Nazri Clarifies Cj Tenure Remarks Personal Views Not Anwar S Decision

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Former law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz has clarified that his remarks regarding the non-extension of former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s tenure should not be construed as reflective of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision.
ADSHe stressed that the statement reported in the media was merely his personal opinion.
Nazri was responding to Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) co-founder Latheefa Koya, who had demanded an explanation from Anwar on whether Tengku Maimun’s tenure was cut short due to a speech she delivered in Malta in April.
Nazri explained that his cordial relationship with the prime minister does not give him the power or influence to interfere in government decisions.
“The prime minister has full authority over whatever decisions he wants to make. If this matter needs to be discussed, it should perhaps be with the deputy prime minister or the law minister.
“Latheefa also needs to understand that I get along with everyone, and everyone wants to get along with me - including leaders from Perikatan Nasional,” he added.
‘Why the concern?’
He said his comments to the media should not have come as a surprise or caused concern, as they were clearly expressed as personal views.
“I was more surprised that Latheefa, known as a capable lawyer, misinterpreted my statement.
Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Latheefa Koya“As a brilliant lawyer, it’s rather odd that Latheefa would take my comments as representing the prime minister’s decision,” he added.
Nazri also advised Latheefa to fully grasp the context and meaning of his remarks before responding.
“In my statement, I mentioned that a chief justice should not interfere in political matters. I believe Latheefa also understands this. But Tengku Maimun’s overseas speech appeared as if she were trying to meddle in political matters.
“When she says judicial appointments must be free from prime ministerial interference, does that mean she’s implying that previous prime ministers - including the one who appointed her - interfered in the judiciary?
ADS“She must remember that the prime minister is elected by the people, so that office must be respected,” he added.
Nazri went on to say that if Tengku Maimun’s term was not extended due to her remarks in Malta, it should not be considered unusual.
“If extended for another six months, it wouldn’t be surprising if she continues to make statements that discredit the prime minister and interfere in politics.
“But again, this is just my personal view, not the prime minister’s decision. So I hope Latheefa won’t be shocked again,” he said.
‘Thanks for the recognition’
In a sarcastic tone, he also thanked Latheefa for recognising him as an important figure in Umno, even though he only holds the position of division chief.
“That’s how powerful Umno is - even a division chief is seen as a key player in national politics,” he quipped.
Earlier, Latheefa described Nazri’s remarks as a “stunning and disturbing admission” and stressed that it must be taken seriously, especially as it comes from a close Anwar ally and a prominent Umno figure.
She was commenting on Nazri’s interview with Scoop in which he referenced Tengku Maimun’s speech.
Dispelling notions
At the 24th Commonwealth Law Conference held in Malta, Tengku Maimun remarked that removing the prime minister’s involvement in judicial appointments could help dispel perceptions of political interference in the judiciary.
She disclosed that there have recently been proposals to amend both the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 and the Federal Constitution to eliminate the prime minister’s role in the process.
In response, Nazri criticised her remarks, calling them inappropriate, particularly at a time when Anwar was actively travelling to attract foreign investment.
Former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan MatThe former minister also rejected the notion that Tengku Maimun was speaking in general terms and not specifically about Anwar.
“You are the sitting chief justice. Anwar is the sitting prime minister. So you must be referring to him,” he contended. - Mkini

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