CJ raps judges who malign superior court rulings

Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria today rapped judges who believe they are not bound by the rulings of higher courts.

This, he said, is against the principle of stare decisis (following precedent) practised by the courts.

"To say you are not bound by the decisions of the higher court is not ethical.

"You may not agree with the rulings of the Court of Appeal or the Federal Court but you are bound by it," Arifin said at the 50th annual judges conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He added that it was also not proper for judges to make "uncalled-for remarks" on judicial decisions, especially in front of lawyers.

This, he said, would reflect badly on the judiciary.

Arifin also reprimanded judges for skipping work.

"There have been observations that some judges don't follow office hours.

"You come in the morning, but dissappear in the evenings... especially on Fridays," the top judge said.

He said this set a bad example to officers working with the judges, who may decide not to turn up for work as well.

"You can't simply leave the office on the grounds that you are independent. Only the courts are important," he said. -Mkini