N Sembilan ruler urges transparency amid row over Terrirudin in JAC

Summary

• Negeri Sembilan ruler calls for transparency amid objections to Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh’s appointment to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).

• Tuanku Muhriz warns that excessive executive influence and unclear selection processes risk undermining judicial independence and public confidence.

Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has voiced concerns over recent objections raised against the appointment of Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).

He emphasised the importance of maintaining a judiciary free from external influence.

According to The Edge, Tuanku Muhriz said the concerns should be addressed transparently to preserve public confidence in the judiciary, stressing that the appointment of judges must also be safeguarded from the executive branch of the government.

“I have, on prior occasions, spoken of the urgent need to reform the JAC. Just yesterday, I was alerted to an appointment with a new member of the JAC.

“The Malaysian Bar has strenuously objected to this recent appointment. There needs to be a reasoned response to the objection raised by the Bar.

“They (judges) must judge the case before them solely on the facts and the law. To achieve this, the role of lawyers is crucial. The judiciary cannot exercise its function effectively without the assistance of the Bar. Thus, a competent and principled Bar is equally vital,” he said at the Negeri Sembilan Bar’s 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday.

Swift reforms

Tuanku Muhriz previously reiterated similar concerns, highlighting the need for swift reforms to the JAC, and warned that excessive executive involvement could compromise judicial independence.

“In particular, the commission's mechanism to pick its permanent members needs to be reworked.

“Immediate reforms need to be considered to strengthen the independence of the commission and ultimately, the judiciary.

“There is a need for a diverse and independent mechanism when it comes to the selection of the five eminent persons on the commission,” he said.

Last week, the Bar called out the government over the lack of transparency regarding Terrirudin’s appointment to the JAC.

Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said that the position is usually filled by the most senior members of the Federal Court, and pivoting from the practice raises concerns over the criteria used for Terrirudin’s appointment.

Ezri stressed that it was essential for JAC’s composition and decision-making process to inspire public confidence, as the body plays a vital role in safeguarding judicial independence by recommending candidates for the highest judicial offices.

Of scrutiny and leaked meeting minutes

The JAC faced scrutiny this year, amid allegations that a Federal Court judge interfered in judicial matters during a May commission meeting.

When Malaysiakini contacted the judge in June, it prompted a police investigation after the judge instructed an aide to file a report.

Later in July, purported minutes of the meeting leaked on social media.

The allegations against the senior judge, as well as concerns about alleged interference in the appointment of judges after Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired as chief justice, had sparked outrage.

In early July, nine PKR lawmakers led by former economy minister and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli called for a royal commission of inquiry as well as the Parliament Special Select Committee on reforms to probe the allegations.

Amid the controversy, Court of Appeal judge Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh was appointed chief justice, following Tengku Maimun’s retirement.

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