KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders today echoed sentiments expressed by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on recent accusations against the judiciary going overboard.
A statement issued by the PH presidential council said the judiciary must be respected, remain independent, and never undermined by the government and its agencies.
The committee also reminded the current government of the contents in the memorandum of understanding (MoU), which highlights the integrity and sanctity of the judiciary.
“Hence, PH fully supports and will defend the freedom of the judiciary.
“We urge the federal government to ensure it continues implementing the contents of the MoU by ensuring that enforcement agencies do not violate the federal constitution and always respect the principle of judicial independence.”
The statement was signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah chief Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
The committee reiterated how the judiciary must at all times remain independent to serve as the backbone to the country’s rule of law, and ensure the existence of a democratic system that is trusted and accepted by the people.
This comes in response to reports of Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over allegations he was the recipient of unexplained wealth.
The investigation has attracted criticism from politicians and activists, who accused the MACC of being a political tool and for unsettling the legal and judicial fraternities. – The Vibes, April 28, 2022