Latest news with #MohamadEzriAbdulWahab
Barnama
a day ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Ex-CJ: Strengthen Syariah Courts, Be Firm On Case Adjournments
GEORGE TOWN, July 22 (Bernama) -- The country's syariah judicial system must be strengthened and comprehensively improved to address the issue of prolonged case adjournments, ensuring that justice is delivered more swiftly and effectively. Former Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi said that many cases in the syariah courts are delayed due to repeated adjournments and inefficiencies in court administration. He said adjournments often occur due to various factors, including the absence of lawyers or parties involved, as well as adjournment requests made without valid reasons. Such delays, he added, not only waste time but also unfairly burden innocent parties, particularly in cases involving divorce, maintenance claims, and hadanah (child custody), especially those affecting the underprivileged. 'That is why I urge judges to be firm in making decisions and to reject adjournment requests that lack strong justification. 'Adjourned cases are simply a waste of time. The court is meant to serve justice, but when cases drag on for years, we are essentially denying justice, and it is the innocent who suffer,' he said. He said this to reporters after delivering a presentation titled 'Memartabatkan Mahkamah Syariah di Malaysia' in conjunction with the Penang Syariah Law and Judicial Convention here today. Also present were Malaysian Bar Council president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab and Penang Syariah chief judge Za'im Md Yudin. Explaining further, Zaki suggested that the service delivery system in the syariah court be improved to ensure that those in need receive proper assistance without being burdened by complicated or inconvenient procedures. 'I propose that the syariah court administration assist individuals who cannot afford lawyers by creating user-friendly templates to simplify the process of filing cases.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysian Bar seeks court order for access to JAC meeting minutes
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar has filed a discovery application in the High Court seeking access to the Judicial Appointments Commission's (JAC) meeting minutes from the past two years. Christopher Leong who appeared for the Malaysian Bar said the application was made due to a dispute over facts in the ongoing proceedings. He said this when met after a court hearing today on an originating summons filed by a lawyer to challenge the constitutionality of the JAC Act 2009, naming the government and the JAC as respondents. "Judge Datuk Amarjeet Singh has fixed Sept 11 to hear the application," said the former Malaysian Bar president. On April 22, the same court allowed the Malaysian Bar to intervene, while the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) was allowed to hold a watching brief in the case. The lawsuit was filed on April 8 by Datuk Syed Amir Syakib Arsalan Syed Ibrahim, who is seeking a declaration that the JAC Act is unconstitutional, null, and void for contravening Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. He is also seeking a mandamus order to compel the prime minister and the government to comply with the judicial appointment process set out under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution and be free from any interference by the Commission. Article 122B provides that the appointment of judges shall be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advice of the prime minister after consulting the Conference of Rulers. In addition, he is seeking an interim stay of any judicial appointments made according to the JAC Act 2009 pending the disposal of the application and further orders deemed fair, just and appropriate in the interests of justice. Malaysian Bar secretary Murshidah Mustafa, in her supporting affidavit, claimed that Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab had requested the documents from the then JAC chairperson via a letter dated May 9. However, the request was rejected on June 5, with the JAC citing Section 32 of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act, which imposes a duty of secrecy on its members and prohibits disclosure of any information unless ordered by the court. She claimed the documents are relevant and necessary to demonstrate the actual working of the JAC in carrying out its statutory duties and powers under the JAC Act 2009. On April 10, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab in a statement said the challenge was raising important constitutional questions and reaffirmed the right of every citizen to seek judicial clarity on matters of public importance. He added that the Bar has long called for reforms to the JAC Act, particularly to reduce its judge-centric composition and promote greater diversity and inclusivity, while reviewing the executive's role in judicial appointments. He said the Bar Council's Civil Law and Law Reform Committee is currently finalising a comprehensive list of proposed amendments, which will be submitted to the government for consultation.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawyers march in the hundreds for judicial independence in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — Approximately 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (PoJ) to the Prime Minister's Office complex here today in a demonstration aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary. Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' was held amid rising concerns over the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies in its senior-most leadership, and the urgent need for institutional reforms. At 2:30 pm, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession from the PoJ down Persiaran Perdana towards the group's final destination at Putra Square. Throughout the walk, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel facilitated the march by redirecting traffic and ensuring the safety of participants. Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim, and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers. A person holds up a protest sign during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Several past Malaysian Bar presidents, including Karen Cheah, Steven Thiru, Christopher Leong, and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, were also present in a show of solidarity. Upon the group's arrival at Putra Square, Mohamad Ezri led a smaller entourage to deliver a memorandum at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) at approximately 3.20pm. The memorandum was received by Datuk Zamri Misman, director-general of the Prime Minister's Department (Legal Affairs Division), on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Malaysian Bar had previously outlined four key points in its memorandum, including a renewed call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to probe any alleged interference with the judiciary. The Bar also demanded that top leadership positions in the judiciary be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. It highlighted that these vacancies have resulted in some court cases being scheduled for hearing as late as 2030. The organisation of the peaceful walk was mandated by both the Malaysian Bar's statutory duties and a resolution passed at its 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 15, which gave the Bar Council a mandate to take public action to defend judicial independence. Lawyers march during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin 'Resolve it as soon as possible' Following the delivery, Mohamad Ezri said he was pleased with the turnout, which included members of the public alongside Malaysian Bar members. 'We have seen a lot of talk on social media, media statements that could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary, and we would like that settled,' he said. 'We are asking the government to resolve it as soon as possible; we are not giving them any timeline,' he added. Later, Malaysian Bar vice-president Anand Raj told Malay Mail the Bar was pleased with the overwhelming support from its members and pupils from all over Malaysia, resulting in a turnout of some 1,600 people. The crowd dispersed peacefully around 3.45pm, shortly after the memorandum was delivered, with no incidents reported. Lawyers hold up banners during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Recommended read: Why Malaysia's lawyers march in sun or rain, and what to expect today
![News@9: Today's top headlines - July 14, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F15ntkehakiman_1752498008.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - July 14, 2025 [WATCH]
Here are tonight's top stories: Lawyers march to PM's Office Bar Council president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab says the march is a united stand to defend judicial independence and push for systemic reforms. Sextortion syndicate busted Police arrested nine suspects — including two women and a teen — in raids targeting an online sex scam network under Op Bugil. Foreigners denied entry Immigration officers at KLIA stopped 131 travellers last Friday for failing to meet entry rules, including lack of funds and dubious bookings. Man escapes croc attack A man survived a crocodile ambush by poking the reptile in the eye during a struggle in Loagan Tebabui lake, Miri, Sarawak. That's all for News@9.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysian Bar hands memo on judicial independence to PMO
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Bar has delivered the memorandum on safeguarding judicial independence to the Prime Minister's Office, according to its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab. Lawyers, including leading figures from the Malaysian Bar, staged a 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' on Monday (July 14) afternoon, proceeding from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister's Office. The event was attended by members of the Bar, chambers and concerned members of the public, according to Ezri. ALSO READ: Crowd gathers for 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' He said the memorandum was handed to Datuk Zamri Misman, the director-general of the Legal Affairs Division. 'Datuk Zamri was ready and waiting in the office earlier, and has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum,' he told a press conference here on Monday (July 14). 'We saw participation from members of the Bar and people in chambers and members of the public, all united in our call to address the pressing concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, particularly the ongoing vacancies in the judiciary, the need for institutional continuity and a more transparent and accountable judicial appointment process.' ALSO READ: Malaysian Bar's walk aimed at defending judicial integrity, not about politics Ezri stressed that the walk's purpose was to uphold the independence of the judiciary, describing it as a prerequisite for a robust democratic system. He expressed concern over recent media and social media commentary, urging the government 'to resolve it as soon as possible'. Highlighting specific concerns raised in the memorandum, he pointed out the alarming judicial vacancies. 'Among the matters raised is the need to fill the existing vacancies in the judiciary… we were informed that some cases have been scheduled as far ahead as the year 2030, and this will disrupt the functioning of the courts and negatively affect clients,' he said. He confirmed that the memorandum will also be delivered to the Prime Minister.
