Chief Judge pays homage to court interpreters, calls them 'backbone of the judicial institution'

KUALA LUMPUR: Each court interpreter is called upon to provide good service to lawyers and the public in carrying out their duties because they are the frontliners and backbone of the judicial institution.

Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed, in making the call, said interpreters act as ambassadors of the judiciary because they deal directly with lawyers and the public on a daily basis who want to know about the status of their cases.

"Interpreters are the 'frontliners' in managing the judiciary because we, the judges, do not meet directly with lawyers and the public, so they must protect the good name of the judiciary.

"Treat all lawyers and the public with prudence and do not raise your voice and give negative reactions when dealing with them," he said when opening the 17th biannual general meeting of the Court Interpreters and Translators Union, Ministry of Justice West Malaysia here on Saturday (Sept 17).

According to Azahar, translation is an essential task that needs to be carried out by every interpreter in addition to helping to prepare court proceeding reports as well as relevant statistics so there are times when one sacrifices one's own time.

Azahar said that none of the magistrates or judges could conduct a trial without the presence of an interpreter.

"I, as the Chief Judge of Malaya, receive reports and statistics every day from interpreters so that I can see the performance of each court, magistrate, and Sessions Court and High Court judge for future planning.

"There are interpreters who come home late from the court and some who come to the office during their off days to complete administrative matters. However, do not let this burden be a reason for you all to lose heart," he said while thanking each interpreter for all their sacrifices.

Azahar also suggested that every interpreter improve their knowledge in the field of information technology to ensure that the online proceedings for court cases run smoothly.

He said the increase in knowledge in the field of important information technology is in line with the digital world because the judicial body has widely used long-distance communication technology involving online proceedings throughout the country.

"Therefore, every interpreter plays an important role to ensure that online proceedings can be handled smoothly and in an orderly manner," he added. – Bernama