CJ: No more postponements once trial dates fixed

PUTRAJAYA: Chief Justice Raus Sharif said today adjournment of cases will no longer be allowed once the trial dates are fixed, except in exceptional circumstances.

“The rule is that there shall be no postponement except in the event of death or near death,” he said.

Raus, who had been involved in the judicial reform programme since 2009, said he was a strong proponent for certainty in trial dates.

“This is what we want to achieve in 2018. This is where case management is important,” he said in his speech when launching the Judicial Year at the International Convention Centre here.

He said postponements appeared to be the rule rather than the exception in the past.

Raus said he would not entertain blanket applications for postponement of cases, like citing annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings.

The governing principle in ensuring certainty in trial dates was that the court would decide and not the parties involved, he said.

He said the Bar must play a proactive role and, similarly, the Attorney-General’s Chambers must also follow the rules strictly.

“If need be, the postponement application should be made to individual judges who will decide judiciously whether to grant the request,” he added.

Raus said old and new cases in the superior and subordinate courts had been disposed of at a faster rate due to prudent management of staff and resources.

He said the public could also be assured of better access to justice through providing timely hearings, supported by efficient administration leading to just and efficient results – all at reasonable cost. -FMT