Latest news with #Ramkarpal
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ramkarpal, Muhyiddin call for investigation into claims in leaked JAC minutes
KUALA LUMPUR: The alleged leak of a Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) meeting minutes demands a full and transparent investigation, senior lawyer Ramkarpal Singh urges. The Bukit Gelugor MP stressed that the investigation should not only determine how the leak occurred, but also to verify the document's authenticity and its contents. Ramkarpal, who is also the DAP's National Legal Bureau chairman, stressed that what matters most is whether the allegations mentioned in the leaked document, including possible interference in judicial matters, were true. He noted that the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail had confirmed that investigations have already begun under three laws, namely Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972, Section 203A of the Penal Code for disclosing information obtained through official duties, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of network facilities. However, he expressed concern that the police statement made no mention of whether the serious allegations within the leaked minutes, specifically claims of judicial interference, would also be thoroughly investigated. 'Khalid's statement seems to imply that the said leaked minutes are indeed authentic, which gives rise to the need for investigation under the OSA, making it all the more important to investigate the actual allegations of possible misconduct in the minutes,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 14). 'The said allegations are undoubtedly very serious, as they strike at the very core of the integrity of a key institution in any democracy, namely the Judiciary, and the people have a right to know whether they are true or not,' he said. He warned that the government must not be seen as complacent or indifferent in this matter, urging that every effort be made to uncover the truth. Ramkarpal also highlighted the timing of the leak, as several top judicial appointments are expected to take place soon, including those of the Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Judges of Malaya and of Sabah and Sarawak. He noted that such appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister, after consultation with the Conference of Rulers, in accordance with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution. Therefore, he said, the Prime Minister's advice must be exercised with the utmost caution, especially since one of the judges allegedly implicated in the leaked minutes may be in the running for one of these positions. 'With the greatest of respect, that judge should not be considered for any of the four positions unless and until the allegations are properly investigated and cleared,' he said. Echoing Ramkarpal's concerns, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin also urged that the allegations of misconduct and executive interference be thoroughly investigated. He stressed that integrity must remain the foundation of judicial appointments, as judges hold immense responsibility in deciding matters of justice that can affect lives and freedoms. Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, cited Section 23(2)(a) of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009, which outlines integrity, competence and experience as essential criteria for judicial candidates. The leaked JAC minute dated 16 May 2025 reportedly details concerns raised by a former Chief Justice regarding the conduct of a judge during their tenure as Attorney General. Among the allegations were attempts to sway a court ruling in favour of a particular party, and requests to transfer a judge deemed uncooperative. 'These are serious claims of abuse of power and interference in the judiciary,' Muhyiddin said in a statement on Monday. He added that if the judge implicated in the document is allowed to advance without due scrutiny, it would undermine the credibility of the appointment process and erode public trust. 'There is a reasonable concern that personal interests could take precedence over the principles of integrity and justice. 'If such appointments are made under a cloud of suspicion, the damage to the judiciary's credibility will be profound,' he warned.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Probe contents of document in JAC minutes leak too, urges Ramkarpal
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities must not only investigate the leak of the Judicial Appointments Committee (JAC) meeting minutes but also urgently examine the contents of the document, which contains allegations of judicial interference, said Bukit Gelugor member of parliament Ramkarpal Singh. He said the focus should not merely be on identifying how the document was leaked but, more importantly, whether the claims contained within it were authentic and credible. "Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that investigations are underway under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972, Section 203A of the Penal Code (disclosure of information obtained during the performance of one's duties), and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (improper use of network facilities). "However, his statement made no mention of the elephant in the room, namely whether the allegations of judicial interference in the said leaked minutes will be thoroughly investigated as well," Ramkarpal said in a statement. He said that Khalid's response appears to confirm the authenticity of the leaked minutes , which in itself strengthens the need for a full investigation into the issues raised. "The allegations are deeply troubling as they strike at the very foundation of judicial integrity. The public deserves to know if they are true." Ramkarpal said the government could not afford to appear indifferent and must demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding the independence and credibility of the judiciary. He also raised concerns over the impending appointments of several top judicial positions, which he said are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister after consulting the Conference of Rulers, in line with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution. "In light of the serious allegations made against a judge mentioned in the leaked minutes, the prime minister should not consider the judge for any of the four key posts unless and until the allegations have been fully investigated and resolved." He said if any wrongdoing was established, the judge's integrity would be severely compromised, making it inappropriate for him or her to be elevated. "The position demands a thorough and transparent investigation, and anything less may result in a serious loss of confidence in the Madani government, which should be avoided."
