Lawyers are pushing back against the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for dismissing growing concerns about a potential judicial crisis comparable to the VK Lingam scandal.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, legal professionals expressed alarm over the AGC’s response to allegations involving a Federal Court judge accused of judicial interference.
Although the AGC acknowledged the seriousness of the claims, it described them as “speculation” and dismissed comparisons to the Lingam scandal as unfounded, calling the issue a “procedural irregularity”.
Lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo said the AGC should instead support an immediate investigation.
“Since the AGC itself has acknowledged these allegations and their severity, it should explain why it is not supporting or calling for a prompt investigation,” Sangeet said when contacted.
Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Latheefa Koya said she was appalled by the AGC’s response.
“It is unacceptable that the AGC has brushed aside the allegations against the judge as a mere ‘procedural irregularity’,” she said in a statement.
Latheefa pointed to a leaked police report linked to the claims, alleging that the judge had asked the Chief Justice to deliver “a ruling favourable to a certain party”.
“This goes to the core of judicial impartiality and integrity. Decisions must be based strictly on the facts of the case. Any external interference amounts to corrupt conduct and must be probed immediately, swiftly, and independently. Nothing less will do,” she added.
Latheefa also criticised the AGC for prematurely concluding that the claims lacked strong evidence, questioning whether any investigations were carried out before reaching that decision.
She further questioned the AGC’s failure to explain why Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim did not act on recommendations from the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) made when Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat was still Chief Justice.
It has been reported that the JAC had submitted names for both the Chief Justice and Court of Appeal President posts before Tengku Maimun’s retirement. These positions remain vacant, with Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim serving as acting Chief Justice.
The AGC said the prime minister could disregard JAC recommendations to “protect” the judiciary, but Latheefa stressed that this response did not address why some judges were given six-month post-retirement extensions while Tengku Maimun was not.
The AGC issued its statement following a press conference by PKR MPs led by former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, who called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the allegations of judicial interference.
Separately, the Malaysian Bar announced a peaceful march next Monday in support of judicial independence.
In a circular issued today, the Bar said the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” will begin at 2pm on 14 July, starting from the main entrance of the Palace of Justice (POJ) in Putrajaya and ending at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“The POJ is not just a symbolic starting point; it is the very heart of our judicial system, from where justice is dispensed. The institution of the Judiciary must be defended!” the Bar said in its notice to lawyers across Peninsular Malaysia.
“Walking from the POJ to the PMO — a 2,600-metre straight path — will demonstrate the Malaysian Bar’s commitment to judicial independence and integrity,” said Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab.
“See you on 14 July — let’s walk together to safeguard the independence of our Judiciary!” he wrote.