Muhyiddin: Integrity, experience cornerstone for appointment of judges
"A judge with integrity will make decisions solely based on the law and justice, without fear or favour," the former Prime Minister said in a statement.
"Justice can only be upheld when the judiciary is independent and judges are of unquestionable integrity."
Muhyiddin said this principle is clearly outlined in Section 23(2)(a) of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act, which identifies integrity, competence, and experience as the main criteria for recommending judicial appointments.
He was commenting on purported JAC meeting minutes, which were recently leaked online. The documents have raised concerns over judicial independence involving a senior judge.
"These are serious allegations of abuse of power and interference in the judiciary," he said.
Muhyiddin said such conduct, if proven true, could severely damage the public's trust in the judicial system and jeopardise an individual's right to a fair trial.
"The judiciary is the final bastion of justice. If judgments can be influenced by those in power, how can the people be assured of fairness? If integrity is no longer a key consideration, there is a real danger that justice can be bought and sold."
He said the allegations must be thoroughly investigated, and corrective action must be taken to ensure future appointments are free from misconduct.
Earlier today, Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament Ramkarpal Singh called on authorities to investigate both the leak of the minutes as well as the contents of the documents, which contain allegations of judicial interference.
He said the serious allegations made against a judge in the minutes, if true, would severely compromise the judge's integrity.
Hundreds of lawyers are now marching from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister's Office in defence of judicial independence.
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