Lawyers gather at Palace of Justice to defend judicial independence
Despite overcast skies and a light drizzle, participants of the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' arrived in formal attire, donning suits and ties.
Malaysian Bar Council secretariats in safety jackets were seen distributing blue caps and preparing to guide the crowd for the 2.6km march.
Set to begin at 2pm, the demonstration saw the presence of several high-profile legal practitioners, including former Bar president Karen Cheah Yee Lynn, prominent human rights lawyer Siti Kasim, and Kota Baru member of parliament Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
Police were observed monitoring the perimeter of the gathering as the participants prepared for the march.
The march will culminate in the submission of a memorandum containing four key demands.
These include the immediate appointment of top judicial posts, the disclosure of Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting minutes, the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into alleged interference in the judiciary, and action on widespread judicial vacancies.
On July 12, Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad confirmed receiving an application from the Malaysian Bar to organise a march and peaceful assembly.
He said the application was submitted to the Putrajaya district police headquarters last Wednesday.
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