KUALA LUMPUR – Negri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has proposed that the power of the prime minister to appoint members of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) be removed to ensure the body’s independence.
Addressing the Conference of Malay Rulers’ 260th meeting this morning, His Majesty noted that at present, the prime minister has the authority to appoint five of the nine JAC members, with the remaining four comprising the country’s most senior judges.
He said this power to appoint should instead be passed on to other key relevant institutions with no personal interests.
“To ensure JAC is free in carrying out its responsibilities, I propose that the appointment of the five members not be done by the prime minister,” he said in his address, as the chair of today’s meeting, to the Malay rulers at Istana Negara.
“Instead, this power should be given to several institutions like the Bar Council, Sabah Law Society, Advocates Association of Sarawak, and the parliamentary select committee.
“With such a method, the membership of the JAC will be more balanced and will not champion the interest of any party.”
According to the JAC website, its functions include selecting suitably qualified people who merit appointment as judges of the superior court for the prime minister’s consideration, formulating and implementing the selection and appointment mechanisms, and to make other recommendations about the judiciary.
Tuanku Muhriz said his proposal to eliminate the prime minister’s role in the appointment of JAC members is based on his view that there currently are weaknesses in the process of appointing judges.
He also suggested that the structure of the commission be reviewed through discussions between the government, current JAC members, and the aforementioned legal institutions, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
“If all these are implemented, I’m confident JAC will be able to carry out its duties more effectively and ensure that the selection and appointment of judges are made from amongst noble, transparent, and fair individuals.
Among those present at today’s Conference of Malay Rulers meeting include the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his address, Tuanku Muhriz also urged the new government to defend and strengthen the principles of the Rukun Negara, saying the spirit and values of the declaration should be practised by all Malaysians, not merely being written on paper.
In this regard, His Majesty suggested for the pronouncement of the Rukun Negara to be carried out occasionally in suitable ceremonies.
“The recitation must also be led by appointed leaders, and no longer from among loud-voiced youth. This will prove that the government is serious in making the Rukun Negara the basis and guide for Malaysians.”
Separately, Tuanku Muhriz decreed for the new government to inculcate the spirit of togetherness among all citizens of different race, religion, and culture, and expressed his hope that leaders will cease playing up racial and religious issues to incite the public.
“I urge the government to make the best use of the present opportunity to drive the country to a higher level,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the keeper of the rulers’ seal said in today’s meeting, the Malay rulers were also briefed by the government’s top officials on the country’s present economic, security, and defence situation.
He said the briefing was done by Economic Planning Unit director-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah, and Royal Malaysian Air Force Commander General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
Additionally, the keeper said the rulers also discussed the appointments of the Public Services Commission deputy chairman, judges of the superior court, and board members of Malay College Kuala Kangsar. – The Vibes, November 30, 2022
