Don T Elevate Judges Under Cloud Of Suspicion Ramkarpal Tells Pm

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DAP lawmaker Ramkarpal Singh has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to exercise utmost caution in recommending individuals of questionable integrity for top judicial appointments.
Citing the alleged leak of Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) meeting minutes - which contained serious allegations of judicial interference involving a senior judge -  the Bukit Gelugor MP stressed the critical role of the prime minister’s advice in upcoming appointments to the highest judicial offices.
He pointed out that the appointments of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, and possibly new chief judges of Malaya and of Sabah and Sarawak hinge on the prime minister’s recommendation.
“It is common knowledge that such appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advice of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers pursuant to Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution.
ADS“With the greatest of respect, the said judge should not be considered by the prime minister in his said advice for any of the said four posts until and unless the allegations in the said leaked minutes which implicate him or her are properly investigated and concluded as it is elementary that if the said judge is found to have committed wrongdoing as a result of such investigations, his or her integrity would be seriously in doubt,” he added in a statement.
Ramkarpal underscored the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, warning that anything less could cause a significant erosion of public trust in the Madani government.
He also referenced Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail’s statement that the leak is currently being probed under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972, Section 203A of the Penal Code (disclosure of information obtained during the performance of duties), and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (improper use of network facilities).
However, Ramkarpal expressed regret that no mention was made of the “elephant in the room” - whether the damning allegations of judicial interference in the leaked minutes would be thoroughly investigated.
He argued that Khalid’s statement effectively implies the authenticity of the leaked minutes, thereby strengthening the case for investigating not just the leak itself, but also the misconduct alleged within.
“The said allegations are undoubtedly very serious as they strike at the very core of the integrity of a key institution in any democracy, namely the judiciary and the people have the right to know if they are true or not.
“In such circumstances, the government cannot afford to be seen to be lackadaisical in its resolve to protect the integrity of the judiciary and every effort must be made to ensure no stone is left unturned in the investigations pertaining to the said leaked minutes,” he added.
Rafizi’s warning
Speaking at a forum last night, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who is leading a group of MPs from Anwar Ibrahim’s party calling for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on the judiciary, warned that the implicated judge may soon be elevated to the position of chief justice.
Former PKR deputy president Rafizi RamliThe Pandan MP cautioned that if this prediction comes true, it would have far-reaching consequences and could severely demoralise judges who uphold integrity and fairness.
Rafizi also raised the alarm over the possible involvement of wealthy elites, the same forces allegedly behind the VK Lingam judge-fixing scandal, in the current crisis, suggesting they are seeking favourable outcomes in undisclosed court cases.
Anwar, who chairs the Pakatan Harapan coalition, is scheduled to meet with the coalition’s lawmakers at the prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya this evening to discuss issues concerning the judiciary.
The meeting will coincide with a march by lawyers from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office, aimed at defending judicial independence. - Mkini

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