PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has called on the government to urgently implement four key reforms aimed at strengthening judicial independence and improving the process for appointing judges.
The call comes in light of the upcoming simultaneous retirement of nine Federal Court judges, including the Chief Justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.
PN Chief Whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan stressed that any interference in judicial appointments would undermine public trust and risk repeating past judicial crises.
“In view of this, PN urges the Madani Government to prioritise the implementation of four key demands to safeguard the independence of Malaysia’s judiciary in the future,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Firstly, PN calls for the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to be granted full autonomy in its functions without any political pressure.
“The appointment of judges, including the Chief Justice, must be based on merit, integrity and experience—not political affiliations,” he added.
Takiyuddin, who is also PAS Secretary-General, further proposed the establishment of a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee to monitor judicial appointments professionally and impartially, without violating the principle of separation of powers.
He also demanded a public commitment from the Prime Minister to refrain from interfering in the appointment process.
“PN emphasises that executive interference in judicial matters is clearly contrary to the Federal Constitution,” he said.
The Kota Bharu MP also urged the government to review the 1988 amendment to Article 121 of the Federal Constitution, arguing that it is necessary to restore the judiciary’s original powers as a co-equal branch of government.
Takiyuddin referenced a recent statement by Tun Tengku Maimun, who recalled the 1988 Judicial Crisis as a warning that even the perception of political interference could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
“This wave of retirements is no ordinary transition—it is the greatest test of the judiciary’s institutional integrity. We must learn from history and avoid repeating past mistakes,” he stressed.
He concluded by asserting that judicial independence is not optional, but a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
“Without a free and fair judiciary, the nation risks constitutional crises and legal instability.
“PN will continue to play its role as a check and balance to defend the dignity of the judiciary from political shadows or any resurgence of constitutional betrayal,” he said. - June 17, 2025
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