TWICE in the last six months, this column has pointed out that due to the relatively early retirement age of 66 (plus six months), our superior courts are being deprived of much sterling talent.

There are good reasons for extending the retirement age for judges. This requires a contitutional amendment, which is challenging but not impossible.

EVERY teacher of constitutional law is confronted with some complex questions in class.

FREEDOM of speech is the essential pillar of a democratic set-up and the life-blood of a free society. The right to question the government’s policies and priorities and propose alternative measures is necessary to check the expanding empire of executive power.

In line with many other countries, the retirement age of our superior court judges should be extended.

IN conjunction with our 61st anniversary of independence, a few NGOs organised a forum on Tuesday night on the topic “Malaysia Baru – 61 Years After Merdeka, Do Ethnicity & Religion Matter?”.

When exercising most of his constitutional functions, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is required to act on advice.

The appointment of the new Chief Justice honours judicial independence, celebrates our diversity and rekindles the spirit of tolerance and pluralism.

NOW that we have a new Education Minister, hopefully some fundamental questions will be asked about the role of our universities, where Malaysian tertiary education stands and where it ought to go.

IN the post GE14 milieu, freedom is in the air and many citizens are demanding reforms to our system of governance. Out of the hundreds of proposals that have been submitted, some relate to improving the institutional efficacy of our elected legislature.

Malaysians are hopeful that the new Attorney General will help return the nation’s basic charter to its revered position.

GE14 has taught us all a valuable life lesson that one person standing strong can turn the tide of history. The election has also thrown up some fascinating issues of constitutional law that require reflection.