Latest news with #judicialreforms
Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
No timeframe, but judicial concerns should be settled earliest possible, says Bar
Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said about 1,600 Bar members took part in the walk, showing strong support from the legal community for urgent judicial reforms. PUTRAJAYA : The Malaysian Bar has called on the government to urgently address concerns over judicial independence and vacancies in the judiciary, but said it was not setting a specific deadline. Speaking after the Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister's Office this afternoon, its president, Ezri Abdul Wahab, said the gathering was a reminder to the government that issues plaguing the judiciary must not be ignored. 'We are pleased to announce the success of the walk from the Palace of Justice to the PMO. 'All were united in our call to address the pressing concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, particularly the ongoing vacancies, the need for institutional continuity, and a more transparent and accountable judicial process,' he told reporters. Ezri said about 1,600 Bar members had taken part in the walk, showing strong support from the legal community for urgent judicial reforms. He also said the Bar had submitted a memorandum to legal affairs department director-general Zamri Misman, who received it on behalf of the PMO. 'The director-general said he will deliver the memo to the prime minister,' he said. Asked about the contents of the memorandum, Ezri said it focused on the critical shortage of judges in the judiciary, which is affecting the administration of justice. 'We also asked for the judicial vacancies to be filled. The ongoing vacancies are worrying, and there are cases fixed as far as 2030. This will cripple court operations and negatively impact litigants,' he said. Ezri stressed that the Bar was not claiming that the judiciary was no longer independent, but cautioned that recent developments and public discourse may be undermining its integrity. 'We have seen a lot of media statements and talk on social media that could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary. We want that to be settled and are asking the government to resolve it as soon as possible. There is no timeframe,' he said. He also confirmed that there were no plans for another walk if the concerns raised were not addressed. 'No, this is it. This is just a reminder to the government. If not, other action will follow,' he said, adding that the Bar would discuss its next steps at its extraordinary general meeting on July 26. Among the notable figures spotted at the rally were former Bar presidents Ambiga Sreenevasan and Karen Cheah, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, Pendang MP Awang Hashim, former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and former Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim.
CNA
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Malaysian Bar leads lawyers' march to PM Anwar's office
More than a thousand people, including lawyers and politicians, marched to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's office in Putrajaya on Monday (Jul 14) to hand over a memorandum demanding urgent action on judicial reforms amid allegations of interference in the appointments of top judges. This comes after lawmakers, including some from PM Anwar's own party, called on him to address the issue. CNA's Melissa Goh reports.
Free Malaysia Today
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt to study other nations' best practices in appointing judges
(From left) Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said and Selayang MP William Leong during their meeting on judicial reforms today. (Prime Minister's Department pic) PETALING JAYA : The government will embark on a study of the best practices of other countries in appointing judges, as part of reforming Malaysia's judicial appointments system. Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said a preliminary comparative research will be held involving the systems being used in selected countries, namely the UK, India, Australia and Singapore. She said this was agreed by senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol and Selayang MP William Leong during a meeting on judicial reforms earlier today. The pair lead parliamentary committees on law review and institutional reforms, respectively. 'This research will give us a holistic understanding of the judicial appointment process in countries with similar systems, allowing Malaysia to evaluate the need for reforms and to adapt these best practices according to our nation's context,' she said. In a statement, Azalina said the government welcomed the public's views and feedback on the matter, adding that it would take an inclusive approach given the importance of the topic. 'The government is committed to strengthening public confidence by implementing reforms based on evidence and transparency,' she added. Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli and several other PKR MPs had called for a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) and a parliamentary committee hearing following the delays in the appointment of top judicial positions, including that of the chief justice. Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim is serving as acting chief justice following Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's retirement, while Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof is the acting Court of Appeal president after Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired last week. Earlier today, Istana Negara urged all parties against politicising the appointment of judges to top judicial positions, saying these appointments must be handled carefully, with integrity and in line with the constitution.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia, Japan sign deal to boost judicial cooperation
TOKYO — Saudi Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani met with his Japanese counterpart Keisuke Suzuki during an official visit to Tokyo to discuss enhancing judicial ties between the two countries. Al-Samaani highlighted the Kingdom's recent legal and judicial reforms, supported by the Saudi leadership, including the implementation of specialized legislation aimed at achieving prompt and transparent justice. He emphasized advancements such as real-time audio and video documentation of court hearings — both in-person and through virtual litigation — as well as the publication of judicial rulings and the expansion of preventive justice through notarization of enforceable contracts. During the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation in the judicial field. The agreement enables the exchange of legal expertise and best practices in areas such as legislation, capacity building, and dispute resolution. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
