
MCCBCHST seeks clarity on judges' tenure
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Facebook)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to clarify whether he referred the names of three top judges for tenure extensions to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, as required under Article 125 of the Federal Constitution. In statement dated July 4, the interfaith council referred to the Prime Minister's recent remarks that procedures must be followed for extending judicial tenures, emphasising that such extensions are not automatic and involve the commission, the Prime Minister, and the King. However, MCCBCHST highlighted that while Article 125 allows for up to a six-month extension beyond the age of 65, the process must be initiated by the Prime Minister and approved by the King — not the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), which only handles judicial appointments. The council questioned whether the Prime Minister submitted the names of outgoing Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal President Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, and Federal Court Judge Nallini Pathmanathan for extension. If he did not, they asked why, and what the King's decision was on the matter. MCCBCHST stressed that 'merely outlining the procedure is insufficient' and called for transparency in the actual decisions made, especially given the routine practice of granting brief extensions to allow judges to complete pending judgments. On a separate but related issue, the council expressed strong support for the establishment of a tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct by a senior judge. According to media reports, the judge was summoned by the JAC in May 2025 to respond to accusations of interference in judicial appointments dating back to 2024. A subsequent police report was filed by a subordinate, who also raised concerns about the alleged leak of sensitive information related to the proceedings. MCCBCHST said the allegations, if true, represent serious judicial misconduct and potentially criminal behaviour under both the Judicial Appointments Commission Act and the Penal Code. Section 34 of the JAC Act provides for penalties of up to RM100,000 in fines or two years' imprisonment for individuals who improperly influence the commission. The council backed calls by the 'Defend Judiciary' Secretariat to establish a formal tribunal under Article 125(3) and (4) of the Federal Constitution. Given that Chief Justice Tengku Maimun's tenure ended on July 1, MCCBCHST said the responsibility now lies with the Prime Minister to advise the King on the formation of the tribunal. 'We urge the Prime Minister to act urgently. He has repeatedly pledged to protect judicial independence and refrain from interference,' the council said in a statement. 'This is the moment to uphold those commitments.'
MCCBCHST also reiterated its hope that public clarification from the Prime Minister will dispel rumours and speculation surrounding the nonextension of the judges' tenure and demonstrate a clear commitment to judicial transparency and accountability.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Thai, Cambodian leaders to meet in Malaysia for ceasefire consultation
BANGKOK: The Thai government has confirmed it will attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia tomorrow to discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the current Asean chair, has invited the Thai leadership to discuss the Thai-Cambodian conflict. "Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead the Thai delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defence Minister General Natthaphon Nakpanich, and other senior officials, to attend the consultation at the Prime Minister's Office in Malaysia," he said in a statement today. He added that it has also been confirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will personally attend the consultation at the invitation of the Asean chair. Jirayu said the Thai delegation is scheduled to depart from the Royal Thai Air Force base at approximately 10.30am, with the meeting set for 3pm (Malaysian time). "The purpose of these talks is to listen to proposals that may lead to informed decisions and ultimately restore peace. "The Thai government remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand," he said. On Friday, Anwar also held separate discussions with both the Thai and Cambodian leaders, urging them to agree to an immediate ceasefire. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed deep concern over the clashes on Friday, likewise urged both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue. The border dispute between the two nations escalated on July 25, leading to armed clashes along Cambodia's northern border region. The latest hostilities have reportedly resulted in over 20 fatalities on the Thai side. At the same time, Cambodian authorities said that five soldiers and eight civilians have been killed, with thousands displaced on both sides of the border. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been rising since May 28, following a confrontation between soldiers near the disputed Preah Vihear border area, which led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have long contested an 817km undemarcated stretch of their shared border, which has remained a persistent source of tension and diplomatic strain. – BERNAMA


New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Hajiji: GRS chose unity govt after Borneo cooperation dismissed by past 'prominent leader'
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chose to support the unity government after feeling disappointed with a 'prominent leader', said its chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. "I had an experience with Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan when we met 'a prominent leader' in Kuala Lumpur. "That person said they were the 'master' and expressed dislike towards the idea of a 'Borneo Bloc'. "He also did not want us to share our experience and story with our neighbour, Sarawak. "I was shocked by those words. It took me some time to think about it and to understand what he meant. "I felt so disheartened by them. After much reflection, I decided that GRS should support the unity government," he said during his winding-up at Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual general assembly at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. Hajiji, who is also Gagasan president, clarified that the 'prominent leader' is not part of the unity government. The state chief minister said GRS would continue to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as he had introduced many initiatives and upheld rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. "If the unity government is good for the state, why shouldn't we support it?" Commenting on his visit to Jakarta with Anwar tomorrow, he said the trip would include discussions with the Indonesian government on development matters related to the Sulawesi Sea. Hajiji also gave his assurance that the Sabah government would continue to pursue the state's entitlement to 40 per cent revenue, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.


New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Hajiji: GRS chose unity govt after Borneo cooperation dismissed by 'prominent leader'
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chose to support the unity government after feeling disappointed with a 'prominent leader', said its chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. "I had an experience with Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan when we met 'a prominent leader' in Kuala Lumpur. "That person said they were the 'master' and expressed dislike towards the idea of a 'Borneo Bloc'. "He also did not want us to share our experience and story with our neighbour, Sarawak. "I was shocked by those words. It took me some time to think about it and to understand what he meant. "I felt so disheartened by them. After much reflection, I decided that GRS should support the unity government," he said during his winding-up at Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual general assembly at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. Hajiji, who is also Gagasan president, clarified that the 'prominent leader' is not part of the unity government. The state chief minister said GRS would continue to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as he had introduced many initiatives and upheld rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. "If the unity government is good for the state, why shouldn't we support it?" Commenting on his visit to Jakarta with Anwar tomorrow, he said the trip would include discussions with the Indonesian government on development matters related to the Sulawesi Sea. Hajiji also gave his assurance that the Sabah government would continue to pursue the state's entitlement to 40 per cent revenue, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.