CJ: Judiciary was not asked to 'help' individuals facing trial

PUTRAJAYA: The judiciary was not approached to "help" certain individuals facing criminal trials, says Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

The Chief Justice, who spoke to the press at the Opening of the Legal Year 2022, was referring to a comment made by former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during a televised event on Aug 4 last year before he resigned, which alluded to some individuals "asking for help" in relation to their criminal cases in court.

"Yes, we heard of it (the comment) from the televised event, but the point I will be making is that he was approached and none of us (judges) have been approached.

"I myself can say I have not been approached," she said here on Friday (Jan 14).

Tengku Maimun said it was common knowledge that judges make decisions based on evidence.

"We cannot get away from that principle of law," she added.

The Chief Justice was asked to comment on a portion from the speech made by Malaysian Bar president AG Kalidas at the same function on Friday.

She said what she understood from Kalidas' speech was that Muhyiddin was approached by unnamed persons, but it was not stated if he (Muhyiddin) approached the judiciary.

"But let me say this, if there was anybody approaching us, we would just say there is nothing much we can do. The matter is in court, the judge will decide based on evidence and the law. That is our answer," she added.

In his speech, Kalidas spoke on the independence of the judiciary and referred to Muhyiddin's remark that he received appeals from individuals to interfere in court matters.

He said the Malaysian Bar had always defended the principle of judicial independence and integrity.

"Judicial independence is sacrosanct, and forms the cornerstone of a fair and impartial judiciary which is necessary for upholding the rule of law and instilling public confidence.

"It must not be allowed to be tarnished, and the importance of a judiciary that is insulated from interference in a democracy, cannot be overstated," he said.

Kalidas said it was the responsibility of each institution to ensure that no one is above the law, irrespective of political or social affiliation.

"The Malaysian Bar affirms our commitment in protecting and upholding the independence of the judiciary, including that concerning the conduct of our members," he added.