Don't sweep judge scandal under the rug, PAS Youth warns govt

Summary

• PAS Youth chief warns the govt against sweeping judicial interference accusations against a judge under the rug.

• Afnan also supports Bar Council's efforts to get JAC meeting minutes to ascertain the truth.

PAS Youth has warned the government not to sweep a scandal involving a senior judge accused of judicial interference under the rug.

Wing chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said this was a serious matter that not only sullies the judiciary's reputation, but could impact public trust in the justice system.

"PAS Youth urges all, especially the judiciary, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), and the executive, to act responsibly, transparently, and professionally in handling this issue.

"Don't make any effort to sweep this under the rug or drag the judiciary into narrow political polemics," he said in a statement last night.

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that a police report lodged on behalf of a senior judge, following a query by the news portal, had been leaked and was circulating among legal professionals.

The police report was made after Malaysiakini contacted the judge on June 12, seeking comment on certain allegations against the judge, including purported judicial interference, made during a JAC meeting.

The surfacing of the allegations rang alarm bells, with the Bar Council saying it will be seeking to get the minutes of the JAC meeting to ascertain the truth.

Afnan said PAS Youth supported the council's efforts and will themselves be keeping a close eye on developments.

He said if the allegations turn out to be true, it shows there is a clear and concerted effort to control judgements for certain interests, which is a danger to democracy and justice.

However, if it is false, then there needs to be a fair and transparent restoration of the judiciary's reputation.

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