PUTRAJAYA: Former Senate president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim has called for judicial appointments to be made based on a candidate’s experience and productivity, not at the discretion of an individual.
“Appointments must reflect the experience and productivity of the candidate before being submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and the role of the Malay Rulers must also be more assertive and clearly defined,” he told reporters on Monday (July 14).
ALSO READ: Prominent figures join 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence'
Rais was among several prominent figures who took part in the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” on Monday, which saw participants marching from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Those present included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, lawyer and activist Siti Kassim, and former Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah.
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Also spotted were PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim, former MP N. Surendran, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
Rais voiced strong support for the walk, describing it as a significant show of legal solidarity closely tied to the principle of justice.
“This is a demonstration of legal professional solidarity that is deeply linked to justice.
“We fully support the selection of judges based on existing legal provisions, with absolutely no room for political executive involvement or interference,” he said.
