Govt to review JAC Act for clarity on judicial appointments
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said confirmed a special committee will be formed to examine the law.
The committee will include members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, alongside constitutional experts, legal practitioners, and academics.
Azalina highlighted the need for improvements, noting that while the JAC has overseen the appointment of five Chief Justices since 2009 without issue, recent confusion has prompted a review.
'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue,' she told reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance.
Azalina clarified that the JAC's role is advisory, not binding.
The commission screens, assesses, and recommends candidates to the Prime Minister, but final appointments must align with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
19 minutes ago
- The Star
Judicial picks expected today
PUTRAJAYA: An announcement regarding judicial appointments is expected today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured them all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. Anwar said he had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers yesterday morning. 'I think let them decide and tomorrow (today), hopefully, there will be an announcement that will clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,' he said in his speech at Malaysia's International Conference on Integrity and Governance here yesterday. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure. 'I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, it will prove this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,' he said, as reported by Bernama. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said noted that the government will review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 amid public confusion over the recent Chief Justice appointment process. She said a special committee will be set up, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners and academics. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue. 'Sadly, now there is an issue, so we have to study it. Where did the non-clarity or confusion come in? Is it the processes, or is it the wording of the Act?' she said to reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance here yesterday. She said the government had announced the implementation of a Comparative Study of the Judicial Appointment System by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department last week, as part of efforts to enhance transparency in the appointment procedure of superior court judges She said the study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the JAC's role and to also address issues raised by the Malaysian Bar. 'The government is always open to the views of all parties, including the Malaysian Bar, who will also be invited to join in this study, to ensure a more transparent, integrity-based and trusted judicial appointment system for the people. 'In addition, issues raised by the Malaysian Bar should be considered within the framework of the Federal Constitution, the Judicial Appointments Commission Act and other laws in force,' she said in a statement. On Monday, Azalina clarified that the JAC does not have binding authority in judicial appointments. She explained the JAC's primary role is to screen, assess and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court must ultimately comply with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
M'sia committed to eradicating graft: PM
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is eyeing a spot among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033, as part of a long-term national strategy to boost integrity and curb graft. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the target reflects the government's firm resolve to eradicate corruption, calling it not only a moral imperative but also a critical driver for inclusive and sustainable economic development. 'Corruption remains one of the most damaging threats to national progress, distorting fair competition, deterring investment and diverting funds away from essential sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare,' he said at Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. He added that corruption also inflates the cost of doing business, stifles innovation and creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages ethical businesses. Anwar said the government is adopting a whole-of-nation approach in its anti-corruption efforts, guided by the principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust. 'Our promise to end corruption is absolute.' He also emphasised that the problem is not confined to the public sector, urging corporate leaders to take responsibility and lead by example. 'We commend companies and business leaders who have taken the Corporate Integrity Pledge. 'We urge all businesses, especially SMEs, to embrace strong governance practices and help us build a national culture of integrity.' Anwar cited Malaysia's economic momentum, including the 4.4% GDP growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025, as evidence that clean governance and economic prosperity go hand in hand. 'An unwavering commitment to integrity will enhance our competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment and ensure inclusive growth, especially for youth and marginalised communities.' Also present at the conference was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said who said Malaysia's anti-corruption efforts are firmly anchored in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and aligned with global standards. 'These efforts are not just symbolic – they are structured to show Malaysians and the international community that Malaysia is walking the talk when it comes to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. 'This conference allows us to explore emerging tools like artificial intelligence in the fight against corruption, strengthen public-private partnerships for corporate integrity and re-centre the role of ethical leadership in rebuilding public trust.' She also highlighted the ongoing reform initiatives under the Legal Affairs Division, including the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 which seeks to restore democratic functions and institutional independence. 'These are not small steps. They are bold strides toward a more resilient and transparent Malaysia,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Why the fuss over judicial appointments system now, says Azalina
Azalina Othman Said said the Judicial Appointments Commission Act had been used without issue since 2009 until most recently. PUTRAJAYA : The recent controversy surrounding the judicial appointments system has left law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said wondering why there is now an issue when the law has been used since 2009 without fuss. 'The Judicial Appointments Commission Act, which has been passed and established since 2009, has been used in the appointments of five chief justices. There's never been an issue. Suddenly, now there's an issue,' she said today. 'We have to really study where the non-clarity or confusion came in. Is it the process or is it the wording?' However, she acknowledged that improvements could be needed. Azalina said a special committee will be established, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners and academics, to review the Judicial Appointments Commission Act. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective,' she said. Her remarks come a day after several hundred lawyers took part in a march in Putrajaya, calling for top judicial positions to be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. On Saturday, Azalina addressed concerns that Putrajaya had allegedly ignored recommendations by the Judicial Appointments Commission when it was headed by then chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. The recommendations were for the appointment of her successor and the next Court of Appeal president. Responding to criticisms over the delay in appointing senior judges, she said the commission's recommendations were not binding on the prime minister. However, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim had called for clarity over the issue, saying the prime minister was bound to forward the commission's recommendations to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Critics have said that although the commission was set up to act as a check on the prime minister's constitutional powers to advise the king on judicial appointments, the prime minister continues to hold significant influence as five of the commission's nine members are appointed by him. Separation of AG and PP On the long-awaited reform to separate the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, Azalina said the groundwork had been done. 'We have done the study. We are just fine-tuning certain points,' she said. The financial implications were still being reviewed as the Attorney-General's Chambers had said the restructuring would require financing. Earlier, a senior official of the legal affairs division said the final report on the study had been completed and would be presented to the Cabinet in a week or two.
