KOTA KINABALU: Tuaran PKR chief Razeef Rakimin has defended Rafizi Ramli’s comments on judicial appointments, saying criticism from within the government should be embraced, not suppressed.
“Criticism is also a form of reform,” he said, urging party leaders to accept differing views as part of healthy democratic discourse.
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“Of course, the government today is trying to do its best for the country, but we must also admit that the people see the implementation of the Madani government’s reform as slow, and that issues linger without clarification,” he said in a statement on Sunday (July 13).
He said government MPs’ remarks should be seen as a form of checks and balances, especially when the Opposition today is not functioning.
“It is only after criticism is made that clarifications are issued,” he said.
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Rafizi had recently raised concerns over procedural irregularities in the appointment of the Chief Justice, citing an AGC statement that confirmed a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting was held without proper notice and that allegations of judicial interference had been discussed.
He called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry and parliamentary oversight, warning that public confidence in judicial independence was at stake.
Razeef said the public views the Madani government as too powerful because it is too comfortable with its support, and fears are growing that it may stray from its original struggle.
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“I urge some leaders to evaluate the criticisms and views from any leader within the government before retorting.
"It only makes the government appear full of scoundrels and sycophants,” he said.
“In my view, the judiciary should be in a separate branch, through the separation of powers.
"It cannot be mixed with the executive or legislative (branches). This is important to prevent manipulation and political interference, and to ensure that this institution is truly independent,” he said.
Razeef urged government leaders not to be arrogant, as it is this kind of attitude, not constructive criticism, that would cause the people to reject an administration.
