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Govt reviews global judiciary appointment systems amid reform push

Govt reviews global judiciary appointment systems amid reform push

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is currently conducting a comparative review of the judicial appointments mechanisms in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and India, alongside Malaysia's mechanism.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the study aimed to ensure that judicial appointments in the country are carried out more transparently, independently, and in accordance with the principles of the Federal Constitution.
"This study has been conducted in an inclusive manner through joint engagement sessions with the judiciary, the Malaysian Bar Council, Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs, higher education institutions, constitutional experts, civil society organisations, and the public.
"This approach aims to ensure that the appointment process is implemented more transparently, independently, and in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution," she said in a written parliamentary reply last night.
She added that the government remains committed to upholding the separation of powers and ensuring that key national appointments, including those of superior court judges, are made in accordance with the Federal Constitution and existing laws.
This follows the Malaysian Bar's rally for judicial independence on July 14, after claims of judicial interference arising from documents allegedly leaked from Judicial Appointments Commission meeting minutes.
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