Report Acting Cj Rejects Bar S Request To Adjourn Courts For March

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Acting Chief Justice Hasnah Hashim has reportedly rejected the Malaysian Bar's request to postpone cases scheduled for July 14 to facilitate a peaceful march for judicial independence.
Bar secretary, Murshidah Mustafa, had informed members that a letter was sent to Hasnah yesterday (July 8) requesting permission to adjourn cases to other dates, according to Free Malaysia Today.
However, this request was reportedly rejected the same day.
Hasnah (above) reportedly said in a letter that the request could not be considered as the dates for the various cases involving different stakeholders had already been set long in advance, and witnesses and court officers had prepared for the hearings.
Murshidah, however, told Bar members that those without court matters on July 14 are urged to take part in the walk.
The march is to take place from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Putrajaya, to submit a memorandum demanding immediate action to defend the independence of the nation's judiciary.
Yesterday, Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said that the march would see the Bar submitting a memorandum with four demands to the Prime Minister's Office.
The demands include filling top judicial vacancies, releasing minutes of a recent Judicial Appointments Commission meeting, forming a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe judicial interference, and addressing overall judicial vacancies.
This came amid rising tensions over recent allegations concerning interference in judicial appointments and unresolved vacancies following the recent retirement of senior judges.
Ezri emphasised the event as a collective statement from legal professionals over their commitment to uphold judicial independence, the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.
He also said the walk is not only for lawyers, as anyone from the judicial or the public may take part. - Mkini

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