SEVEN national laureates have called for the rule of law to be upheld without fear or favour, stressing that no one should be beyond accountability and that every individual must enjoy equal protection under the law.
In a joint statement, the seven said the principle of the rule of law must be reflected in the way justice is administered, rather than remain a national ideal recited without being put into practice.
They said those in positions of power must be held accountable, while people without influence must not be denied their right to seek justice.
“No one should consider themselves too powerful to be held accountable, and no one should be so powerless that they are denied the right to justice,” the statement read.
It was signed by A Samad Said, Baharuddin Zainal, better known as Baha Zain, Muhammad Haji Salleh, Anwar Ridhwan, Zurinah Hassan, Siti Zainon Ismail and Rahman Shaari.
While the statement did not name any individual or refer to a specific case, it comes amid public debate over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest arrangement for the remainder of his sentence in the SRC International case.
Najib began serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest at his Jalan Langgak Duta residence on Nov 10, following a High Court decision allowing the arrangement until Aug 23, 2028.
The seven said a fair legal system must protect all sections of society, listen to ordinary citizens and ensure that justice is not reserved for those with the means or influence to obtain it.
“A just law protects everyone, not only those in power; listens to everyone, including ordinary citizens and the marginalised, not just the influential; and delivers justice to all, not merely those with the means to obtain it,” they said.
They also called for the principle of the rule of law, enshrined in the Rukun Negara, to be defended as one of the foundations of the country.
The laureates stressed that public confidence in the justice system depended on the consistent application of the law, regardless of an individual’s background, position or influence.
They also highlighted the responsibility of writers and the literary community to speak out on issues affecting society, saying their role should extend beyond creative expression and the preservation of language.
Literature, they said, must also stand for truth, justice and human values, particularly when these principles are challenged.
The statement ended with a reminder that the rule of law can only command public confidence when its protection and guarantees apply equally to everyone. – November 14, 2026
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