THE Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has only compounded growing concerns over judicial integrity with its recent statement, said Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, as he renewed calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to restore public trust.
Responding to the AGC’s comments issued following a press conference by nine KEADILAN MPs on Monday, Rafizi said the explanation inadvertently confirmed key points raised by the group, particularly around delays and procedural irregularities in the judicial appointment process.
Among the issues highlighted were delays in appointments, alleged inaction on recommendations by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), the convening of a JAC meeting without proper notice, and serious allegations involving a Federal Court judge influencing court decisions and reassignments—all of which were reportedly discussed within the JAC.
“While I welcome the AGC’s views, their statement affirms the very concerns we raised,” said Rafizi.
He questioned the AGC’s dismissal of these issues as insufficiently serious to justify fears of a judicial crisis or comparisons with the 2007 VK Lingam scandal.
“From the perspective of public trust, this only fuels the impression that the executive is seeking to influence judicial appointments to favour candidates more aligned with the government,” he said.
Although the Prime Minister holds constitutional authority over judicial appointments based on names submitted by the JAC, Rafizi said the delay in filling key judicial vacancies suggests disagreement with the commission’s recommendations.
“While such matters may be legally and procedurally justified as stated by the AGC, they must also be viewed through the lens of public perception,” he added.
He argued that public confidence in the judiciary is shaped not only by the mechanics of procedure, but by the perceived impartiality and integrity of the system as a whole.
“It is not the AGC’s place to determine whether these allegations are premature or speculative,” Rafizi said, noting that the AGC had itself acknowledged the JAC discussed claims involving a Federal Court judge.
He reiterated the need for an RCI to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring closure to what he called a nationally significant issue.
“Until these concerns are addressed, they will continue to damage the credibility of the Prime Minister and the government. For the sake of restoring public trust, it is wiser for the government to consider our suggestion than to leave the issue to be exploited by the opposition,” he said.
Rafizi concluded that true judicial integrity must be supported by widespread public confidence, not simply adherence to procedure. - July 8, 2025
