Kuching: Any attempt to manipulate judicial appointments, influence court decisions, or weaken the autonomy of the judiciary is a betrayal of our Federal Constitution and an insult to the Malaysian people, warned DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Stampin Chief Soo Tien Ren.
Soo said in response to the recent circulation on social media of alleged minutes from a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting.
“I am deeply shocked, and according to the news, the circulated contents of the meeting appear to reveal high-level interference in the selection of judges.
“If proven true, this represents a grave violation of judicial independence and a blatant affront to the principle of separation of powers in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
Soo firmly stated that judicial independence is not a mere slogan – it is the most fundamental pillar of any functioning democracy.
In response to what he called a potentially “major crisis in Malaysia’s judicial history,” Soo made three urgent demands:
1. Immediate investigation into the contents and source of the leaked JAC minutes.
The government must come clean: Are the minutes authentic? Are the allegations true? Who is undermining the integrity of the judicial appointment process?
2. Full investigation into all individuals and institutions allegedly involved in interfering with judicial appointments.
No one is above the law – regardless of position or influence. Anyone found to have interfered in the process must be held accountable. Key figures such as the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice must come forward to clarify their positions and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
3. Establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to uncover the full truth.
The government should take heed of former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s call to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry. Only a fully independent, transparent body with the power to summon witnesses can provide Malaysians with the answers they deserve and begin to rebuild trust in our judicial institutions.
Soo ended his statement by stating that all Malaysians must raise their voices in defense of judicial independence for the sake of tomorrow’s Malaysia.
He pledged that DAPSY Stampin would continue to stand firmly on the side of the people and in defense of reforms, at the frontline of the fight for a truly independent judiciary.
