Judicial Appointments Announcement Expected Tomorrow, Says PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- An announcement regarding judicial appointments is expected tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. 

He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently.

“This morning, I had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers.

“I think let them decide and tomorrow, hopefully, there will be an announcement that would clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,” he said in his speech at Malaysia’s International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the MADANI government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure.

“…so I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, things will prove that this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,” he added.

Anwar stressed that he has never submitted any ‘compromise’ candidates for top judicial positions to  His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, or to the Conference of Rulers.

"Azalina (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said) knows that, the Chief Secretary (Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar) also knows that there has never been a case where the names submitted were questioned or appeared to be compromised. Such names were never presented to the King or the Rulers

“May I assure you now that in my two and a half years in office, I have not discussed with any judge (even) one case, not with the Chief Judge, not with any (of the) judges. I adhere to the principles of judicial independence,” he added.

Anwar acknowledged ongoing concerns about the issue and the perception that several key judicial appointments may be compromised.

“I can assure you that is not the case. I am sure my colleagues in the legal profession respect the fact that we must work based on the law and facts, not perceptions,” he said.

The position of Chief Justice became vacant following the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who both turned 66 on July 2 and 3, respectively.

The Chief Justice position became vacant after Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim reached the mandatory retirement age of 66 on 2 and 3 July, respectively.

-- BERNAMA