I welcome and commend the joint statement issued by the Members of Parliament from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) urging the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the recent allegations pertaining to judicial appointments.
It is indeed rare for government backbenchers to express public concern on matters of such critical importance, let alone to collectively advocate for the formation of an RCI. However, the current circumstances, particularly the prolonged vacancies in the offices of the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal have understandably given rise to grave concern among legal professionals and the public alike.
There is growing unease and disappointment over the government’s protracted silence and perceived inaction on these key judicial appointments, which are foundational to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence, and the integrity of our legal system.
The PKR Members of Parliament have discharged their duties with commendable integrity by voicing the concerns of the rakyat and standing firm in their role as the people’s representatives.
In light of this, I respectfully urge the Prime Minister and the relevant cabinet ministers to convene a comprehensive briefing for all government Members of Parliament. It is imperative that we are fully apprised of the developments and considerations surrounding this issue.
Transparency, accountability, and the proper functioning of democratic institutions must remain our highest priorities. Only through openness and principled governance can we restore and sustain public confidence in the judiciary and in our broader institutional framework.
Teresa Kok
