Latest news with #ChinTekMing
Malaysiakini
6 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Boosting judicial integrity, regional representation
LETTER | I, Chin Tek Ming, a practising lawyer based in Sabah, fully support the recent remarks made by former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, as reported by Malaysiakini on July 13. In the report, Latheefa urged for constitutional amendments to enhance the independence, integrity, and transparency of the judiciary - especially through reforms to the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC). Her call is both timely and necessary. Our judiciary faces a credibility crisis that demands urgent institutional reform. Most notably, the recent leak of the JAC meeting minutes has seriously undermined public confidence in the impartiality and transparency of judicial appointments. When such sensitive internal discussions are exposed, it not only damages trust in the institution but also exposes the vulnerability of judicial independence to political or external influence. Further compounding this concern is the retirement of two top judges without term extensions, despite precedent suggesting otherwise: Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, the chief justice, retired on July 1, without a six-month extension. Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, the Court of Appeal president, retired on July 2, also without an extension. These abrupt transitions raise pressing questions about the continuity, independence, and succession planning within the judiciary. Greater Sabahan representation In light of these developments, I wish to reaffirm my earlier public statement published on Malaysiakini on June 9, which called for greater Sabahan representation in the higher judiciary and the JAC. As Malaysia continues to mature as a federation, it is vital that the spirit and terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are respected and realised, particularly in key national institutions. I reiterate the following points: Judicial appointments must reflect regional balance, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. The omission of East Malaysian representation risks alienating a significant part of the Federation. The appointment of respected and experienced Sabahan jurists - such as Richard Malanjum and David Wong - to the JAC would enhance public trust, bring a regional perspective, and add legal wisdom to the selection process. The separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary must not only exist in principle but also be clearly seen in practice. Without visible independence and impartiality, the public's faith in the rule of law will continue to erode. In conclusion, I urge the government to take Latheefa's recommendations seriously and to ensure that any forthcoming constitutional amendment includes provisions that promote judicial independence, public accountability, and regional inclusivity, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. Only through such reforms can we rebuild confidence in our legal system and uphold the foundational democratic principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Boosting judicial integrity, regional representation
LETTER | I, Chin Tek Ming, a practising lawyer based in Sabah, fully support the recent remarks made by former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, as reported by Malaysiakini on July 13. In the report, Latheefa urged for constitutional amendments to enhance the independence, integrity, and transparency of the judiciary - especially through reforms to the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC). Her call is both timely and necessary. Our judiciary faces a credibility crisis that demands urgent institutional reform. Most notably, the recent leak of the JAC meeting minutes has seriously undermined public confidence in the impartiality and transparency of judicial appointments. When such sensitive internal discussions are exposed, it not only damages trust in the institution but also exposes the vulnerability of judicial independence to political or external influence. Further compounding this concern is the retirement of two top judges without term extensions, despite precedent suggesting otherwise: Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, the chief justice, retired on July 1, without a six-month extension. Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, the Court of Appeal president, retired on July 2, also without an extension. These abrupt transitions raise pressing questions about the continuity, independence, and succession planning within the judiciary. Greater Sabahan representation In light of these developments, I wish to reaffirm my earlier public statement published on Malaysiakini on June 9, which called for greater Sabahan representation in the higher judiciary and the JAC. As Malaysia continues to mature as a federation, it is vital that the spirit and terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are respected and realised, particularly in key national institutions. I reiterate the following points: Judicial appointments must reflect regional balance, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. The omission of East Malaysian representation risks alienating a significant part of the Federation. The appointment of respected and experienced Sabahan jurists - such as Richard Malanjum and David Wong - to the JAC would enhance public trust, bring a regional perspective, and add legal wisdom to the selection process. The separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary must not only exist in principle but also be clearly seen in practice. Without visible independence and impartiality, the public's faith in the rule of law will continue to erode. In conclusion, I urge the government to take Latheefa's recommendations seriously and to ensure that any forthcoming constitutional amendment includes provisions that promote judicial independence, public accountability, and regional inclusivity, especially for Sabah and Sarawak. Only through such reforms can we rebuild confidence in our legal system and uphold the foundational democratic principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Chin defends participation in rally
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Chin said he was not present during the caricature burning incident at Lintasan Deasoka and did not support such action. Kota Kinabalu: Lawyer Chin Tek Ming defended his participation in the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally. He questioned what was wrong with exercising his constitutional right to support anti-corruption efforts and provide legal guidance to the students. Speaking after being questioned by Kota Kinabalu police headquarters regarding the rally held on June 21-22, Chin said: 'Citizens have the right to voice concerns about State Government failures and support students demanding justice.' He said he was not present during the caricature burning incident at Lintasan Deasoka and did not support such action. He expressed concern over the ongoing water supply issues affecting students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), which he cited as a primary motivation for the demonstrations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Warisan legal advisor launches anti-corruption campaign, urges caning for offenders
Chin (third right) at the launching of the anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Sabah-based lawyer and Parti Warisan (Warisan) legal advisor Chin Tek Ming launched a bold anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday, calling on the government to introduce caning as an additional punishment for corruption. The launch featured effigies labeled with signs reading 'Severely Punish Corruption, Caning Awaits.' Members of the public were invited to symbolically cane the effigies representing corrupt individuals — a move that drew enthusiastic participation from onlookers. Chin reiterated his earlier call for amendments to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694), arguing that existing penalties of imprisonment and fines have failed to deter corruption, particularly among political leaders and civil servants. 'Corruption cases continue to surface unabated. Clearly, the current punishments are not enough,' he said. 'In China, punishment depends on the severity of the crime, and can even include the death penalty. Malaysia upholds human rights — so at the very least, caning should be introduced as a stern warning.' He was joined by former political secretary and aide to the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Pritchard Gumbaris, and Yong Tain Vui, all of whom voiced full support for harsher penalties including caning for corrupt officials. 'Corruption by politicians is worse than theft,' they said. 'It not only undermines the economy but also sends a dangerous message to future generations.' Describing the event as an 'awakening campaign,' they stressed the need to strengthen existing laws to tackle what they view as an escalating crisis in the state. In addition to the symbolic protest, Chin also offered free legal consultations to the public during the event.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah Warisan lawyer calls for caning as punishment for corruption
Chin Tek Ming (third right) with supporters during his anti-corruption campaign launch on Gaya Street. KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah lawyer has called for the introduction of caning as a punishment for corruption as current penalties are ineffective in deterring offenders. Parti Warisan legal advisor Chin Tek Ming launched an anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday (June 15), advocating for tougher laws including physical punishment for those found guilty of graft. As part of the campaign, Chin's team displayed effigies labelled with signs such as "Severely Punish Corruption, Caning Awaits" and invited the public to strike the figures with rattan canes, an act that drew enthusiastic participation. He renewed his call for amendments to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) to include caning as an additional penalty, citing the persistent emergence of high-profile corruption cases involving political leaders and civil servants. 'The current provisions of imprisonment and fines are clearly ineffective. In China, penalties for bribery and corruption can go as far as the death penalty depending on severity,' he said. 'Malaysia upholds human rights, so we're not suggesting anything extreme. But at the very least, caning should be considered to serve as a strong deterrent,' added Chin. Former political secretary Pritchard Gumbaris and Yong Tain Vui both joined Chin, saying that stronger penalties need to be handed down to corrupt individuals. They said corruption by public officials is more damaging than theft as it not only cripples economic progress but also sends the wrong message to future generations. 'This is an awakening campaign,' they said. 'Corruption in our state is worsening, and the only way to curb it is by strengthening the law — including through the introduction of caning.' During the event, Chin also provided free legal consultation to the public.
