KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) has voiced serious concerns regarding the wave of retirements of nine Federal Court judges, including the upcoming retirement of the Chief Justice.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, said that PN urges the process of appointing a new Chief Justice and the highest positions in the judiciary to be truly based on the Federal Constitution, free from political influence or interference from any party.
Takiyuddin said that, regarding the transparency of the appointment, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) must be given due space to carry out its functions without any political pressure, especially from the executive branch.
“Therefore, the names recommended should be based on qualifications, integrity and seniority, not on relationships or political leanings.
“PN proposes the establishment of a bipartisan Parliamentary Select Committee to monitor the judicial appointment process, which would guarantee accountability without compromising the independence of the judiciary,” he said in a statement today.
Describing the retirement of the nine judges as a development that is not only unusual, but also the biggest test of the country’s commitment to the principles of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
“The firm statement by the Chief Justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, recently should be taken as an important reminder.
“She recalled the 1988 Judicial Crisis as the darkest moment in the country’s constitutional history. Even the perception of political interference is enough to undermine public confidence in the judicial institution.
“It is deeply regrettable if there is indeed undue conflict among the members of the JAC in the upcoming appointment process for the highest positions in the country’s judiciary,” he said.
Takiyuddin said that, in addition, PN believes that the Prime Minister must also publicly state his commitment to act in accordance with the law and the Constitution, and to respect the doctrine of separation of powers.
He said that PN proposes that Article 121 of the Federal Constitution, which was amended in 1988, be reviewed to restore the original power of the judiciary as an equal branch of government.
“PN would like to emphasise that the independence of the judiciary is not an option, but a foundation of a mature democracy,” he said.
He added that Malaysians are entitled to a justice system that is firm, fair and free without fear or favour.
“The decisions taken today will determine public confidence in the judicial institution for decades to come.
“PN will continue to be a responsible check and balance entity, defending the independence of the judiciary from any form of influence or the return of the dark era of constitutional betrayal,” he said. – June 17, 2025