Restore judiciary's standing as equal branch of govt
To ensure the judiciary remains independent at all times, Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution to its original form.
He said this would reinstate its position as an equal branch of the government.
'The government must also...
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New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
PN: Appoint judges based on merit, not politics
KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has called on the government to review Article 121 of the Federal Constitution with the aim of restoring the judiciary's original powers as a co-equal branch of government. PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said judicial independence is the foundation of a mature democracy and not merely an option. He said Malaysians have the right to a legal system that is upheld "without fear or favour" and one that acts firmly, fairly, and independently. This is one of PN's positions amidst the upcoming retirement of nine Federal Court judges, including the Chief Justice. He said the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) must be given the proper space to carry out its functions without any political pressure, especially from the executive. "Therefore, the names recommended must be based on merit, integrity, and seniority, not political connections or leanings," he said in a statement. He also called for the establishment of a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee to monitor the appointment process to ensure accountability without compromising judicial independence. Takiyuddin said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must also make an open commitment to act solely based on his role under the Constitution and relevant laws, and not interfere in the judicial appointment process and fully respect the doctrine of separation of powers. "PN (also) proposes that Article 121 of the Federal Constitution, which was amended in 1988, be reviewed with the aim of restoring the judiciary's original powers as a co-equal branch of government," he said. According to the Malaysian Bar Council, before the amendment, the Federal Constitution stated that judicial power was vested in the High Court of Malaya and the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak. However, after 1988 when the amendment was made, the jurisdiction and power of the court "may be conferred by or under federal law." Takiyuddin said these nine appointments are one of the greatest challenges and tests Malaysia's commitment to the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence. "The firm statement by the Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, recently, serves as a very important reminder. "She recalled the 1988 judicial crisis as the darkest moment in the country's constitutional history and warned that even the perception of political interference is enough to undermine public trust in the judiciary. "Although the establishment of the JAC in 2009 was seen as a reform, genuine transparency and independence in the appointment process remain in question and are once again being scrutinised. "With the upcoming appointment of a new Chief Justice and several other top positions, PN urges that this process be truly guided by the Federal Constitution and the relevant laws, and be entirely free from political influence or undue interference," he said. He added that it would be deeply regrettable if there is any truth to reports of improper disputes among JAC members during the appointment process for the highest positions in the judiciary. "Indeed, the decisions made today will determine the public's trust in the judiciary for decades to come. "Therefore, PN will continue to play its role as a responsible check-and-balance entity, defending the independence of the judiciary from any form of influence or a return to the dark days of constitutional betrayal," he said.
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Malaysiakini
Restore judiciary's standing as equal branch of govt
To ensure the judiciary remains independent at all times, Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution to its original form. He said this would reinstate its position as an equal branch of the government. 'The government must also...
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
S'gor PH dismisses Azmin's claim that PN can take over state govt
Selangor PH secretary Khairuddin Othman says PN will face an uphill battle to take over the state, as its assemblymen have failed to effectively serve their constituencies. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Selangor Pakatan Harapan (PH) has dismissed Azmin Ali's claim that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is capable of taking over the state government at the next polls. Azmin, the Selangor PN chief, recently said the coalition could seize control of the state by winning 10 additional seats at the next state election. PN currently holds 22 out of 56 seats in the Selangor state assembly. Speaking to FMT, Selangor PH secretary Khairuddin Othman said PN would face an uphill battle to secure enough seats as its assemblymen had failed to effectively serve their constituencies. Acknowledging PN's right to aspire to govern Selangor, Khairuddin nevertheless expressed confidence that voters would be wise enough to determine which coalition genuinely prioritises their well-being. He said many of the Selangor government's current programmes had boosted public confidence in the state administration, giving PH a strong chance of retaining its position in the next state polls. 'With our strong track record in public welfare, we're confident we will reclaim PN's marginal seats in Selangor – not the other way around,' he added. In the Selangor state election in August 2023, PH, in cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), secured 34 seats and successfully formed the state government. Khairuddin also reminded PH-BN coalition members to avoid 'shooting themselves in the foot' by openly criticising one another, warning that such behaviour would only erode public confidence in the alliance.
