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Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Duty to uphold independence of judiciary — Hafiz Hassan
JUNE 28 — Make no mistake that Malaysia has a duty to uphold the independence of the judiciary. It is not just that—it must guarantee such independence as enshrined in its Constitution and/or the law of the country. It is the duty of the government and other institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary. The above is the first principle of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary adopted by the Seventh United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders held at Milan from August 26 to September 6, 1985 and endorsed by General Assembly resolutions 40/32 of November 29,1985 and 40/146 of December 13, 1985. This year is the 40th anniversary of the principles. The second principle is the judiciary must decide matters before them impartially, on the basis of facts and in accordance with the law, without any restrictions, improper influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interferences, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason. The third is the judiciary must have jurisdiction over all issues of a judicial nature and must have exclusive authority to decide whether an issue submitted for its decision is within its competence as defined by law. Malaysia's duty to uphold the basic principles of independence of the judiciary does not impose on it the duty to extend the tenure of retiring judges notwithstanding their impeccable integrity. — Pexels pic The fourth is there must not be any inappropriate or unwarranted interference with the judicial process, nor must judicial decisions by the courts be subject to revision without prejudice to judicial review or to mitigation or commutation by competent authorities of sentences imposed by the judiciary, in accordance with the law. The fifth principle requires the judiciary to be entitled to ensure that judicial proceedings are conducted fairly and that the rights of the parties are respected. The sixth principle imposes a duty on each Member State to provide adequate resources to enable the judiciary to properly perform its functions. There are 20 principles in all. I do not wish to state all 20 principles, but allow me to add to the above, on qualifications and selection of judges. Persons selected for judicial office must be individuals of integrity and ability with appropriate training or qualifications in law. Any method of judicial selection must safeguard against judicial appointments for improper motives. In the selection of judges, there must be no discrimination against a person on the grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or status, except that a requirement, that a candidate for judicial office must be a national of the country concerned, must not be considered discriminatory. Malaysia's duty to uphold the basic principles of independence of the judiciary does not impose on it the duty to extend the tenure of retiring judges notwithstanding their impeccable integrity. The duty is to select and appoint judges of integrity and ability with appropriate training or qualifications in law, without improper motives and discrimination. *This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
6 hours ago
- Business
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. -- An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs.
Boston Globe
6 hours ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
Advertisement 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up A US flag flies half-staff on top of Chimney Rock mountain in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Oct. 2, 2024, in Chimney Rock Village, N.C. Mike Stewart/Associated Press Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. Advertisement 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs.
San Francisco Chronicle
7 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs.
