LFL: Sessions Court judges made to attend BTN course pre-GE14

Sessions Court judges were made to attend a National Civics Bureau (BTN) course just months before the 14th general election, a lawyer's group has claimed.

Lawyers for Liberty said it received a copy of a letter – sighted by Malaysiakini – which instructed judges to attend the 'Latihan Transformasi Negara' (National Transformation Training) programme from March 16 to 18.

The Feb 15 letter, which LFL confirmed was addressed to Sessions Court judges throughout the country, stated that the course was organised by the Chief Registrar's Office of the Federal Court (PKPMP) with the cooperation of BTN.

"The objective of the programme is to lift the patriotic spirit, as well as to instil team working spirit and good values among the PKPMP community.

"Besides that, the purpose of the training is to inculcate synergy in strategic cooperation towards the development of the country.

"In light of that, you are welcomed to attend the course, and attendance is compulsory," the letter read.

The training was to have taken place at the Akademi Kenegaraan in Kuala Lumpur. 

Malaysiakini has been unable to confirm the authenticity of the letter, however.

'Unacceptable and shocking'

In a statement sent today, LFL adviser N Surendran (photo) said the move to instruct the judges to attend the training was "unacceptable and shocking."

Surendran questioned the objective of the training programme, and said such a move could constitute a threat to judicial independence.

"The BTN is notorious for promoting racism and disunity and being a propaganda tool for the BN regime. It has become so tainted and identified with BN's tyranny, that the Pakatan Harapan manifesto had promised that it would be dissolved.

"Judges must be impartial and independent in their conduct and judgments; this is fundamental to uphold the rule of law and maintain the separation of powers."

The former Padang Serai MP also called on the Chief Registrar's Office to explain the letter, and state if such BTN training for judges were still ongoing.

"There must be an immediate review and termination of all ongoing training programmes, courses, modules or directions which interfere with or have the potential to compromise the independence of our judiciary," he said.

The BTN has long courted controversy, with allegations that it was being used by the previous regime to brainwash civil servants with government propaganda.

Harapan had in its election manifesto, stated that it would abolish the BTN.

However, it was reported earlier this month that it would be retained under the Prime Minister's Department. - Mkini