Calls for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resign over concerns surrounding the judiciary’s integrity have intensified, with the Defend the Judiciary Secretariat now demanding his immediate resignation and considering legal action.
Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, speaking after the group’s meeting earlier today, said the secretariat — led by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad — had rescinded its earlier resolution urging Anwar to take a leave of absence. Instead, it is now calling for Anwar to step down immediately, citing a conflict of interest in judicial appointments as he is involved in multiple civil lawsuits.
“We have considered other proposals, including Rafizi Ramli’s call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and a Parliamentary Special Select Committee to probe the allegations. However, both processes remain under the prime minister’s oversight. The prime minister is the problem and must go,” Rafique said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The Pejuang information chief also revealed that the secretariat is exploring legal avenues, potentially to challenge whether a prime minister entangled in civil disputes can rightfully advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on judicial appointments.
Meanwhile, Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) president P Waythamoorthy said that although the Federal Constitution grants the prime minister exclusive authority to advise the Agong on judiciary matters, the courts should decide whether Anwar is fit to exercise that power. He cited the ongoing civil suit filed by Anwar’s former aide Yusoff Rawther as a case in point, raising concerns over impartiality.
“The case shows that the prime minister is not qualified to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on appointing judges who may be ruling on his own matters,” Waythamoorthy added.
Yesterday, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin also called for Anwar to take leave, aligning his remarks with Istana Negara’s recent statement that judicial appointments must be handled with care and integrity.
The palace’s statement came amid mounting pressure for an RCI into alleged judicial interference, spearheaded by a group of PKR MPs led by Rafizi Ramli. The Malaysian Bar has also backed the call and plans to march next Monday to submit a memorandum supporting the formation of the commission.
Separately, Perikatan Nasional is planning a series of rallies demanding Anwar’s resignation, citing issues such as the rising cost of living due to the expanded Sales and Service Tax.