logo
Mechanisms to probe judges exist under constitution, says Azalina

Mechanisms to probe judges exist under constitution, says Azalina

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said judicial independence is vital to maintaining public confidence in the justice system. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA : The government today reminded all parties that the Federal Constitution outlines clear mechanisms for dealing with judicial misconduct amid concerns over judicial interference and integrity.
Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said Articles 125(3) and (4) empower the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to establish a special tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct against judges, on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the chief justice.
She said additional safeguards are provided under Article 125(3A), which allows the chief justice to refer breaches of ethics to the Judicial Ethics Committee, and Article 125(3B), which supports a written code of conduct, currently the Judges' Code of Ethics 2009.
'This framework ensures that the judiciary remains free from political or external influence, thereby upholding the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law,' Azalina said in a statement today.
'The executive and legislature have no power to interfere in issues of judicial ethics. This is essential to maintain public trust in the justice system.'
Azalina said the government acknowledged the concerns raised by the Malaysian Bar during yesterday's judicial independence march and pledged to address them transparently and in accordance with the law.
She said the Bar would be invited to contribute to an ongoing comparative study on judicial appointments, led by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department, together with select committees from the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
'Furthermore, the concerns raised by the Malaysian Bar must be examined in accordance with the Federal Constitution, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, and all other applicable laws,' she said.
A document allegedly containing excerpts from a JAC meeting held in May went viral on social media last weekend, raising concerns from various parties.
The extract of the purported minutes said that the former chief justice had raised concerns about the integrity of a candidate for an administrative post in the judiciary.
Claims were made that the judge in question had once attempted to influence the outcome of a case in favour of a specific party, and had sought the transfer of a fellow judge for holding a differing view.
Police are investigating the alleged leak of the JAC meeting minutes under the Official Secrets Act and two other laws.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Govt launches 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia' initiative to boost patriotic spirit
Govt launches 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia' initiative to boost patriotic spirit

New Straits Times

time4 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Govt launches 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia' initiative to boost patriotic spirit

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry, through the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM), has introduced the "Anak Merdeka Malaysia" initiative to ignite patriotic spirit in conjunction with this year's National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations. It said the programme also aims to honour Malaysians born on two of the nation's most historic dates – August 31 and September 16 – as a symbol of the country's struggle, independence and unity. Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said in the statement that the initiative is not merely about celebrating birthdays, but also about recognising the profound meaning those dates hold in strengthening national identity and patriotism. "Through 'Anak Merdeka Malaysia', we are not only celebrating their birthdays, but also uniting the voices of the people under one national identity. "This is the true face of Malaysia Madani – a nation that honours its history, nurtures hope, and unites its people," said Aaron. According to the ministry, registration is now open to all Malaysian citizens who share a birthday on either of these two historic dates, regardless of background, age or ethnicity. The statement added that those who register will be given the special opportunity to take part in various activities during the official national-level celebrations, receive commemorative gifts, and be honoured as symbolic national heroes representing the spirit of Malaysian unity. "The ministry calls on all Malaysians to help spread this information to family members, friends and local communities, so that more people can be celebrated as part of the Merdeka legacy. "This is our chance as citizens to strengthen patriotism through inclusive and meaningful participation," it said in a statement yesterday. – Bernama

Ceasefire: Hun Manet says brilliant results in achieved in Putrajaya
Ceasefire: Hun Manet says brilliant results in achieved in Putrajaya

New Straits Times

time5 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Ceasefire: Hun Manet says brilliant results in achieved in Putrajaya

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed the ceasefire as a "brilliant result" and thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his efforts to initiate the peace talks in Putrajaya today. The Malaysia-initiated special meeting between Thailand and Cambodia to resolve the ongoing military confrontation along the border areas of the two countries ended on a positive note. Both nations agreed to end fighting at midnight on Monday, a major step towards reducing tensions and restoring peace and security. "A brilliant result of the meeting, and I thank Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for taking the initiative to coordinate and host the meeting. "I believe that this ceasefire agreement between the Cambodian army and the Thai army is a key basis for building mutual trust and improvement of the situation towards normalcy in the future," Manet said on his Facebook posting upon his return from Malaysia this evening. Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met for the first time since tension broke out between the two neighbours on July 24. Cambodia and Thailand were dragged into a diplomatic crisis following the armed conflict in the northern part of the Kingdom. In his posting, Manet also thanked the United States President Donald Trump and the Chinese government for their support of the ceasefire efforts. Over 80,000 people have been displaced, while 13 people, including soldiers and civilians, have lost their lives since the conflict erupted last Thursday. – Bernama

Anwar applauded by US for brokering Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire
Anwar applauded by US for brokering Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

New Straits Times

time5 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Anwar applauded by US for brokering Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) has commended Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership in brokering the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand announced on Monday. "We are grateful to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks," he said in a statement released by the State Department late on Monday. Rubio urged Thailand and Cambodia to fully honour their commitments to end the conflict and prevent further escalation along their disputed border. "President Donald Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commitments to end this conflict." Rubio said the US will remain committed to and engaged in the US-Malaysia-organised process to end the conflict. "We urge all parties to follow through on their commitments," he added. Earlier, a special meeting, brokered by Anwar in his capacity as the current Asean chair, was held at the official residence of the Malaysian prime minister, the Seri Perdana Complex, in Putrajaya. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the special meeting, which began at 3pm. This is their first face-to-face encounter since tensions erupted between the two neighbours on July 24. The meeting lasted nearly two and a half hours. Also in attendance were United States (US) Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard Kagan, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing. The US was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China was an observer to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Anwar announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid rising tensions along their disputed border. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic rows over an 817km undemarcated stretch of their shared border. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between their troops near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. – Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store