Tengku Maimun had reportedly called for the removal of the PM’s role in judicial appointments last week.
Following criticism from former law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz over Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s comments on political influence in judicial appointments, another former law minister has come to her defence.
In a Facebook post today, Zaid Ibrahim referred to Nazri as “Madani’s hero” and noted that he appeared upset by Tengku Maimun’s suggestion that the judicial appointment process could be vulnerable to political interference.
Tengku Maimun had reportedly called for the removal of the prime minister’s role in judicial appointments while speaking at a legal conference in Malta last week. She argued this “would reinforce the impartiality of the selection process” and ensure it “remain free from any perception of political influence.”
In Malaysia, judicial appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister.
Supporting the chief justice, Zaid said: “Of course, she was 100 percent correct.
“(For Nazri) to say that she was also appointed under the same process should preclude her from commenting on the matter is childish.”
Nazri had earlier questioned the timing of Tengku Maimun’s remarks, pointing out that she was appointed under the same system, which follows British legal conventions.
“Tengku Maimun was appointed under the same system. She accepted it without issue. So why is she now saying it’s not okay just as she’s about to retire?” he said.
Zaid said that if Nazri read the provisions of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) carefully, he would understand the basis of Tengku Maimun’s concerns.
“The PM can endlessly reject the names proposed by JAC.
“This opens the door wide for the PM to appoint his choice. If that’s what the government wants, then do away with JAC.”
He added that the government should stop pretending it wants an independent judiciary while reacting defensively to Tengku Maimun’s proposal.