SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated the government's firm commitment not to interfere in any decisions involving the judiciary.
The Prime Minister said that the government, however, had a responsibility to ensure that those appointed to the judiciary were credible, independent and free from conflicts of interest.
"We do not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary in making decisions, but we want to ensure that those appointed are credible, independent, and free from involvement in business and corruption " he said in his speech at the 18th DAP Congress at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Section 15 here on Sunday (March 16).
"This is our responsibility in government, as we must answer to Parliament and the people," he said, commenting on the Bar Council resolution from on Saturday (March 15).
The resolution, among other things, strongly condemned any interference by any person, whether from the executive, legislature, the Bar, or any other individuals or entities, to circumvent the constitutional and statutory framework for judicial appointments as provided in the Federal Constitution and the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009.
Elaborating further, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said oversight should be conducted by independent bodies over the judiciary to ensure proper checks and balances.
"I am not interfering; there are several other processes we are discussing. This does not mean that the Prime Minister, ministers, or all judges are always right.
"There must be supervision, checks and balances, and bodies that examine and monitor the judiciary – whether they pay taxes or if there are elements of corruption, as this has occurred extensively. Therefore, every change must be implemented carefully," he said.
Anwar also emphasised that the government has never interfered in any case currently being tried in court, including those involving prominent individuals.
"I want to ask, which cases have we interfered with? Which decisions did I discuss matters with the judge? None. The Prime Minister cannot compromise or be involved in any court case," he said. – Bernama
