Latest news with #SekretariatPertahanSistemKehakiman
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Group urges senior judge to recuse himself amid police probe
The group claims the police report alleges that the apex court judge pressured the chief justice to rule in favour of a political party and to transfer a High Court judge, among other demands. PETALING JAYA : A group concerned over allegations of judicial interference has urged a Federal Court judge to recuse himself from all cases amid an ongoing police probe. This comes after a subordinate of the judge in question filed a police report against a reporter from a news portal who had asked the judge to comment on the allegations of interference. The officer said the report was filed to urge the authorities to investigate how such information was leaked. The group, which calls itself Sekretariat Pertahan Sistem Kehakiman, said the senior judge should immediately stop hearing all cases. 'The mere existence of such allegations is sufficient to cast doubt on the oath of loyalty taken by any judge,' it said in a statement. 'The police must be given full and unfettered space to carry out investigations without any undue interference from any party, especially as the reputation and integrity of the judiciary are now the subject of public discussion,' it added. The group claimed the police report alleged that the apex court judge had pressured the chief justice to rule in favour of a political party and to transfer a High Court judge, among other demands. Yesterday, FMT reported that a senior judge had been summoned by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to answer claims of interference in the appointment of judges going back to last year. A source told FMT that there was a heated exchange in the JAC's meeting, claiming there was a split between those in the commission: one camp siding with the judge and the other wanting to throw the book. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat chairs the nine-member JAC. Other members include Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim, and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli. These four are members of the JAC by virtue of holding the top administrative positions in the judiciary. In February, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appointed senior Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof to the JAC. Last year, Anwar also appointed former attorney-general Idrus Harun, former Federal Court judge Zainun Ali, former Sarawak attorney-general Mahmood Abdul Rashid, and academic Hartini Saripan to the commission. FMT has reached out to the chief justice's office for comment.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Call for judge's recusal amid misconduct allegations
KUALA LUMPUR: A Federal Court judge at the centre of serious misconduct allegations must recuse himself from hearing any appeals or applications until a police investigation is completed, a group representing civil society and legal figures said today (June 25). The Sekretariat Pertahan Sistem Kehakiman said the judge should step aside in light of claims that cast doubt on his impartiality and risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary. "The judge must, with humility, withdraw from all proceedings while investigations are ongoing. These allegations are enough to taint the oath of loyalty taken by any member of the Bench," the group said in a statement today. The group issued the statement following the circulation of a police report which alleged that the judge had tried to influence the Chief Justice to rule in favour of a particular party. It was further claimed that he requested the transfer of a High Court judge who had presided over a case and disagreed with his views. "This matter is extremely serious. "Even though the allegations remain unproven, they strike at the very heart of judicial integrity." The judge has also been named in a leave application to initiate committal proceedings and reported to the authorities over possible offences under Sections 204 and 209 of the Penal Code. The allegations are linked to the case commonly referred to as the Najib Razak Addendum Decree. The group said the police must be allowed to investigate freely and without interference from any party. "The integrity and dignity of the judiciary have become a matter of public discussion. The police must be given full space to carry out their duties," it said. It stressed that the judiciary must act in defence of the rule of law, and must be seen to do so. It urged the Judicial Appointments Commission to exclude the judge's name from any recommendations for appointment to higher judicial office, including Chief Judge of Malaya, President of the Court of Appeal, and Chief Justice, until the police report is fully dealt with. The group reminded the media of its role in asking the right questions and ensuring the public is kept informed of ongoing developments. It also expressed regret over any attempts to pressure the media, if such efforts are in fact taking place. "All Malaysians, regardless of background, have a responsibility to monitor the appointment process of key public positions to ensure they are not compromised by an overly powerful executive," it added. The secretariat said it would continue to update the public through the media on any further actions it would take.
