The hallmarks of a good judge are courage, independence, impartiality and integrity. The late Tan Sri Harun Hashim, affectionately known to his friends as Harun, had all these qualities and expressed them admirably since he was elevated to the Bench in 1971.

Administration of justice in any democracy not only requires an independent judiciary but to sustain that independence it requires an independent and fearless Bar and an incorruptible office of the public prosecutor. Harun always asserted this and in particular the need for such a Bar.

His courage and independence was seen by the nation when he made that momentous decision on February 4, 1987 when he declared Umno an unlawful society. Though it stunned the nation yet the decision was then seen as the highest watermark of judicial independence in Malaysia.

However, that decision drew the wrath of the powers that be, particularly Dr Mahathir Mohamad. It also saw the beginning of the end of judicial independence in Malaysia.