Here's why Anwar must step down
COMMENT | This statement is made in my personal capacity as a citizen responsible to uphold the Federal Constitution.
I call upon Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take an immediate leave of absence from his official duties or, as a matter of principle, offer his immediate resignation, pending the resolution of the civil suit filed against him by his former staff member, Yusoff Rawther.
As head of cabinet in a unity government, Anwar is mandated with exclusive power under Article 122 of the Federal Constitution in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the appointments of the Federal Court judges, Court of Appeal judges and High Court judges.
The constitution provides that the Agong must...
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Why target netizens over comments on PKR polls, says Rafizi
Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli claimed that the actions taken against the social media users were a form of intimidation. PETALING JAYA : Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has questioned the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police for taking action against several netizens who had commented on PKR's recently concluded party polls. Rafizi said he received numerous complaints from members of the public, who claimed they were being subject to various actions by the MCMC after posting comments on the PKR elections on social media. He said some of them were told that their content breached the law, while others were approached by MCMC and police officers for a 'meeting'. Some were also formally notified that they were under investigation and had their smartphones as well as SIM cards confiscated. Rafizi, who lost his PKR deputy presidency in last month's elections, claimed that most of the content under probe were simply people's personal views on the party polls, and did not breach any law. 'After going through these complaints, my view is that this is a form of intimidation to pressure the public so they would refrain from posting content on the PKR elections. 'I believe Prime Minister (and PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim and communications minister Fahmi Fadzil did not issue such an order. 'Perhaps there are certain characters, using the names of ministers, who ordered the MCMC or police to pressure the public, just because they had different views on the party elections,' he said in a statement. Rafizi, the Pandan PKR chief, urged the authorities to cease from carrying out any further action against the netizens involved. He said several lawyers have volunteered to represent the social media users pro bono to challenge the actions taken by the authorities. Rafizi had lost the PKR deputy president's post to Nurul Izzah Anwar last month, and later resigned as economy minister. He is currently on leave and will officially vacate his minister's post on June 17.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Warisan calls for more Sabahan representation in judiciary, JAC
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has called for greater Sabahan representation in the higher judiciary and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), raising longstanding concerns about East Malaysia's exclusion from key national decision-making bodies. The party's legal advisor, Chin Tek Ming, said it was deeply troubling that not a single Sabahan currently sits on the nine-member JAC, which is tasked with nominating judges to Malaysia's superior courts. "The judiciary must reflect the diverse fabric of Malaysia, inclusive of voices from East Malaysia," he said in a statement. "Strengthening Sabahan representation will enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of our judiciary and reaffirm our national unity." Chin said the upcoming retirements of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim in July make it even more urgent to address the imbalance. While he welcomed the promotion of former Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng to the Court of Appeal, Chin noted that such progress remains the exception rather than the norm. He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to appoint more Sabahans to top judicial positions, including seats on the JAC. Chin proposed that respected retired judges from Sabah, such as former Chief Justice Tun Richard Malanjum and former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah, be appointed to the JAC. He said their distinguished service and deep understanding of Borneo's legal, cultural, and societal context would bring critical value to the commission's deliberations. "Their inclusion would not only provide regional balance but also strengthen the judiciary with perspectives grounded in justice, integrity, and independence," he said. Chin also called for long-term reforms to address the persistent under-representation of Bornean judges at the appellate level. "We need a fairer system that recognises the imbalance in numbers between Peninsular and Bornean judges," he said. "Right now, Bornean judges are structurally disadvantaged in promotion pathways simply because they are fewer in number." To ensure equitable advancement, Chin urged the establishment of a fixed minimum number of judges from Sabah and Sarawak in the Court of Appeal and Federal Court. He also suggested that Bornean judges be assessed within their own promotion pools. He said such reforms would help retain Bornean judicial experience, especially in handling cases involving native laws, customary practices, and regional issues - areas requiring local knowledge and sensitivity. Chin further urged the government and judiciary to ensure that qualified Sabahans, including retired judges, are considered for all future appointments to the appellate courts and the JAC. "This would reflect the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and uphold the constitutional rights of Sabahans to participate fully in national institutions," he said. "There's no shortage of qualified Sabahan judges, past and present. What we lack is a mechanism to ensure they are fairly considered and promoted based on merit and experience."
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Fahmi Reza to sue government over ‘travel ban'
Graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza yesterday claimed an immigration officer informed him that Bukit Aman had denied him clearance to travel overseas. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza says he will sue the government after being barred from travelling abroad, despite there being no official travel ban against him. Fahmi made the decision after Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Razarudin Husain today said there was no travel ban on Fahmi, who was prevented from flying to Singapore yesterday. Fahmi yesterday claimed an immigration officer informed him that Bukit Aman had denied him clearance to travel overseas. 'No one in the government has taken responsibility for restricting my right to travel,' said Fahmi in a statement today. 'You say there was no official ban — but I was still prevented from leaving the country. My time and money were wasted, and now you're passing the buck.' Fahmi criticised the authorities, saying they are quick to prosecute citizens but unwilling to be held accountable themselves. 'This time, the people will take the government to court,' he added. Earlier today, Razarudin clarified that the police did not issue a travel ban against Fahmi and said the incident was the result of a 'misunderstanding' during a border check. Separately, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had instructed the police to investigate the matter, adding that the government supports individual freedom — as long as national security and laws are not compromised. Fahmi, known for his politically charged illustrations, was stopped at KLIA Terminal 2 yesterday while trying to board a flight to Singapore to attend a punk rock concert.
