PETALING JAYA: The government is planning to review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) framework to ensure transparency and the independence of the judiciary, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the planned review would involve consultations with various stakeholders, including the judiciary, Conference of Rulers, Bar Council, and civil society organisations (NGOs).
He said the review would aim to address any gaps and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of our national justice system.
“Any reforms brought forward will uphold the principles of the Federal Constitution, namely preserving the doctrine of the separation of powers and ensuring the rule of law.
“This review will not compromise the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the privileges of the Malay Rulers as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“Only with a solid foundation can we ensure long-term stability and safeguard the country's democratic system,” he said in a press release from the Prime Minister’s office on Wednesday (April 9).
He also added that the government would act transparently, responsibly and respectfully toward all constitutional institutions throughout the planned review.
Anwar’s statement comes after a lawyer reportedly challenged the JAC’s constitutionality, particularly its power to appoint judges, as violating the doctrine of separation of powers.
Anwar guaranteed that this application for a judicial review of JAC would proceed without government interference or bias.
“I am aware that various parties, including the judiciary, the Bar Council and NGOs have long questioned JAC’s structure, membership and role in the judicial appointment process.
“This issue cannot be ignored and demands serious scrutiny from legal, institutional and constitutional perspectives.
“Therefore, while the government will defend the JAC Act’s constitutionality in court, I wish to express the government's commitment to reform by thoroughly reviewing the JAC framework, in line with our spirit of institutional reform,” he added.
