Perikatan Nasional is maintaining its call for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to go on leave over judicial interference concerns, despite a warning from Istana Negara not to politicise the matter.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, however, framed the call as being consistent with the palace’s decree that judicial appointments must be handled with care and integrity.

In a statement today, Hamzah concurred with the palace’s assessment that under Article 122B, the appointment of judges is ultimately done by Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

However, he said Anwar must make way for an interim prime minister as the latter has a conflict of interest due to being a party in several civil lawsuits.

“As such, it is advised that the prime minister take leave and an interim prime minister be appointed to carry out his responsibilities, especially under Article 122B,” Hamzah said.

He added that this would help avoid prejudice towards judicial appointments and public perception that the prime minister had a hand in determining judges who would deliberate on the cases he is involved in.

One of the main cases involving Anwar is a civil lawsuit initiated by his former aide Yusoff Rawther, who accused the premier of sexual harassment.

Mounting public pressure

The warning from the palace today came amid public pressure for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe allegations of interference in judicial appointments as well as accusations that a senior judge had interfered with the judiciary.

The call for an RCI was initiated by PKR lawmakers led by Rafizi Ramli, and has been picked up by the Malaysian Bar, which is organising a march next Monday to push for the commission to be formed.

Separately, PN is organising a series of rallies urging Anwar to resign over various matters, including the rising cost of living due to the sales and service tax expansion.

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