SUARAM views the revelation of judges’ appointments and fixing between lawyer V.K. Lingam and Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz, with apparent consent from the Executive, as exposed yesterday in a press conference by former deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as one which ranks as the most scandalous and shameful episode in the history of Malaysian judiciary.
What is contained in the videotape is unacceptable and unforgivable act of abuse of power of the highest order.
Independence of the judiciary, which has never recovered since the sacking of former Lord President Tun Salleh Abas in the 1980s, has always been suspect. Today affirms learned opinions of jurists, local and international, that in cases of the interest of the government is at stake, the Executive is in firm control.
The consequence of the exposure has permanent crippling effect on public and international confidence in the judicial system in this country. This case is an illustration of all that has gone wrong with the judiciary, a fundamental pillar of a nation, which is entrusted to deliver justice but now is viewed as not only weak, but without integrity and corrupted to its core.
Our country cannot afford to have this matter to be swept under the carpet. We have been lackadaisical on many disturbing issues.
Urgent and immediate actions need to be taken to stop the disease in the judiciary that is worsening by the day. SUARAM urgently calls for a Tribunal to be convened immediately and for judges who have been named, especially the Chief Justice, to act honourably to salvage their reputation and integrity - resign with immediate effect!
If our beloved nation demands that we, the citizens, stop the rot that has permeated at every echelon of Malaysia, today is the day we must act, beginning with an independent judiciary.
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