Selangor Ruler: Don't speculate
KLANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has advised the public to not create baseless narratives regarding judicial appointments.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ruler said the process outlined under the Federal Constitution for judicial appointments must be carried out transparently and carefully to preserve the rule of law and uphold the principles of justice, which form the core of the nation's governance. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
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Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
TYT Sarawak honoured by inaugural bencher recognition from nation's legal fraternity
Wan Junaidi accepts the plaque from ICM president Tun Arifin Zakaria (right), witnessed by ICM Exco Sarawak Tan Kee Heng, who is also the event's organising chairman. — Information Department photo KUCHING (Aug 3): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has been formally inducted as the first Honorary Bencher of the Inns of Court Malaysia (ICM). The recognition signifies his contributions to the legal fraternity in the country. 'Thank you to all of those who are involved in giving me this honour of being the first bencher for the ICM. 'I feel humbled by the recognition that you gave me,' he said in his special address delivered during the ICM Grand Dining 2025, held in conjunction with the inaugural benching ceremony at a hotel here on Saturday night. Adding on, Wan Junaidi reflected on his time in public office, particularly his 13-month tenure as Minister in Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliament and law, during which he successfully amended the Federal Constitution three times – a feat he described as 'unprecedented'. 'It never before been done. 'It was historical in a sense because the law that I brought to Parliament would require amending the Constitution to make it effective,' he said. Among the amendments was the enactment of the anti-defection law, also known as the 'Anti-Hopping Law'. In this regard, Wan Junaidi said he had insisted that the provision be embedded in the Federal Constitution to ensure its legal permanence and resistance to political changes. 'Even though the government actually proposed that it must be the Act of Parliament, I wanted it to be more permanent in a sense, so it could not be amended by a simple majority in Parliament. 'So I advised the government that I must amend the constitution so that it would require the two-thirds majority under Article 159.' Under Article 159(3) of the Federal Constitution, any Bill seeking to amend the Constitution – unless specifically exempted – must be passed in both the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House) and Dewan Negara (Upper House, or Senate) with the support of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members. The second amendment, he said, was to formally recognise the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the Constitution. 'While MA63 has long been cited in public discourse, I have observed that many lack a clear understanding of its content. 'The Agreement itself, signed on the July 9, 1963, comprises two pages and two clauses. 'Still, it also involved other documents like the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and Cobbold Commission Report – all part and parcel of the whole documentation that became the treaty between Great Britain and Malaya for the formation of Malaysia,' he elaborated. Wan Junaidi added that because MA63 had not been incorporated into the Constitution, it could not serve as a valid basis for Sarawak and Sabah to negotiate with the federal government over the fulfilment of the terms set out in the Agreement. 'So for the last 58 years, we never got anything, for reasons that the treaty was never recognised by the Constitution.' This, he pointed out, was also followed by an amendment to Article 161A of the Constitution, which reverted the power to determine native status to the Sarawak government. At the federal level, Wan Junaidi was hailed as the driving force behind efforts to revive the Parliamentary Services Act, aimed at restoring Parliament's institutional independence following its repeal in 1992. 'That was the reason why it was, the reason, the regularity of my action in amending the constitution during that time,' said the Sarawak's Head of State. Honorary Bencher lead legal fraternity Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Sosma reform: Suhakam seeks bail rights, shorter detention, and transparency
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has outlined five core reforms it hopes will emerge from ongoing stakeholder consultations on the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). The commission is also asking the government to release draft amendments before they are tabled in Parliament. Secretary-general Altaf Deviyati said the commission's longstanding concerns include extended detention without judicial oversight, restricted access to bail, limited access to legal counsel during initial detention, and broad discretionary powers granted to enforcement agencies. "We believe these provisions not only challenge Malaysia's international obligations but are also inconsistent with the Federal Constitution," she told the New Straits Times. Among Suhakam's proposals is the reinstatement of judicial discretion in granting bail, particularly for non-violent and non-terrorism-related offences. The commission also calls for the maximum initial detention period to be shortened from the current 28 days, which it views as excessive. Altaf said access to legal counsel must be guaranteed from the point of arrest, and that the right to a prompt and public hearing should be assured. "Currently, detainees are waiting far too long just to get their first hearing," she added. Finally, Suhakam recommends narrowing Sosma's application to truly exceptional and well-defined national security threats. "Ordinary criminal offences should be addressed under existing laws," Altaf said. Its secretary-general said that Suhakam has been participating in engagement sessions through the Parliamentary Special Select Committee since November last year. "Public consultation is essential in any democratic law-making process," Altaf said, adding that transparency will ensure a more balanced approach between national security and fundamental liberties. Altaf said that the commission acknowledges Malaysia's security needs but maintains that amendments must address ongoing and potential human rights violations. Beyond legislative changes, Suhakam also advocates for systemic reforms to prevent abuse under Sosma and similar laws. These include strengthening internal and external oversight, creating an independent complaints mechanism, and improving judicial training and awareness of human rights standards. "We also need greater transparency in how laws like Sosma are enforced, including the regular publication of arrest data," Altaf said. She added that Malaysia should ratify international human rights treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to reinforce protections against arbitrary detention and mistreatment.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Selangor Ruler expresses appreciation for national heroes
SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called on the people to commemorate the sacrifices of security forces who have fought and risked their lives to defend religion, race, and the nation. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook in conjunction with Warrior's Day on Thursday (July 31), His Royal Highness said the service and sacrifices of national heroes will always be remembered and serve as a beacon of patriotism in the hearts of all Malaysians. "I am pleased to extend Warrior's Day greetings to all the nation's heroes who have served with unwavering loyalty and courage. "I highly commend the sacrifices, dedication, and resilience shown by our national warriors in upholding peace and defending the sovereignty of our beloved country," His Royal Highness said. Sultan Sharafuddin, the Captain-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, prayed for Allah SWT to elevate the souls of the fallen heroes and grant strength to those who continue to serve on the frontlines. "The people must remember the sacrifices of those who fought on the path of truth, risking their lives to uphold a sacred trust, the homeland, religion, and the dignity of the nation," the Sultan added. Warrior's Day is observed on July 31 each year to honour the sacrifices and contributions of security forces serving the nation. - Bernama
