Malaysian Lawyers Demand Judicial Reforms in March to Anwar’s Office

Hundreds of Malaysian lawyers marched to the office of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 14, 2023, demanding urgent reforms in the judiciary. The demonstration, organized by the Malaysian Bar, featured participants dressed in black suits, holding placards and chanting slogans as they made their way to the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya around 14:30 local time. The lawyers presented a letter outlining four key demands, including the immediate appointment of top judges and the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference in the judiciary.

The Malaysian Bar stated that the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” was not politically motivated, but a response to serious institutional concerns regarding the judiciary’s current state. Participants expressed worries about prolonged vacancies, the need for leadership continuity, and the necessity for reforms to protect judicial independence. The march drew an estimated crowd of about 1,000, including politicians from both government and opposition parties, such as Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Tensions surrounding judicial appointments have escalated recently, particularly following the retirement of two senior judges without immediate replacements. This situation has prompted accusations of discord between the Anwar administration and the judiciary. Adding to the controversy, a document allegedly revealing excerpts from a meeting of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) went viral on social media over the weekend, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the appointment process.

Calls for Action and Accountability

During the march, participants were closely monitored by more than 100 police officers, including personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department. A police drone was also observed overhead. The event culminated with the submission of a memorandum at the Prime Minister’s office around 15:00. In her remarks, Nurul Izzah emphasized the importance of transparency in judicial processes, stating, “Today, we exercise the right to peaceful assembly guaranteed by the constitution… we need to improve the existing structure.”

The memorandum called for an investigation into the allegations of judicial interference and the leak of what are believed to be confidential minutes from the JAC meeting. Nurul Izzah highlighted the need for restoring public trust in the judiciary, reinforcing the significance of addressing these issues.

Prominent political figures joined the rally, including Takiyuddin Hassan, secretary-general of the Islamic party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), and former leaders from the ruling coalition. Legal experts, including former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and previous Malaysian Bar presidents Ambiga Sreenevasan and Karen Cheah, also participated in the demonstration.

Judicial Concerns and Political Repercussions

The backdrop of this march is particularly concerning for the Anwar government. On July 3, it was announced that Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, the Chief Judge of Malaya, would assume the role of Chief Justice following the retirement of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. This transition occurred just one day after the President of the Court of Appeal, Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, also retired. The resulting vacancies at the highest judicial levels have sparked unease within Malaysia’s legal and political spheres.

In the preceding week, nine Members of Parliament from Anwar’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to address high-profile vacancies within the judiciary. These MPs included former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and former Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, both of whom resigned from their Cabinet positions in May following internal party elections. Rafizi warned that the ruling coalition risks losing support from its base over the judiciary’s handling and that failure to address these concerns could lead to greater public disillusionment.

Various political leaders, including opposition figure Muhyiddin Yassin, have echoed calls for investigations into allegations of political interference in judicial matters, particularly following the leak of purported JAC meeting minutes. These minutes allegedly contain serious accusations about the integrity of a candidate for a judicial position.

The Malaysian authorities have initiated an investigation into the alleged leak under the Official Secrets Act and other laws. The JAC plays a crucial role in vetting and recommending candidates for judicial appointments, which are ultimately made by the King based on the Prime Minister’s advice and following consultations with the Conference of Rulers.

As this situation unfolds, the Conference of Rulers is expected to convene from July 18 to 20, 2023, amidst increasing scrutiny and calls for transparency in the judicial appointment process. The implications of these events may have lasting effects on Malaysia’s political landscape and public trust in the judicial system.