Saifuddin: Respect constitution in CJ appointment
Saifuddin said the Federal Constitution clearly outlines the procedure under Article 122B, whereby the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers.
"In this context, the public's attention is now on the vacancy of the Chief Justice.
"The process is clearly spelled out in the Constitution, so there is no need to prejudge or make baseless accusations, particularly those alleging executive interference," he said at a press conference after attending the Home Ministry's monthly assembly here today.
Saifuddin said respect for the process is essential, and all parties must refrain from politicising or speculating on ongoing constitutional matters.
"If there are allegations of leaks or other claims, let the police investigate. A statement has already been issued confirming that investigations will proceed."
He also dismissed claims of executive interference in judicial matters, noting that Article 125 of the Constitution provides a clear mechanism for addressing issues involving judges, including ethical breaches.
"If the Constitution is upheld and everyone understands their role, there is no need to involve the executive or blame the government. The monarchy is already carrying out its functions in accordance with the Constitution."
Saifuddin warned against attempts to stir public sentiment or create false narratives, saying such efforts only provoke unnecessary reactions.
"The prime minister, ministers, and the judiciary are all bound by the same constitutional framework. Let the process take its course."
Earlier, it was reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the Conference of Rulers is expected to decide and announce the appointment of the new Chief Justice today.
He also confirmed having met with the Conference of Rulers on Tuesday morning.
"I had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers, and it is best to let them decide.
"God willing, there will be a clear announcement tomorrow (today) that will dispel all negative perceptions," he said during his keynote address at Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 yesterday.
The prime minister also acknowledged public concern over the delay in appointing the Chief Justice and the negative perceptions surrounding the matter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
12 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Azalina calls on Umno to boost digital capabilities ahead of elections
KUANTAN: Umno must recognise the need to strengthen its digital capabilities to counter slander and disseminate facts through social media and smartphones, particularly in preparation for the upcoming general election. Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that with these capabilities, Umno must rise to close the gap in public perception regarding the party's image. "In addition, I also reminded (party members) that the unity government or coalition government model is one that has been used by Umno since the days of the Alliance, and subsequently with the establishment of Barisan Nasional. "Therefore, our position in the current government is not a foreign model. "Even though Umno is not the leading party, it remains a stabilising factor," she said in a Facebook post after officiating the Temerloh Umno Division Delegates' Meeting today. She said that in the Madani government, Barisan Nasional continues to stand firm in defending the fundamentals of the Federal Constitution, namely Islam as the religion of the Federation, the position of the Malay Rulers, Malay as the national language, and the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputera. "Alhamdulillah, after nearly three years of the Madani government's administration, there has never been a moment when our partners in the current coalition have questioned these matters, which is also the main reason this government remains stable," she said. – Bernama
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Armizan proposes allowing RM100 Sara credit to be used at mobile Rahmah sales locations
RANAU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has proposed allowing the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) credit to be used at mobile Madani Rahmah Sales locations. Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the proposal aims to improve access for communities in rural and remote areas, who may otherwise struggle to redeem the aid due to limited fixed retail premises in their districts. At present, there are 4,152 authorised premises nationwide where the credit can be used, including only 470 in Sabah. These are mostly permanent outlets such as supermarkets approved under the Finance Ministry. 'To reach more people, especially those outside urban centres, we are propose that Sara redemptions can be made at mobile Rahmah Sales locations,' he said at the ministry's carnival and Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign in Ranau, Saturday (July 26). 'These mobile outlets include sales of local Malaysian products and essential items, and are regularly deployed across rural districts. We believe expanding redemption options beyond the fixed premises would significantly improve access, particularly in Sabah,' he added. The RM100 Sara credit — a one-off cashless aid credited to MyKad starting Aug 31 — is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. It is part of an additional RM2bil allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 23, bringing the total allocation under Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) to RM15bil this year. The expansion of mobile Madani Rahmah Sales is supported by an additional RM300mil allocation under the government's Payung Rahmah initiative. The Cost of Living Ministry is targeting 20,000 mobile Rahmah sales sessions nationwide this year, with 2,276 planned for Sabah alone. Between January and July, 1,089 sessions have already been carried out in the state. As of July 2025, Sabah has received RM410mil in STR aid for 830,000 recipients, while RM500mil in Sara assistance has been disbursed to 506,000 people. The carnival and KBBM in Ranau is part of a broader outreach initiative to promote local products, reduce import dependency, and bring government services directly to grassroots communities. 'This is not just about aid distribution, but strengthening our local economy and empowering micro and small enterprises,' Armizan said.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
MMEA on high alert, strengthens fleet to tackle drug smuggling at sea
ALOR SETAR: With 80% of drugs entering Malaysia via sea routes, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has stepped up patrols and strengthened its fleet with new vessels and aircraft to curb cross-border smuggling. MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that the agency remains on high alert and will continue to enhance maritime surveillance and enforcement to prevent drug syndicates from exploiting national waters. "MMEA will not compromise on any attempt to smuggle drugs into the country via sea. Every inch of our maritime borders is our responsibility," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 26). He acknowledged that Malaysia's waters remain a prime target for international drug syndicates, which use sea routes as their "safe passage" into the country. He made the statement following Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's disclosure on Friday (July 25) that the majority of drug supplies entering Malaysia come through maritime routes. From 2020 to June 2025, MMEA recorded 117 drug-related seizures nationwide, valued at nearly RM200mil. "These are not small figures and every seizure saves thousands of lives from drug addiction. We will continue to intensify operations and intelligence work with other enforcement agencies to address this issue," he said. To boost enforcement capabilities, MMEA has deployed the KM Tun Fatimah patrol vessel in the South China Sea and stationed new-generation patrol boats at hotspot areas. The agency is also expecting the Ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast patrol ship in November, an AW189 helicopter in 2026, and a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Turkiye in 2027. "These assets will strengthen not just our physical capabilities but also our monitoring and operational readiness at sea," Mohd Rosli said, thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving the acquisitions through the Home Ministry. Saifuddin had earlier said that MMEA is responsible for securing 680,000 square kilometres of Malaysian waters. – Bernama
