KUALA LUMPUR: The era of perverting the course of justice for vile political ends is over and the rule of law must prevail, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In dispensing justice, he said one must neither be held hostage to the demands of the elite nor succumb to the interests of the rich and powerful.
"I have had my fair share of being subjected to 'the insolence of office', the law's delay, and gross abuse of power.
"These machinations have sent me from the halls of power to the labyrinths of incarceration," he added.
Anwar said in his years of political office in government as well as out of government, he had said many things about lawyers and judges.
"Nevertheless, one thing that I have consistently said and maintained is that while the rule of law must prevail, the independence of the judiciary must also remain paramount in upholding and administering justice without fear or favour," he said at the 37th Lawasia conference here yesterday.
The conference, themed "Navigating the Legal Landscape in the Digital Age,” was organised by the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, and the Malaysian Bar.
The Prime Minister said the lessons of history must not be forgotten.
"In the past, we have seen how this sacrosanct principle has been violated by the powers that be, working hand in glove with the highest judicial office, perverting the course of justice in order to serve nefarious and vile political ends.
"But let me firmly declare that enough is enough and that era is over and gone and we will never allow such abuse and violations ever to happen again,” he added.
On adapting the legal framework to digital changes and advancements, Anwar called for laws to be flexible and capable of safeguarding individual rights while promoting creativity and innovation.
"As we embrace the digital age, it is essential that we balance the winds of change with the wisdom of experience," he said.
Anwar also called on judges and lawyers to ensure that in adapting to digital advancements, indigenous values play a part and not lie solely on Western values.
He said a legal system that is too rigid or a judgement that is made without due consideration of public policy repercussions will not only stifle progress, but risks eroding public trust and causing injustice.
"While lawyers are professionally bound to serve their clients to the best of their ability, it is crucial to let conscience be our guide, ensuring that fairness, truth, and the rule of law remain at the core of every decision,” he added.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tengku Mat, who was present, said judges must be wary of the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by lawyers in their arguments, and called on lawyers to be responsible legally when using AI.
"AI serves only as a guide and is not the final determinant of the punishment. Judges retain the ultimate discretion to pass sentences,” she said.
