PUTRAJAYA: PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar has called for a probe into allegations of judicial interference and leak of what is believed to be confidential minutes from a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting.
"It is important that these allegations be investigated to restore trust in our judiciary," said the daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a statement during the Malaysian Bar's walk in front of the Palace of Justice on Monday (July 14).
"Investigations can commence under Article 125 of the Federal Constitution through the establishment of an independent tribunal comprising at least five senior judges," she added.
Nurul Izzah then said that such actions will go a long way to preserve the faith in the systems and added that the judiciary, executive and the legislature exist to keep one another in check by ensuring that no single branch can operate without accountability.
She added that she attended the walk to safeguard the judiciary.
"Today, we exercise the right to peaceful assembly guaranteed by the constitution and upheld by the Prime Minister.
"In the spirit of reform and justice, which are the foundations of Keadilan, we need to improve the existing structure by making it more transparent.
"An independent judiciary is the essential bulwark against overreach by the executive, the cabinet, and the government as a whole," she said.
Nurul Izzah added that court decisions censure Parliament if and when laws which are oppressive and unconstitutional are introduced.
"Bearing all this in mind, the most crucial thing in an independent judicial system is the lack of interference from internal or external forces.
"As such, persons appointed as the Chief Justice of Malaya; President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of Malaya and the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak must not only be capable but also be of the highest moral integrity to carry out the job," she said.
Currently, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is assuming the responsibility and duties of the CJ, while Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof, similarly, is taking over the tasks and responsibilities of the Court of Appeal President.
On Sunday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said 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.
Police have also launched an investigation into the alleged leak and dissemination of what is believed to be confidential minutes from a JAC meeting.
