Today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a major announcement on institutional reform – the MADANI government will undertake a comprehensive review of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) framework, including the JAC Act itself.
In doing so, the MADANI government will engage various stakeholders to determine how the system can be improved to better reflect the constitutional balance, enhance public trust, and protect the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
I believe it is no coincidence that the Prime Minister’s statement came after the speech by YAA Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat yesterday about the role of the Prime Minister in judicial appointments.
It must also be noted that today’s statement by the Prime Minister signals a policy shift by the MADANI government. Earlier this year, I submitted a Parliamentary question on whether the JAC Act would be amended, and the answer given suggested that, at the time, no concrete plans were afoot to review the Act.
As a lawyer and a lawmaker, I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement today. It again shows the willingness of the MADANI government to embark upon institutional reforms.
It is vital now for the engagement session to begin in earnest, in order to gather as many views on the matter as possible.
It is hoped that this current Parliament will again be able to make history by passing reforms that would truly guarantee the independence of the judiciary, free from any form of interference.
Remember, a free and independent judiciary is the bulwark of civil liberties and safeguards our long established constitutional framework.
Syahredzan Johan
Member of Parliament, Bangi
DAP National Vice Chairman
