Judiciary will remain independent, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking during the opening ceremony of the 37th LawAsia Conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The government remains steadfast in ensuring that the judicial system is independent and free from external pressure, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at a law conference here, Anwar stressed that judicial independence is rooted in the doctrine of separation of powers, which is enshrined as a fundamental principle in the Federal Constitution.

In the past, we have seen how this sacrosanct principle was violated by those in power, working hand in glove with the highest judicial office to pervert the course of justice and serve nefarious and vile political ends,

 said Anwar.

But let me firmly declare that enough is enough. That era is over, and we will never allow such abuses and violations to happen again.

He was speaking during the opening ceremony of the 37th LawAsia Conference at a hotel here.

A month after assuming the prime minister’s post in November 2022, Anwar pledged that his government will not interfere in any matters of the judiciary and called on judges to carry out their duties independently and transparently.

He also claimed that international investors were reluctant when it came to investing in Malaysia due to a lack of confidence in the independence and transparency of the judiciary and enforcement agencies.

On the theme of the conference today — 

Navigating the legal landscape in the digital age

 — Anwar said the rapid development of artificial intelligence required legal professionals to consider whether the country’s laws were capable of protecting privacy, security and public trust.

He said while the law should be flexible and promote creativity and innovation, it must also be robust enough to safeguard individual rights.

Anwar also said the country must raise local talents to preserve local values and understanding of the law in the face of the rapid development of AI technology in the legal industry.

A legal system that is too rigid or a judgment made without due consideration of public policy will not only stifle progress but risks eroding public trust and causing injustice,

 he added.

“We must raise local talents who can provide input into AI. Otherwise, the issues of justice or law will be solely, but not entirely, based on Western values.

Many principles in law and justice are universal but there are some that are concerned with our Asian and religious values, which must be taken into consideration. - FMT