Latest news with #InternationalConferenceonGovernanceandIntegrity2025
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: Respect constitution in CJ's appointment
PUTRAJAYA: All parties should respect the constitutional process in the appointment of the new chief justice and refrain from making premature accusations or assumptions, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 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.
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Freedom of Information Bill expected to be tabled by year-end: PM
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Pic by Bernama PUTRAJAYA: The government is expected to table the Freedom of Information Bill by year-end to strengthen transparency and give the public real access to government decisions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ( pic ) said today. He said the bill is a vital step to building public trust and encouraging informed participation in the country's democracy. Advertisement "We will bring this law to Parliament by the end of the year so the public can hold us to account. "These reforms reflect our holistic and determined approach to building strong, fair and transparent institutions that serve all Malaysians with integrity," he said in his speech at the International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 here. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. Anwar said the government is also in the process of amending the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) to provide broader and more meaningful safeguards. "This includes removing previous exclusions that limited protection and establishing an independent Whistleblower Protection Committee to ensure effective implementation," he said. Meanwhile, speaking to the media after the conference, Azalina said both bills had been drafted. "We hope by next session (October), this session unable to make it. Everything is on track,' she said. In July last year, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran announced that the Freedom of Information Bill would grant all Malaysians access to information on any ministry or government agency. However, he noted that information on personal data, matters that threaten national security, defence and diplomatic relations would be excluded. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: Respect constitution in CJ appointment
PUTRAJAYA: All parties should respect the constitutional process in the appointment of the new chief justice and refrain from making premature accusations or assumptions, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 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.
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Judicial deadlock to end with Chief Justice appointment today
by HIDAYATH HISHAM THE prolonged impasse over the Chief Justice position is expected to conclude today, as the Conference of Rulers prepares to announce a new appointment. Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had held a lengthy discussion with the Conference yesterday and had left the matter entirely to their discretion. 'After more than 2 1/2 years in office, I have never discussed any case with any judge — not with the Chief Justice, nor with any other judge. 'I firmly uphold the principle of judicial independence. That said, I acknowledge there have been concerns expressed and I have taken note of them,' he said at the International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 yesterday. The position has been vacant since the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on June 30. The delay has raised concerns over possible interference in the judiciary, with the Malaysian Bar staging a march this week to deliver a memorandum urging the government to fill the vacancy and address three other demands. Anwar acknowledged that the controversy stemmed from the prolonged vacancy and public perceptions surrounding judicial appointments. He assured the public that there had been no undue influence and that no controversial names were submitted for consideration. 'I believe my colleagues in the legal field understand that we must act based on law and fact, not perception. 'We leave questions of perception to politicians. Only by doing this can we continue to govern the country effectively. 'God willing, tomorrow (today) there will be an announcement that will dispel all the negative perceptions that have spread,' he said. Anwar added that the Madani government had inherited a system plagued by corruption and weak governance, making institutional reform — including of the judiciary — necessary. He also addressed claims of political pressure influencing judicial matters. 'I hope this will not tarnish the position of the Bar Council, as they are guided by principle. Although I have firmly denied the allegations, some remain unsatisfied, perhaps due to political agendas. '(Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said knows, the Chief Secretary to the Government knows, that no controversial or questionable names were ever submitted to the Yang diPertuan Agong (YDPA) or the Conference of Rulers,' he said. Separately, Azalina said the YDPA is empowered under the Federal Constitution to establish a special tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct involving judges. She said the relevant provisions are outlined under Articles 125(3) and (4), and a judge under investigation may be suspended on the PM's advice, following consultation with the Chief Justice. 'Article 125(3A) also empowers the Chief Justice to refer any ethical breach to the Judicial Ethics Committee established under the Judicial Ethics Committee Act 2010 [Act 703]. 'Meanwhile, Article 125(3B) allows for the formulation of a written code of ethics to uphold high standards of conduct and integrity among judges,' she said in a statement.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM: Conference of Rulers expected to announce new Chief Justice today
PUTRAJAYA: The Conference of Rulers is expected to decide and announce the appointment of the new Chief Justice today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday. 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, here, yesterday. The prime minister also acknowledged public concern over the delay in appointing the chief justice and the negative perceptions surrounding the matter. "There is a perception that some appointments to key positions in the judiciary may appear to be compromised or tainted. "Certain candidates have reportedly been questioned or doubted by some quarters, but I can assure you that this is not the case. "And the names that have been questioned or viewed with suspicion were never even submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers. "So I am closing this chapter, and I hope, God willing, when the announcement is made, it will prove that the Madani Government is committed to reforms, including upholding the principle of judicial independence," he said. Additionally, he emphasised that he has never discussed any court cases with any judge, to preserve the principle of judicial independence. "I have never discussed any case with any judge, whether with the chief justice or other judges. I remain committed to the principle of judicial independence," he said.
