Latest news with #Azalina
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Tuesday (July 15)
Malaysia Freedom of Information Bill expected to be tabled by year-end, says Anwar Teen hands over mother's jewellery worth RM140,000 to scammers Cabinet yet to receive official memo on US ambassador pick, says Fahmi Maori community can be a model for Orang Asli tourism, socio-economic development, says Zahid Fighting corruption boosts economic growth, ensures national harmony, says Anwar Integrated Asean supply chain key to tackling US trade policies, says Liew Govt to review Judicial Appointments Commission Act, says Azalina KL ranks 12th globally in QS Best Student Cities 2026 Border control agency tightening security at transit zones to prevent illegal entry Anwar expected to announce judicial appointments July 16 Malaysia to host Smart City Expo KL 2025 in September Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong honours Sabah, reaffirms commitment to Asean Malaysia's economic model must be readjusted to withstand external pressures, says HR minister MACC nabs two Bangladeshis linked to 'counter setting' syndicate Rock legends Deep Purple are back in Kuala Lumpur after 15 years for a super concert at Mega Star Arena on Nov 23 University stabbing suspect remanded for four days Two Chinese nationals killed in crash on NSE near Tapah MAHB enhances KLIA T1 with RM30mil upgrades to improve passenger experience In the heart of Sabah, Danum Valley is a living jungle like no other No evidence of AI chip smuggling found, says Zafrul Japanese multinational to invest RM500mil in mall expansion in Seremban 2 Tourists can plan their journey around KL with this handy guidebook Loke: PM to announce new Chief Justice after obtaining Malay Rulers' consent Mara to sponsor 100 students bound for NZ varsities S'wak exploring strategic tie-ups in utilities, space industry in China Bali ferry tragedy: Wisma Putra confirms M'sian's death, says all consular processes concluded 'Superman' Syed Saddiq attends birthday party of Bella Astillah's children Singapore Singapore intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes Singapore researchers get S$25mil grant to screen, treat lung cancer in Asian patients Actor-artist Chen Xi marries Japanese girlfriend in Singapore Singaporean actress Sheila Sim takes hair-cutting course after giving daughter 'awful' haircut S$10mil Toto results to be announced on July 17; no winners in past three draws Thailand Supreme Court hears fourth session on Thaksin's hospitalisation during sentence Thailand delays tourist entry fee till 2026 Golf, the femme fatale embroiled in sex scandal with monks, faces arrest over embezzlement of temple funds Suspended Thai PM asks court for more time to respond to ethics case Thailand unexpectedly delays naming new central bank chief Thai police submit sedition case against Hun Sen to prosecutors Thailand's changing cannabis rules leave farmers in a tough spot French President Emmanuel Macron, right welcoming Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto at the Elysee Palace in Paris n July 14. - AP Photo Indonesia Indonesia rescues 11 who swam for hours to survive boat capsize Search extended for 17 missing victims in Bali Strait ferry tragedy Indonesian diva and pop princess Bunga Citra Lestari to jive stage with Jaclyn Victor and violinist Dennis Lau for 'love concert' in KL Indonesia trains migrants workers as cultural ambassadors abroad Philippines Magnitude 5.8 earthquake strikes Luzon, Philippines Cops raid online lending company in Pasig City, nab 168 employees Reforms could help transform Philippines into middle-class society by 2040: World Bank Search for missing Philippine cockfighting enthusiasts in Taal Lake to take six months: Remula Vietnam Vietnam's capital to help residents switch to electric vehicles SpaceX expected to launch Starlink services in Vietnam from fourth quarter German customs officials find 1,500 tarantulas hidden in biscuit packaging from Vietnam Vietnam's former top health official prosecuted in dual bribery scandals Cambodia Archaeologists restoring ninth brick tower of Bakong temple in Cambodia's famed Angkor park Defence minister demands public apology for assault on Cambodian soldier at Ta Mone Thom Cambodian ministries going digital with e-invoice platform Myanmar Four consecutive earthquakes strike within hours in Myanmar Myanmar welcomes over 500,000 foreign tourists in H1 2025 Laos Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar to release 100 million fingerlings into rivers Laos moves toward integrating digital ID systems Brunei Brunei Sultan announces landmark reforms and digital transformation on 79th birthday Brunei's lion dance troupe to 'roar' at world championships China is experiencing a relentless heatwave, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 deg C in parts of the country as residents prepare for the summer season to reach its peak on July 20. - AFP Aseanplus Australia sidesteps US tensions to seek closer China trade ties Hong Kong opens probe into AI-generated porn scandal at university China's Xi vows greater support for Russia as he meets Lavrov Pilot groups reject claims of human error in Air India crash Japan man sells Ferrari to fund shelter for 'taxing' dogs, repay pet that saved his life Heatwave sweeping across China could be unprecedented Parent of top student, teacher break into South Korean school to steal exam papers Typhoon Nari makes landfall over Japan's Hokkaido Teacher, teen arrested at Hong Kong airport in 'Ice', ketamine drug cases China steps in as US pulls back from diplomacy, report says Elegant Fine Caviar: Malaysian-owned caviar from a sturgeon farm in China World's oldest marathon runner dies aged 114 in road accident Fringe party vows to put 'Japan First' to chip away at LDP rule China's Q2 GDP growth tops forecast even as US tariff risks mount Squid Game's tragic couple speak out on their harrowing on-screen relationship Tech takes centre stage as Chinese students weigh up major choices Fringe party vows to put 'Japan First' to chip away at LDP rule Astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary head for splashdown with NASA veteran Japan's ruling coalition seen losing upper house majority, polls show Australia looks to scrap surcharges on most card payments Nvidia's CEO says it has US approval to sell its H20 AI computer chips in China Lego doubling down on China market Japan launches government body to address concerns over foreigners Bangladesh struggles to contain the fallout of an uprising that toppled its leader last year 'Butter': the foodie feminist bestseller skewering sexism in Japan Japan ruling party support plunges ahead of national election in NHK poll HK actor Ray Lui's wife flaunts RM216k handbag while vacationing with husband in Europe Asian markets mixed as China's economy meets forecasts
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt to review JAC Act for clarity on judicial appointments
PUTRAJAYA: The government will reassess the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 following public uncertainty surrounding the recent Chief Justice appointment. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said confirmed a special committee will be formed to examine the law. The committee will include members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, alongside constitutional experts, legal practitioners, and academics. Azalina highlighted the need for improvements, noting that while the JAC has overseen the appointment of five Chief Justices since 2009 without issue, recent confusion has prompted a review. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue,' she told reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance. Azalina clarified that the JAC's role is advisory, not binding. The commission screens, assesses, and recommends candidates to the Prime Minister, but final appointments must align with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. – Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Gov't To Review JAC Act For Improvements
PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The government will review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 amid public confusion over the recent Chief Justice appointment process. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said a special committee will be established, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners and academics. "We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue. "Sadly, now there is an issue, so we have to study it. Where did the non-clarity or confusion come in? Is it the processes, or is it the wording of the Act?" she said to reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today. Yesterday, Azalina clarified that the JAC does not have binding authority in judicial appointments. She explained that the JAC's primary role is to screen, assess and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court must ultimately comply with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Former Bar president calls to amend JAC Act to give 'meaningful interpretation'
KUALA LUMPUR: The government should amend the Constitution to give the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 greater legal weight in the appointment of judges, says former Malaysian Bar Council president Salim Bashir. He said while the JAC Act 2009 had set out the procedural framework for judicial selections and recommendations, it should be given a "meaningful interpretation". "JAC Act 2009 is a federal law enacted under legislative power by virtue of Article 132(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution. "Though it sets out a procedural framework for selections of judges and recommendations, it should be given a meaningful interpretation that its existence is to complement the constitutional discretion bestowed under Article 122B(1) to the prime minister for recommendations and His Majesty for the appointment of judges. "Otherwise, it will certainly render the law redundant, repugnant to its objective and stamp absurdity to the working of rule of law and independence of judiciary," he said. Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that the JAC Act was not a binding provision in the appointment of judges. She said that such appointments were ultimately governed by Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, which empowered the prime minister to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers. She added that the JAC's role was to screen, assess and recommend names of judicial candidates, but its recommendations were not final or binding. Salim said if the government believes that the JAC Act did not provide any binding effect on the appointment of judges, then it should move to amend the Constitution. "Her (Azalina) statement has given impetus for legislative changes, and the government should consider amending the Constitution to give effect to the JAC Act on the appointment of judges. I am sure legislative members will render their support." Meanwhile, criminal lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent agreed with Azalina's constitutional interpretation, but cautioned against overlooking the JAC's intended role. "Yes, this is correct. Under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the prime minister retains full authority to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on judicial appointments. The JAC can recommend, but not decide. "Despite lacking binding authority, the JAC serves important functions. It provides professional vetting of candidates, ensures some degree of transparency in appointments and maintains records of the selection process. "Even though its recommendations are not binding, the JAC acts as an important institutional check against arbitrary or political appointments." Geethan said the JAC's primary task was to review potential judges based on their experience, skills and professional conduct. "They interview candidates and then suggest names to the prime minister. Although the JAC thoroughly documents the selection process, it has no authority to compel the prime minister to accept its recommendations or to require any explanation if they are disregarded. "In essence, the JAC handles the groundwork but holds no real influence over whether its suggestions are acted upon." He added that while Azalina's remarks were technically accurate, they failed to address the broader issue of judicial independence. "While Azalina's remarks are technically accurate regarding the constitutional framework, they overlook the original intent behind creating the JAC to reduce political influence in judicial appointments. "Her statement reflects the current legal reality but fails to address whether this system adequately protects."
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt to address Malaysian Bar concerns within constitutional framework
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has acknowledged concerns raised by the Malaysian Bar during the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' and pledged to address them responsibly within the Federal Constitution's framework. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasised the commitment to transparency in judicial appointments. Last week, the government announced a Comparative Study of the Judicial Appointment System, conducted by the Legal Affairs Division. This initiative aims to clarify the Judicial Appointments Commission's (JAC) role and resolve issues highlighted by the Malaysian Bar. Azalina stated, 'The government is always open to the views of all parties, including the Malaysian Bar, who will also be invited to join in this study, to ensure a more transparent, integrity-based and trusted judicial appointment system for the people.' She stressed that discussions must align with the Federal Constitution, the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009, and other existing laws. The Federal Constitution provides mechanisms to address judicial misconduct. Article 125(3) and (4) allows the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to form a tribunal for misconduct investigations, with judges potentially suspended on the Prime Minister's advice after consulting the Chief Justice. Additionally, Article 125(3A) empowers the Chief Justice to refer ethical breaches to the Judicial Ethics Committee under the Judges' Ethics Committee Act 2010. Azalina highlighted the Judges' Code of Ethics 2009 as a legally binding standard for judicial conduct, ensuring the judiciary remains free from external influence. 'This independence is essential to maintaining public confidence in the country's justice system,' she added. – Bernama
