
LFL tells govt staff to defy chief sec's rally warning, to provide legal aid
In a statement, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) director Zaid Malek labelled Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar's warning yesterday as 'unlawful' and a 'desperate move' by the government.

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Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
LFL rubbishes ex-chief judge's claim of pressure over constitutional ruling
LFL's N Surendran said judicial deliberation shouldn't be mistaken for interference. PETALING JAYA : Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has rubbished claims of judicial interference after a former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak said that a top judge pressured him to rule in favour of a litigant in a constitutional case against the federal government. Abdul Rahman Sebli, who retired last Thursday, claimed in his farewell speech that a 'very senior member of the judiciary' had emailed him, criticising his interpretation of the constitutional issue at hand. Rahman said judicial independence was not only about interference by the executive, but also about a judge's own peers in the discharge of judicial functions. In a statement today, LFL adviser N Surendran said such accusations were 'plainly wrong' and defied logic, particularly as the senior judge in question was part of the seven-member Federal Court panel hearing the case. 'How can a judge 'interfere' in a case which she herself was involved in deciding? Such a suggestion defies logic,' he said, without citing names. Surendran said unless someone outside the bench, such as from the executive, tried to influence the decision, it did not qualify as interference. He also argued that there was nothing 'sinister' about judges on multi-judge panels discussing cases and circulating draft judgments to persuade colleagues. 'In other words, there can be nothing wrong with any judge suggesting to his fellow judge in the same panel that his interpretation of the law is incorrect, and to try to change his position on it. 'This is part of the usual process of judicial decision-making, not just in Malaysia, but also of Supreme Courts in other common-law countries such as the UK or the US,' he said. Surendran also said it was 'strange' that a now former Federal Court judge was making a complaint that he was affected by 'peer pressure', adding that Federal Court judges enjoy security of tenure and constitutional protection. While acknowledging that judicial interference was a serious concern, Surendran warned against diluting its meaning. 'Judicial interference is a very serious matter. But it must not be confused with entirely appropriate and necessary internal processes of judicial deliberation,' he said.


The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
KSN Tan Sri Shamsul Azri receives DPPN award in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar described the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN) award conferred upon him as a driving force to further enhance public service delivery. The award, which carries the title 'Datuk Seri', was presented by Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib during an investiture ceremony at Dewan Seri Pinang. Shamsul Azri expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, 'This award further strengthens my resolve to improve the public service to a higher level of excellence.' He urged civil servants to remain dedicated in serving the nation and its people. Leading the list of 280 award recipients, Shamsul Azri was joined by Penang Malay Association president Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yussof Abdul Latiff and MMAG Holdings Berhad Executive Chairman Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador, who also received the DPPN. The four-day ceremony, running until July 30, will honour 150 individuals with state orders and 1,380 with medals and honorary titles. The governor's birthday celebration commenced with a 17-gun salute, parade inspection, and guard of honour before the awards presentation. - Bernama

Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
KSN: DPPN Award A Source Of Motivation To Further Elevate Public Service
GEORGE TOWN, July 26 (Bernama) -- Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar described the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN) award he received today as a source of motivation to continue strengthening and driving the public service towards greater heights. He conveyed his deepest appreciation to the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, for conferring the award, which carries the title 'Datuk Seri'. 'This award further strengthens my resolve to improve the public service to a higher level of excellence,' he said briefly when met by reporters after the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with Tun Ramli's 84th birthday celebration at Dewan Seri Pinang here today.