RCI demands mount as PM comes under scrutiny over judges' appointments

Summary

• DAP's Teresa Kok advises PM to hold a briefing for all government MPs on allegations over judicial appointments.

• Mandiri and Hayat also support PKR MPs’ call for an RCI to investigate the allegations.

DAP lawmaker Teresa Kok joined the chorus of voices urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take decisive action on recent allegations over judicial appointments.

In a statement today, the Seputeh MP told Anwar to hold a briefing for all MPs in the government bloc so that they are comprehensively informed on the issue.

"We must be fully apprised of the developments and considerations surrounding this issue," Kok (above) said, adding that transparency must be prioritised to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

She also welcomed an earlier statement by PKR backbencher MPs, who hoped Anwar would accept requests to face a proposed Parliamentary Special Select Committee proceeding on issues surrounding judicial appointments.

Kok commented on the rarity of government backbenchers expressing public concern, much less the event of them backing the formation of an RCI.

She commended their integrity in speaking out but pointed to the growing unease over the government's silence on key judicial appointments.

During a press conference with six other PKR MPs, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli read out a joint statement from nine party MPs whose demands include the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate recent allegations linked to the functions of the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC).

Rafizi also denied attempts to allege interference by Anwar in top judicial appointments.

This came after Acting Chief Justice Hasnah Hashim called an urgent JAC meeting on July 4 following the mandatory retirements of former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim.

More support

Amir Hadi, the executive director for youth NGO Mandiri, and Dobby Chew, the CEO of anti-death penalty group Hayat, also backed calls for an RCI.

Amir also supported those urging an investigation and proceedings to be conducted by the relevant PSSC.

He added a condition that new nominations for judicial candidates can be made after the above actions have been implemented.

Similarly, Chew commented on the importance of the separation of powers as well as the judiciary's role as a check and balance.

"We also urge the government to implement necessary reforms, including a constitutional amendment, that will grant the JAC full authority to oversee and determine the selection of judges.

"Furthermore, it is imperative to remove the prime minister's role in judicial appointments to ensure an independent judiciary," said the Muda vice-president in a statement today.

Yesterday, Defend the Judiciary Secretariat expressed alarm at Hasnah calling an emergency JAC meeting, claiming this violates Section 13 of the JAC Act 2009, which requires a 10-day notice for the commission to meet.

It questioned whether Anwar is exerting influence on judicial appointments.

The JAC is responsible for recommending candidates for appointment or elevation to the superior courts – the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Courts.

This came amid allegations that a Federal Court judge was recently questioned by the JAC regarding possible interference in judicial affairs.

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