Latest news with #InternationalConferenceonIntegrityandGovernance
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Judicial picks expected today
PUTRAJAYA: An announcement regarding judicial appointments is expected today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured them all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. Anwar said he had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers yesterday morning. 'I think let them decide and tomorrow (today), hopefully, there will be an announcement that will clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,' he said in his speech at Malaysia's International Conference on Integrity and Governance here yesterday. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure. 'I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, it will prove this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,' he said, as reported by Bernama. Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said noted that the government will review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 amid public confusion over the recent Chief Justice appointment process. She said a special committee will be set up, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners and academics. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue. 'Sadly, now there is an issue, so we have to study it. Where did the non-clarity or confusion come in? Is it the processes, or is it the wording of the Act?' she said to reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance here yesterday. She said the government had announced the implementation of a Comparative Study of the Judicial Appointment System by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department last week, as part of efforts to enhance transparency in the appointment procedure of superior court judges She said the study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the JAC's role and to also address issues raised by the Malaysian Bar. 'The government is always open to the views of all parties, including the Malaysian Bar, who will also be invited to join in this study, to ensure a more transparent, integrity-based and trusted judicial appointment system for the people. 'In addition, issues raised by the Malaysian Bar should be considered within the framework of the Federal Constitution, the Judicial Appointments Commission Act and other laws in force,' she said in a statement. On Monday, Azalina clarified that the JAC does not have binding authority in judicial appointments. She explained the JAC's primary role is to screen, assess and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court must ultimately comply with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Judicial appointments announcement expected tomorrow, says PM
He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. 15 Jul 2025 08:39pm Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers the closing keynote address at the Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025, today. - Photo by Bernama PUTRAJAYA - An announcement regarding judicial appointments is expected tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. "This morning, I had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers. "I think let them decide and tomorrow, hopefully, there will be an announcement that would clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,' he said in his speech at Malaysia's International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the Madani government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure. "…so I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, things will prove that this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,' he added. Anwar stressed that he has never submitted any 'compromise' candidates for top judicial positions to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, or to the Conference of Rulers. "Azalina (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said) knows that, the Chief Secretary (Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar) also knows that there has never been a case where the names submitted were questioned or appeared to be compromised. Such names were never presented to the King or the Rulers "May I assure you now that in my two and a half years in office, I have not discussed with any judge (even) one case, not with the Chief Judge, not with any (of the) judges. I adhere to the principles of judicial independence,' he added. Anwar acknowledged ongoing concerns about the issue and the perception that several key judicial appointments may be compromised. "I can assure you that is not the case. I am sure my colleagues in the legal profession respect the fact that we must work based on the law and facts, not perceptions,' he said. The position of Chief Justice became vacant following the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who both turned 66 on July 2 and 3, respectively. The Chief Justice position became vacant after Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim reached the mandatory retirement age of 66 on 2 and 3 July, respectively. - BERNAMA More Like This
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt to review JAC Act for clarity on judicial appointments
PUTRAJAYA: The government will reassess the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 following public uncertainty surrounding the recent Chief Justice appointment. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said confirmed a special committee will be formed to examine the law. The committee will include members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, alongside constitutional experts, legal practitioners, and academics. Azalina highlighted the need for improvements, noting that while the JAC has overseen the appointment of five Chief Justices since 2009 without issue, recent confusion has prompted a review. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue,' she told reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance. Azalina clarified that the JAC's role is advisory, not binding. The commission screens, assesses, and recommends candidates to the Prime Minister, but final appointments must align with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. – Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Gov't To Review JAC Act For Improvements
PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The government will review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 amid public confusion over the recent Chief Justice appointment process. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said a special committee will be established, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners and academics. "We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue. "Sadly, now there is an issue, so we have to study it. Where did the non-clarity or confusion come in? Is it the processes, or is it the wording of the Act?" she said to reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today. Yesterday, Azalina clarified that the JAC does not have binding authority in judicial appointments. She explained that the JAC's primary role is to screen, assess and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court must ultimately comply with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Judicial Appointments Announcement Expected Tomorrow, Says PM Anwar
He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. 'I think let them decide and tomorrow, hopefully, there will be an announcement that would clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,' he said in his speech at Malaysia's International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the MADANI government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure. '…so I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, things will prove that this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,' he added.
