Write to me, urges CJ to those with allegations of judges’ misconduct

Newly-minted Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has urged those with information on allegations of misconduct against judges to write to her about it or lodge a report with the relevant authorities.

“In the event there is any allegation of misconduct on the part of the judges, I call upon anyone who has any information on any such allegation, to lodge a report with the relevant authorities so that proper investigation may be carried out.

“The public may also write to me, the president of the Court of Appeal or to the Chief Judges of the two respective High Courts, for us to do the needful,” she said in her maiden speech as the chief justice during a ceremonial sitting to celebrate her appointment at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya today.

She said the courts respect the right of the public to criticise judges' performance but the criticisms must be based on facts and done responsibly.

This is because unfounded and baseless criticisms against the judiciary would weaken the administration of justice and erode the confidence of the public in the judiciary, she added.

Thus, she said, to protect the integrity of the judiciary, appropriate action will be taken against those who tarnish the image and dignity of the judiciary.

“The independence of the judiciary does not mean that it is immune from criticisms or accountability to the public which it serves.

“However, criticism of a judge’s decision should be done responsibly and based on all the facts.

“It is a disservice to the judiciary and the country as a whole, if one were to continue making wild allegations, especially in the social media, without resorting to the proper channel for the allegations to be effectively addressed,” she said.

She explained that judges do not respond to criticisms and allegations by tradition, to preserve impartiality and respect for the courts by preventing judges from getting into debates with “unhappy litigants and dissatisfied critics”.

As such, she believes that it rests upon lawyers to defend the judiciary by correcting blatant misinformation and to remind the public, media and others of judicial neutrality and independence.

Tengku Maimun was appointed the chief justice on May 2, replacing Richard Malanjum who retired in April this year. - Mkini