Group backs Bar's bid to get JAC minutes after judicial interference claims

Summary

• The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) supports the Malaysian Bar's bid to obtain the minutes of a Judicial Appointments Commission meeting, during which a senior judge was allegedly questioned over possible interference in judicial affairs.

• Hakam president M Ramachelvam stresses transparency over matters of judicial interference.

• He also urges the government to extend the tenures of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan.

  ---

The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) backed the Malaysian Bar's efforts to obtain the minutes of a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting.

This comes after the Bar raised concerns over an allegation that a judge was questioned by JAC regarding possible interference in judicial affairs.

Hakam president M Ramachelvam called for transparency over inquiries or proceedings related to alleged judicial interference.

"We are alarmed by media reports suggesting possible interference in judicial appointments and allegations of misconduct involving a Federal Court Judge.

"These reports include serious allegations that a senior judge was questioned by JAC regarding possible improper conduct involving potential interference in judicial matters.

"If these allegations are accurate, they strike at the heart of the rule of law and raise urgent questions about structural accountability and integrity within our legal system," he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said his team would seek the necessary orders to obtain the minutes of the JAC meeting held on May 16.

“If the report is found to be untrue, that too must be clarified with equal urgency to avoid unwarranted damage to the reputation of our judiciary.

“The Malaysian Bar calls upon all institutions involved to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and to the protection of judicial independence, without fear or favour,” he added.

Extend top judges’ tenures

Meanwhile, Ramachelvam stressed the need for the government to extend the tenures of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, and Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan given their sterling performances.

"Their (the three judges) contributions to legal reform, constitutional fidelity, and public confidence in the judiciary cannot be overstated, especially in a period of judicial transition involving multiple retirements from the Federal Court.

"In these uncertain times, Malaysia must choose the path of integrity and principle.

"We call upon all arms of government, particularly the executive and the JAC, to act with courage, transparency, and fidelity to the Federal Constitution," he said.

Tengku Maimun, the first woman chief justice, is scheduled to go on mandatory retirement on July 1.

Abang Iskandar is due to retire on July 2, while Nallini will reach the mandatory retirement age on Aug 22.

Under Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution, Federal Court judges’ tenures can be extended for six months after reaching their retirement age, subject to the Agong’s consent.

Stung Zaid decries exit of CJ who stood against political pressure

COMMENT | Nine judges, two years, one crisis

Mas Ermieyati calls for probe against senior judge over 'judicial interference'

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