logo
Judiciary not playground of partisan preferences

Judiciary not playground of partisan preferences

Malaysiakini11 hours ago
LETTER | Lately, there have been statements from various groups on the government's decision not to extend former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's tenure. She retired on July 1, 2025.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has criticised the government's decision not to extend Tengku Maimun's tenure, saying it signals a lack of consideration for the future of the country's legal system.
For weeks, before her impending retirement, questions had arisen among legal practitioners and politicians over the lack of an extension for her and an announcement of a successor.
The DAP came out late with a statement saying that the judiciary is of paramount importance, and reiterated its position that the extension' of the tenures 'would be consistent with the reformist agenda of the Madani government'.
It is obvious from these statements that Tengku Maimun has shown integrity and defends judicial independence.
The question is, does the Malaysian public's trust in the judiciary have to be confined to individuals, or would it be better if judges are able to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary?
Is the judiciary not a guiding light to the objectivity of constitutional principles?
What the public aspires for is not only judges with integrity but also for them to collectively safeguard constitutional principles that make the judiciary truly independent.
If this were the case, the retirement of the chief justice would not have been an issue to the people, since whoever comes after would carry on the torch of justice through a balanced and enlightened interpretation of the Constitution that protects the life and liberty of all Malaysians.
Therefore, the Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue believes that it would be wise for judicial appointments to be separated from the preferences of the prime minister or politicians who have their own agendas.
The judiciary is the carrier of holistic constitutional principles; it cannot be a playground of partisan preferences or ideological battles.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MyKiosk a failure in Donggongon
MyKiosk a failure in Donggongon

Borneo Post

time3 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

MyKiosk a failure in Donggongon

Pritchard PENAMPANG (July 6): The failure of the MyKiosk initiative in Donggongon, Penampang has raised serious concerns. Political secretary to Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Pritchard Gumbaris calls it a 'poorly planned, rushed and burdensome project that is failing the very people it was meant to help.' 'What was meant to empower small traders has become a showcase of neglect. The MyKiosk area is leaking, poorly located, lacks basic infrastructure like water and cleanliness, and traders are being charged up to RM350 per month after paying a RM1,050 deposit. This is not assistance — it's punishment,' he said in a statement on Sunday. Only two of 10 kiosks in Donggongon are in use. Pritchard revealed that upon inspection of 10 kiosks at the Donggongon site, only two were in use — while the rest were empty. 'This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. Traders are either unable or unwilling to operate in these conditions. Why build kiosks no one can use? This is a waste of public funds. 'One trader told me his kiosk leaks when it rains. MPP's (Penampang Municipal Council) response was to cover it with tape. He has no access to piped water and has to buy water daily from a nearby dispenser just to run his business. This is what they're forced to deal with. 'Some kiosks are placed far away near the riverbank at Jalan Kodundungan, where there's almost no foot traffic. Others must compete directly with long-time vendors at the Donggongon market. These location decisions are disastrous. The traders are set up to fail, and their security is also at risk in these isolated spots. 'Despite claims by the federal ministry that rental is capped at RM300, traders here are being charged RM350 monthly, plus RM1,050 deposit — all for substandard infrastructure with no water and no drainage. Where is the fairness in this?' he asked. Pritchard reminded the public that the majority of MPP councillors were appointed by DAP and UPKO, and elected assemblypersons — including those from the government bloc — sit in monthly MPP meetings. 'Why have these issues not been raised? Are they ignoring the suffering of the traders? These are their own constituents. Their silence is unacceptable.' 'Across the country, people are questioning the high cost of kiosk construction. When traders are left with leaking kiosks and no water — we have to ask: where did the money go?' 'These kiosks are within Kepayan constituency. These traders are her voters. As a DAP representative and colleague of Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Jannie Lasimbang must speak up and act. We cannot afford silent bystanders.' Pritchard also pointed out that there is not a single public dustbin at the kiosk site and the whole of Donggongon town. 'And yet we expect cleanliness? How can basic urban services be so badly neglected?' He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, MPP and relevant state authorities to act immediately: 1. Repair leaking kiosks and ensure they meet proper standards. 2. Install piped water access and improve drainage. 3. Provide public dustbins and regular cleaning of kiosk areas and Donggongon town. 4. Relocate kiosks in low-traffic and insecure zones. 5. Fully disclose the cost and contractors of kiosk construction. 6. Review and standardise rent and deposits fairly. 7. Ensure selection of genuine, local Penampang traders in need. 8. Hold local councillors and assemblypersons accountable for their role and inaction. 'The MyKiosk initiative was supposed to empower — not exploit — our people. Instead, it has become a glaring example of poor planning, failed oversight, and neglect. If the government truly champions micro-entrepreneurs, it must stop hiding behind press releases and start solving real problems on the ground,' added Pritchard.

Fahmi Leads Malaysian Delegation To WSIS+20 In Geneva
Fahmi Leads Malaysian Delegation To WSIS+20 In Geneva

Barnama

time6 hours ago

  • Barnama

Fahmi Leads Malaysian Delegation To WSIS+20 In Geneva

From Mohd Khairi Idham Amran GENEVA (Switzerland), July 6 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil will lead the Malaysian delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20), which will be held here from July 7 to 11. The Communications Ministry, in a statement today, said Malaysia's participation in WSIS+20 is part of the MADANI Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen an inclusive national communications technology ecosystem aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'This participation brings various strategic benefits to the country, including global recognition of Malaysia's leadership in expanding rural internet access, communication technology inclusivity, and initiatives to empower ICT literacy among citizens in line with the well-being values of Malaysia MADANI,' the statement said. According to the statement, Malaysia is also using the WSIS platform to showcase key initiatives such as the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) and National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), thereby strengthening its position as a regional leader in communication technology transformation. WSIS is a United Nations platform that brings together global leaders to leverage ICT for sustainable development, covering key components including the WSIS Action Lines – a framework comprising 11 ICT-related focus areas such as infrastructure, capacity building, cybersecurity and enabling environments. In addition, the WSIS Prizes recognise high-impact technological development projects, with 234 winners and 648 champions recognised since the awards were first introduced in 2012. During WSIS+20, Fahmi is also scheduled to hold more than 10 bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries such as the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Somalia, Greece, Russia, and Algeria, as well as a meeting with the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin. -- BERNAMA

Bangladesh says ready to cooperate with Malaysia in terror investigation
Bangladesh says ready to cooperate with Malaysia in terror investigation

Malaysia Sun

time7 hours ago

  • Malaysia Sun

Bangladesh says ready to cooperate with Malaysia in terror investigation

Xinhua 06 Jul 2025, 08:15 GMT+10 DHAKA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the Malaysian authorities in the terror investigation into the arrest of dozens of Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on alleged militancy charges. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement here Saturday that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has engaged with relevant Malaysian authorities, which announced last week the arrest of some Bangladeshis for alleged involvement in a radical militant movement. The ministry said the Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed. "Bangladesh once again reiterates its firm stand against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard," it said. Of the arrested individuals, according to the statement, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, it mentioned.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store