PM's legal troubles undermine judicial independence - Muhyiddin

Summary

• Opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin claims that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's personal legal troubles pose a conflict of interest and threaten the judiciary's independence.

• He urges government MPs to withdraw their support for Anwar, warning that the premier will tighten his grip on national institutions to remain in power.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin warned that the judiciary's independence is compromised as long as the prime minister is faced with personal legal issues.

In a strongly worded statement, the Bersatu president connected concerns of a judicial crisis with Yusoff Rawther's civil lawsuit against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Muhyiddin believed that government MPs are starting to realise that Anwar is in the wrong and they no longer trust him.

"The promise of institutional reform remains just a promise that will not be implemented.

"In fact, national institutions are being torn apart, and the freedom of the people is being restricted simply to ensure that the prime minister remains in power," said the former prime minister today.

This came following a joint statement by nine PKR MPs led by Rafizi Ramli, who demanded the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe allegations of interference in judicial appointments.

The Attorney-General's Chambers downplayed their concerns but acknowledged that claims of a Federal Court judge allegedly interfering in judgments and judicial appointments were serious.

The allegations against the senior judge were reportedly made in a Judicial Appointments Commission meeting when Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat was still the chief justice.

It came to public attention two weeks ago after a police report lodged on the judge’s behalf on June 12 over queries by Malaysiakini on the matter was leaked.

Loss of confidence

Commenting further, Muhyiddin urged government MPs to declare a loss of confidence in Anwar, stating that it was their moral responsibility.

He said this is because he believes Anwar will not listen to those proposing steps to preserve judicial independence.

"When the prime minister loses the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat, according to the Federal Constitution, the prime minister must resign.

"When the prime minister resigns, the cloud that has enveloped the country shall disappear, and this country will be safe.

"This is the real power that they have," he said.

Members of the opposition previously called for Anwar to take a temporary leave during the RCI probe.

Muhyiddin further warned that Anwar's waning popularity over controversial policies such as the sales and service tax expansion, electricity tariff hikes, and subsidy reductions could see the premier tightening his grip on national institutions to remain in power.

Besides that, he said Anwar's attempt to seek immunity from court action is unprecedented and illustrates a clear conflict of interest.

He was referring to Anwar's request that eight constitutional questions be referred to the Federal Court, premised on whether he gets immunity from civil proceedings initiated by Yusoff.

‘When I was PM…’

Muhyiddin also made comparisons to his time as the prime minister, saying he himself did not interfere in judicial matters.

"When I was the prime minister, I also advised the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the appointment of judges in line with the requirements of the constitution.

"At that time, there was never any doubt in the appointment of judges.

"This is because I have never interfered in court affairs despite being pressured by various parties. I respect the independence of the judiciary to uphold justice.

"The issue is who holds the position of prime minister," he added.

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