Inconsistency in extensions could fuel debate on judicial independence, says Rafizi
Rafizi Ramli said if more than half of the Federal Court bench is set to retire, delays in court proceedings are a real concern.
PETALING JAYA : Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has cautioned that perceived inconsistencies in the upcoming retirements of top judges could intensify public debate on judicial independence.
Rafizi asked why Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who are set to retire tomorrow and the day after, respectively, were not granted six-month extensions, unlike four other Federal Court judges.
'If extensions were given to other judges but not to the chief justice and Court of Appeal president, it could worsen the ongoing debate about judicial independence,' he said in a statement today.
Of the seven judges due to retire over the next six months, four have been granted extensions: Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli, and Federal Court judges Zabariah Yusof and Hanipah Farikullah.
Rafizi, the Pandan MP, said his remarks were not political, but stemmed from concerns expressed by many in the legal profession who had personally reached out to him.
'It's a reasonable concern given the current situation, where the possible vacancy of over half the Federal Court bench could significantly slow down court proceedings,' he said.
He urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim not to dismiss concerns from the legal fraternity, saying they were rooted in institutional considerations.
Rafizi also said the public debate had been compounded by other recent decisions involving key appointments in enforcement agencies, leading to growing speculation and unease.
He warned that if not properly addressed, the issue could damage Pakatan Harapan's (PH) credibility.
'PKR and PH have long campaigned to defend judicial independence,' the former PKR deputy president said.
'It would be a tragedy if one day, PKR and PH are accused of weakening that very independence, giving rise to a new generation of youth determined to oppose us.'
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