Debunking manipulation of chief justice's speech

Chief Justice (CJ) Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in her Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) 2025 speech, gave various meaningful advice which was highly appreciated by the government.

Her invaluable contributions will undoubtedly be etched in our collective memory, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

However, it is with great disappointment that I address the actions of certain individuals who, under the guise of legal practitioners, have chosen to misrepresent the esteemed speech of the CJ.

This manipulation not only undermines the integrity of our judicial independence but also seeks to position the Madani government unfavourably in comparison to its predecessors.

It is a reprehensible act to intentionally obscure the facts about the achievements and efforts of the Madani government to preserve judicial independence.

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They appear to have neglected the notable accomplishment of Malaysia ascending 23 positions in the Rule of Law index under the current administration in 2023, as emphasised by Maimun (above) in her speech.

As she indicated, these accomplishments are not only numbers or vacuous figures, but they reflect Malaysia’s global perception, especially among investors, and are essential for sustainable economic and social development.

Throughout the tenures of the last three governments, there have been multiple threats to the Constitution and judicial institutions.

The CJ addressed the tumult of 2020, including the sudden resignation of the seventh prime minister, emergency declarations, constitutional difficulties, and challenges to the judiciary.

Why do they disregard this aspect and deem the current government inferior to the three administrations that emerged from the betrayal of the people’s mandate in 2018?

Their statements should not be regarded with seriousness, since this is an obvious perception sabotage. The prime minister himself was a victim of a politically driven judicial system.

Hence, it cannot be denied that he has consistently advocated for the autonomy of the national judiciary in his discourse and efforts.

This is a deceptive strategy designed to cultivate a negative and distorted view of the Madani government, despite contradicting the present realities.

It is particularly humiliating for them, who ought to be familiar with the law, that they failed to directly articulate the foundation of the allegations. Legal practitioners ought to be aware of fundamental concepts such as this.

In the absence of foundation and evidence, their statements constitute a false accusation aimed at tarnishing the government’s reputation. - Mkini

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MUHAMMAD KAMIL ABDUL MUNIM is the political secretary for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.