-linked group urges judge to step aside after police report leaked

Summary

• Defend the Judiciary Secretariat wants a senior judge accused of judicial interference to recuse self from hearing cases, and not be considered for any promotions.

• The secretariat also condemns attempts to pressure the media.

The Defend the Judiciary Secretariat wants a senior judge to recuse self from hearing any cases after a police report containing damning allegations was leaked.

The group - which was formed after a roundtable chaired by Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday - said the allegations against the judge, which included purported judicial interference, were a serious matter that police needed to investigate.

“The secretariat respectfully urges that the honourable judge humbly recuse themselves from hearing any appeal or applications until the police investigations are completed.

“The allegations themselves are enough to smear the oath of loyalty sworn by any judge,” the secretariat said in a statement today.

The secretariat said the judge must also not be considered for any promotions until the police investigations are completed.

This comes amid a looming wave of vacancies, with nine out of the 14 top judges scheduled for mandatory retirement this year.

Leading the list is Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who will turn 66 next month.

Last night, a police report filed at the judge’s request two weeks ago over queries made by Malaysiakini was leaked.

The police report, filed by an aide, had urged police to find out how the information was itself leaked.

Pursuant to the police report, Bukit Aman’s classified crimes unit recorded statements from two Malaysiakini editors.

Responding to this, the secretariat said that the media had a right to ask questions and that any attempt to pressure the media, if true, is regrettable.

Dr M-led roundtable tells PM to stay out of judicial appointments

Interfaith group backs PN, wants Harapan to honour judicial reform vow

Restore judiciary's standing as equal branch of govt - Takiyuddin

Zaid urges AG to act against attacks on judge for rejecting Anwar's bid

Interfaith council urges judicial reform to uphold separation of powers

Dr M's lawyer defends Anwar, CJ, moots committee on judicial reform