Boost for judicial system

PUTRAJAYA: Cases involving constitutional interests at the Federal Court will be heard by an unprecedented panel of nine, says Chief Justice Tan Sri Richard Malanjum.

This is part of his three-pronged proposal to improve the judicial system – the management of judicial structure, management of presiding panels and Federal Court cases, and time management.

Malanjum was giving his maiden speech as CJ at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak (CJSS) Datuk David Wong Dak Wah and Court of Appeal president (PCA) Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop here yesterday.

Malanjum said the panel of nine will comprise the CJ, PCA, Chief Judge of Malaya (CJM), CJSS and five other Federal Court judges, who will be selected through balloting.

“Cases of public interest will be heard by a panel of seven comprising the top four judges and three other Federal Court judges, also selected through balloting,” he said.

Other appeal cases will be heard by a panel of five and chaired by one of the top four judges while the four other judges will be selected through balloting.

Leave to appeal cases will be heard by a panel of three judges, selected through balloting and subject to availability and seniority.

“Additionally, appeal cases from Sabah and Sarawak courts to the Court of Appeal and Federal Court will be heard by a panel comprising of at least one judge from Sabah or Sarawak,” said Malanjum.

Malanjum also intends to introduce a timesheet system that he established two years ago at the Sabah and Sarawak courts.

The computerised system is meant to encourage a more efficient time management among the judges and judicial officers.

“There was a judge who was accused of ponteng (absent). But she couldn’t prove that she was there sitting (in a case).

“So I said let’s see if we can do a timesheet. After we did it, we never hear any more complaints of absent judges,” he said.

The suggestions, Malanjum said, will be fine-tuned and decided collectively.

Malaysian Bar president George Varughese, who was present at the ceremony, said the Bar welcomed Malanjum’s suggestions. “We will hold a meeting with him tomorrow (Friday) to discuss further,” he said.

The media was also informed that Federal Court judge Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim, who is currently away in Hong Kong, will be sworn in as the new CJM soon.