PUTRAJAYA: Hundreds of lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (POJ) to the Prime Minister’s Office complex here in a gathering aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary.
Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” was held to express concern over the vacancies for top posts and other senior judicial roles in the Federal Court, particularly at the High Court level.
Many lawyers, dressed in their chambers attire, gathered alongside individuals believed to be from NGOs, arrived as early as 12.30pm.
Police presence was minimal, but marshals – believed to be part of the Bar Council – monitored the march. An ambulance was also stationed near the Palace of Justice.
At around 2pm, Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession.
Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers.
Mohamad Ezri told reporters that at the end of the walk, the Bar has submitted a memorandum to the PMO calling for urgent reforms to safeguard judicial independence.
The memorandum was handed over to the director-general of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) Datuk Zamri Misman, who was present to receive it.
“I have handed over our memorandum to the director-general of BHEUU Datuk Zamri Misman, who was ready and waiting in the room earlier, and he has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum,” Ezri said.
Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah called for an investigation into allegations of judicial interference and the leak of what is believed to be confidential minutes from a recent Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting.
“It is important that these allegations be investigated to restore trust in our judiciary,” said Nurul Izzah, the daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement.
“Investigations can commence under Article 125 of the Federal Constitution through the establishment of an independent tribunal comprising at least five senior judges,” she said.
She said such action would go a long way in preserving faith in the system, adding that the judiciary, executive and legislature exists to keep one another in check by ensuring no single branch operates without accountability.
“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 Chief Justice, 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.
