Anwar To Meet Harapan Mps Day After Rafizi S Judicial Integrity Forum

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has scheduled a meeting with Pakatan Harapan MPs next Monday, just a day after former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s forum to discuss judicial issues.
Malaysiakini learned that Harapan MPs and senators have been invited to meet Anwar at the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya on July 14 at 4.30pm.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that MPs will be briefed on judicial appointments and will have the opportunity to seek clarification on the matter, The Star reported.
Loke told reporters that the cabinet had discussed this matter yesterday, and it was made clear that the appointment process for the next chief justice is ongoing.
He also assured that it was not an issue if the position was not immediately filled.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke"The Federal Constitution clearly states that when there is a vacancy (in the post of CJ), the chief judge of Malaya can be made acting chief justice.
"Also, the appointment can only be made after the king gives his consent upon being advised by the PM and after consulting the Conference of Rulers," he said.
Loke added that the Conference of Rulers will also be briefed for a similar purpose next week.
Bar gathering on Monday too
Interestingly, on the same day of Anwar’s scheduled meeting, the Malaysian Bar will gather at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya at 2pm before proceeding on a 2.6km walk to the Prime Minister’s Office to submit a memorandum with four demands.
The day before, on Sunday (July 13) at 8.30pm, Rafizi is scheduled to hold a forum titled “Integriti Kehakiman” (Judicial Integrity) at the PAUM Clubhouse in Kuala Lumpur to discuss recent allegations concerning judicial appointments.
This will be the first in a series of forums Rafizi and his team are organising.
ADSEarlier today, Rafizi sent a letter to all parliamentarians, urging them to support three demands: 
The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegations;
For the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for human rights, elections, and institutional reforms to probe the allegations, including summoning Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to give a statement; and
Filling key judicial vacancies based on the Judicial Appointments Commission’s (JAC) prior recommendations.
In the letter, Rafizi also invited all MPs to attend the July 13 forum.
Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli“This forum aims to provide space for open and constructive discourse on this issue with legal and academic experts.
“Your (MPs) attendance would be highly welcomed as a sign of Parliament’s commitment to the principles of integrity and justice,” he wrote.
‘Let’s meet PM first’
When contacted, a Harapan MP who spoke on condition of anonymity said they have yet to decide whether to support Rafizi’s call.
“Since Anwar will meet Harapan MPs on Monday afternoon, we must listen to what he says first and consult colleagues in the party,” the lawmaker said.
Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired as chief justice on July 2, after she was not granted a six-month extension.
Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim, who is serving out a six-month post-retirement extension until November, is acting as chief justice in the interim. - Mkini

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