The journey of Malaysia's judiciary, from reverence to redemption

THE Malaysian judiciary once stood as a beacon of judicial excellence within the Commonwealth. Its decisions were revered and emulated, especially in emerging Commonwealth nations where the judiciary looked to Malaysia for guidance.

The principles of justice, equity and independence it upheld resonated deeply with the common law traditions inherited at independence in 1957. However, its trajectory was altered dramatically by political interference, most notably during the tenure of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his first stint as prime minister.