The Judiciary: Freedom, responsibility and trust

The courts are the ordinary person’s last bastion of justice against oppression and injustice, says the writer. — fabrikasimf

MALAYSIA’s judiciary has once again returned to the national spotlight following the Chief Justice’s recent apt reminder that the judiciary must remain independent. This timely reminder has sparked discussions and debates, reigniting long-standing questions about the nature, scope, and responsibility of judicial independence in a democracy like ours.

Undoubtedly, I, like many others, have always supported the need for an independent judiciary – one that is free from fear, favour, or undue influence. The saying rings true: The courts are the ordinary person’s last bastion of justice against oppression and injustice. When other arms of governance fail, it is the judiciary that must step in to uphold the rule of law, safeguard rights, and deliver justice. In this sense, a judiciary that is independent, competent, compassionate, and effective is critical not only to the legal system but also to national progress and the welfare of the people.