CJ speaks out against attempts to intimidate judiciary

 

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has spoken out against attempts by certain quarters to intimidate the judiciary in political cases heard last year.

During a speech at the Opening Year of Legal Year 2023 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, she urged judges to continue to make decisions without fear or favour.

However, Tengku Maimun (above) did not reveal who these quarters are.

"Last year, attempts to intimidate or otherwise exert improper pressure on judges presiding over public interest cases are becoming more obvious.

"These attempts are a direct affront to the rule of law and judicial independence. They certainly deserve condemnation and indeed many have spoken out against them in strong terms.

"It is very mischievous for anyone to try to tarnish the image of the courts and bring it into disrepute through unfair, biased and often times unenlightened criticism simply because they happen to not like particular decisions," she said.

Tengku Maimun stressed that judicial independence will not be compromised so long as cases are decided without fear or favour, without ill will or motive, without any external or internal pressure and without regard to personalities.

"As long as every judge remains committed to these principles, and united in applying these maxims, I am confident that judicial independence will be upheld," she said.

[More to follow] - Mkini