KUALA LUMPUR – The alleged leak of meeting minutes from the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), which began circulating online yesterday, has prompted bipartisan calls for government action to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng of DAP said all allegations involving the judiciary — including the purported leak of documents classified under the Official Secrets Act 1972 — must be thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities.
This, he told Scoop, is essential to preserve the sanctity and credibility of the country’s judicial institution.
“If no action is taken against those responsible for the leak of the alleged minutes of the JAC’s meeting, it sets a dangerous precedent where private discussions and confidential documents, even those concerning matters of national security, can no longer be safeguarded,” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile, PAS information chief and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to issue an immediate public explanation.
In a Facebook post, Ahmad Fadhli said that if the allegations contained in the leaked document were proven true and could not be credibly denied, the prime minister should step down. He also cautioned members of the judiciary not to be complicit in any attempts to subvert justice.
“Any parties that attempt to tarnish the institution of judiciary would be held accountable,” he said.
Former law minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, however, contended that the responsibility lies with the JAC, not the government.
“I do not think it is the problem of the executive or the government (here). You have to ask the JAC on how it was leaked,” he told Scoop.
Nazri questioned why the government was being blamed for the alleged leak, especially if the document’s authenticity were to be confirmed, noting that the exposure would only harm the government’s standing.
“I think these questions (demanding explanations) should be directed to the JAC.”
The document, believed to have first surfaced on Reddit before spreading to Facebook and X, allegedly contains claims similar to those in a leaked police report filed in June on behalf of a senior judge, a local news site reported.
The report was lodged after the outlet contacted the judge for comment on allegations of judicial interference.
The incident has intensified calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
JAC not legally binding in appointments, says Azalina
Separately, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said clarified that the JAC’s recommendations on judicial appointments are not legally binding.
Speaking at the 22nd Pengerang Umno Division Delegates Meeting in Kota Tinggi, she explained that while the JAC assesses and proposes candidates, actual appointments must comply with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.
“The JAC Act is not a final step in the appointment process. It only recommends names, and these recommendations are not binding,” she was quoted as saying by Bernama.
She added that to give legal force to the JAC’s role, a constitutional amendment would be required. Azalina also referred to a prior clarification by Nazri Aziz, who had described the JAC Act as administrative in nature.
Azalina confirmed that any decision regarding the appointment of a new Chief Justice will only be made following the 269th Conference of Rulers, scheduled from July 15 to 17.
Police probe underway
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has confirmed a formal investigation is underway into the alleged leak.
The case is being handled by Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit under Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972, Section 203A of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The investigation is focused on both the source of the leak and how it was disseminated online,” Khalid said, warning that those responsible for the unauthorised disclosure will face action.
Last week, nine PKR lawmakers led by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli demanded an RCI and urged the Parliament Special Select Committee on Reforms to investigate, comparing the controversy to the VK Lingam judicial scandal.
Among the signatories, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told Scoop the leaked document — if proven authentic — further justifies the call for an independent inquiry.
“(The) purpose (of the RCI) is to establish truth, and not for finding blame,” he said. – July 14, 2025