PAS to join lawyers' march for judicial independence

Summary

• PAS confirms party lawyers will join the Bar’s judicial independence walk from the Palace of Justice to the PMO.

• Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab says the march urges urgent action on judicial vacancies and alleged interference.

• Bersih also pledges to join the march, supporting the call for reforms to protect judicial independence.

PAS has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence organised by the Malaysian Bar, scheduled to take place in Putrajaya next Monday.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party will be represented in the walk, particularly by its lawyers.

“Yes, PAS will take part, especially our PAS lawyers,” he said in a brief WhatsApp message.

The walk is set to begin at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya and end at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where a memorandum will be handed over, calling for urgent measures to safeguard judicial independence.

The Bar has clarified that the march is not aimed at defending any particular judge, but rather to highlight growing concerns over the integrity of the judicial institution.

“This walk is not about individuals. It is a stance taken to uphold the integrity of the institution,” said Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab in a statement on Wednesday.

“Any attempt to interpret it otherwise is misleading and undermines the position of the Bar.”

His remarks came following media reports which allegedly mischaracterised the walk as a protest against the government’s decision not to extend the tenures of the former chief justice and Court of Appeal president.

Earlier, Ezri also said the march was in response to public concern over key judicial vacancies, delays in appointments, and allegations of interference in judicial decisions and appointments.

He said the memorandum to be submitted at the PMO will contain demands including:

• Immediate appointments to top judicial positions

• Candidates must be individuals of integrity, experience, and have a strong judicial track record

• The individuals must be respected by the judiciary and the public at large

Bersih, PSM to take part

Electoral reform group Bersih expressed its commitment to participate in the walk, joining a growing list of civil society voices pushing for reforms to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Similarly, PSM has announced its intention to join the march.

In a statement today, secretary-general M Sivaranjani called the Bar’s walk a timely warning and reminder to the government of its role to ensure judicial independence.

“PSM also stands in solidarity and fully supports the lawyers’ initiative, and we will be together on that day,” she said.

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