PUTRAJAYA: A crowd began gathering in front of the Palace of Justice on Monday (July 14) as part of the "Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence" organised by the Bar Council.
Many lawyers wearing chambers attire along with members believed to be from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), arrived as early as 12.30pm.
The Malaysian Bar clarified earlier on Monday that its "Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence"—a march from the Palace of Justice (POJ) to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to submit a memorandum—is not politically motivated, even as reports suggest other groups may participate.
The circular further stated that representatives from the PMO will be present to receive the memorandum after the 2.6km walk from the POJ to the PMO, where the event is scheduled to begin at 2pm.
There is minimal police presence, but marshals believed to be part of the Bar Council are monitoring the march.
An ambulance is also on standby near the Palace of Justice.
The walk aims to express legal professionals' concern over the vacancies for top posts and other senior judges in the Federal Court and the unfilled positions of judges at various levels, especially the High Court.
Currently, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is assuming the responsibilities of the Chief Justice, while Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof is taking on the tasks of the Court of Appeal President.
On Sunday (July 13), the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, stated that the appointment of a new Chief Justice to head the judiciary will be decided only after the next Conference of Rulers, scheduled for July 15-17.
