The Society for the Promotion of Human Rights Malaysia (Proham) wants the government to speed up the appointment of the four eminent persons to sit in the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC)
“It is disheartening to note that the process of consultation has not started given the importance of such appointments,” its chairperson Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari said in a statement.
As reported earlier, the two-year terms of the quartet of eminent persons who sat on the body expired Thursday, though no consultation with relevant parties have started on their replacements.
As reported earlier, the two-year terms of the quartet of eminent persons who sat on the body expired Thursday, though no consultation with relevant parties have started on their replacements.
The NGO noted that Section 5 (1) (f) of the Judicial Commission Act (JCA) 2009, clearly provides for the appointments to be made by the prime minister after consulting the Bar Council of Malaysia, the Sabah Law Association, the Advocates Association of Sarawak and the attorney-general.
Proham urged that the process of consultation be begin immediately and the prime minister appoints the four eminent persons that is recommended by the three Bars as stakeholders.
“This is to ensure that those appointed are truly independent of the Executive and the Judiciary,” said the chairperson further.
Referring to Section 2 of the JCA, Proham argued that it is important to uphold the continued independence of the judiciary, and that public interest needs to be properly represented in regards to matters relating to the judiciary, the administration of justice and related matters.
Hence the eminent persons play an important role in the JAC, argued the NGO.
“Further, this is also to ensure transparencies in all judicial appointments. In the absence of the four eminent persons, the JAC will not be able to play its role and responsibilities, to the detriment of our society,” concluded Proham.
The JAC, mooted during former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s term in office, is one of the initiatives touted to restore confidence and reform Malaysia’s much-criticised judiciary, which had taken hits to its image following the judiciary crisis of the 80s.- Mkini
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