MIRI: In a bold move for judicial reform, Chief Justice Tengku Maimun has advocated for the removal of the prime minister’s authority to appoint judges, a stance echoed by Kelvin Hii, vice president of the Sarawak United People’s Party Youth Central.
Hii argues that significant amendments to the constitution are necessary to ensure that the judiciary remains free from political influence, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the law.
Hii asserts that while law and politics are inherently intertwined, the pursuit of fairness, justice, and credibility demands a degree of separation between the two.
He points out that since the prime minister is elected from a particular political coalition, their involvement in judicial appointments risks compromising the impartiality that judges require to uphold justice.
Speaking at the 24th Commonwealth Law Conference in St. Julian’s Bay, Malta, Chief Justice Tengku Maimun stressed the need for constitutional reforms to strengthen the framework governing judicial appointments.
Hii has voiced unwavering support for this proposal, calling on leaders from all political factions to transcend partisan divides in the interest of upholding judicial independence and fairness.
Since 2018, Malaysia has experienced a dynamic political landscape characterised by alternating governments.
In this democratic context, the potential for conflict and contention arises during the formation of government. Hii warns that keeping the prime minister’s role in judge appointments could lead to the judiciary being manipulated as a political instrument.
Removing this power, he argues, would better ensure the independence of the judicial system, reinforcing citizens’ fundamental rights and promoting an equitable society.
As the dialogue surrounding judicial independence continues, Hii’s advocacy for reform highlights the essential balance between law and politics, and the paramount importance of preserving the integrity of our legal institutions.
