KUALA LUMPUR: The government is undertaking a comprehensive, evidence-based comparative study of judicial appointment models from other countries in a move to enhance the transparency and independence of Malaysia’s judicial appointment process, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this includes countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and India.
She said the study is being led by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) under the Prime Minister’s Department and involves inclusive engagement sessions with key stakeholders.
“These include the judiciary, the Malaysian Bar Council, MPs from both government and Opposition blocs, institutions of higher learning, constitutional experts, civil society organisations, as well as input from the public.
“This approach is intended to ensure that judicial appointments are carried out in a more transparent and independent manner, in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution,” she said in a parliamentary written reply on Tuesday (Aug 5).
She was responding to a question by Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) on measures to improve the judicial appointment process to uphold the doctrine of separation of powers.
Azalina stressed that appointments such as the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal remain governed by Article 122B(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.
She added that the Madani government is committed to upholding the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, and will ensure that key national appointments continue to be made in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
