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![[UPDATED] Anwar: No interference in judiciary amid calls to extend CJ's tenure](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FPManwar3006_1751246666.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
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New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: No interference in judiciary amid calls to extend CJ's tenure
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he has never interfered in judicial matters, including the appointment of judges, amid calls for the extension of the Chief Justice's tenure. "When someone retires, their service is not automatically extended," he said at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly. "Some asked if this is the prime minister's decision? But if one understands the Federal Constitution, they would know the process. "Just look at the recent appointments where they go to the King, then are presented for discussion with the Conference of Rulers. So all these procedures must be followed," he said. Several parties, including former Malaysian Bar president Christopher Leong and Bukit Gelugor Member of Parliament Ramkarpal Singh, have called for Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's tenure as Chief Justice to be extended. Her tenure ends on July 1. Anwar said he was committed to judicial independence and that the appointment of judges, which follows a strict constitutional process, should not be politicised to undermine the integrity of the institution. "When an institution that is supposed to uphold integrity and independence becomes politicised in this way, it loses its credibility. "So when one case is extended, it is labelled a betrayal, and when another is not, that too is called betrayal." Anwar said he has avoided interactions with senior judges except for Tengku Maimun, and even then, these meetings were only for official purposes. "I have heard the issues that have been raised. But in all those meetings, I have never interfered in judicial matters. "Whatever decision they make is entirely theirs. I have never intervened. Yet even that has been politicised," he said. Commenting on recent discharge not amounting to acquittals (DNAAs), Anwar said there is a tendency among the public to judge judicial outcomes based on their political leanings. He referred to the DNAAs granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as well as the acquittal of Syed Saddiq Syed Abd Rahman. "In these two cases, I noticed people have differing views. They support the DNAA in one case but oppose it in another. "We must understand that there must be wisdom and careful consideration, and there is an independent judiciary in place. "And it is not my business. Whether I agree or not, my personal opinion is not the issue. We must respect the judges and the decisions they make," he said. Anwar said he did not want a repeat of the legal persecution he faced in the past. "We must remember to uphold the system, not according to political preferences, not based on group interests, and not under lobbying pressure."
Focus Malaysia
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Najib's DNAA sparks calls for AGC probe and judicial reforms
THE High Court's decision to grant former Prime Minister Najib Razak a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in the SRC International money-laundering case has sparked widespread criticism and calls for reform. High Court Judge K Muniandy cited prolonged delays since 2019, linked to 2014 offences, and the likelihood of further postponements, noting the DNAA does not prejudice the prosecution's ability to re-charge. Civil society group Aliran expressed dismay over the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) handling of the case, slamming its unpreparedness and claims that key documents were tied up in other trials as foreseeable 'This does not reflect well on the professionalism and competence of the AGC in recent years,' Aliran said, referencing Muniandy's remarks on repeated postponements. 'The reason provided left many speechless. Look at the public reaction and widespread incredulity. There is growing unease over the long list of failed prosecutions, with many prominent politicians granted DNAAs,' it added. Aliran held prime ministers accountable, stating, 'Because the AG is appointed based on the PM's advice, the current and recent PMs cannot escape ultimate responsibility.' UMNO's Puad Zarkashi called the ruling an embarrassment, questioning, 'Where is the AGC's credibility?' He added, 'The issue here isn't about refiling charges, but the reasons the discharge was granted. The (AGC's) weaknesses should be looked into.' Pejuang proposed a committee to review high-profile DNAA cases. Aliran urged reforms, including separating the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles, warning that public trust is eroding. —June 22, 2025 Main image: Al Jazeera
