PETALING JAYA: A closed-door briefing was held between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Barisan Nasional MPs on the raging debate over the top vacancies in the judiciary.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet Pakatan Harapan MPs on the same matter tomorrow.
A Barisan MP, who declined to be named, said the Friday night briefing in Putrajaya was called by Anwar.
“It was to explain to us the situation concerning the judiciary.
“Azalina explained to us how a Chief Justice and judges are appointed and the prerogative of the Prime Minister in such appointments,” he said, referring to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“Anwar did not say much, as he had to fly off to Terengganu that night itself. There was also not much questioning by the Barisan MPs, who were all from Umno,” he said.
There has been much talk about the Chief Justice’s position following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on July 2.
This was followed by the retirement of Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim as Court of Appeal president on July 3.
Another MP, when contacted, said: “We listened to Anwar’s reasoning on how he will not interfere in the judiciary appointments and to Azalina’s briefing on how the Prime Minister has the legal right to make the appointments. I did not ask any questions.”
Higher Education Minister and Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the meeting was part of a routine engagement involving all parties within the unity government.
“These meetings are held regularly to keep up with current developments and to receive briefings from the Prime Minister,” he said.
A Bernama report yesterday quoted Anwar as saying that his meeting with Barisan MPs was to clarify several current issues.
He said among the matters explained were regarding taxation, RON95 petrol subsidies and issues related to the judiciary.
“BN MPs understood and gave their full cooperation on these matters, and I will provide further clarification to them moving forward,” he told reporters.
