Cut Brazil trip short, return to deal with judicial crisis - opposition tells PM
Published: Jul 7, 2025 1:57 PM
Updated: 4:12 PM
Summary
- PAS’ Fadhli demands govt transparently address PKR MPs’ claims of judicial interference, urging Anwar to "immediately return and provide a direct explanation”.
- Bersatu’s Wan Saiful believes it’s more crucial for PM to "go on leave" to prevent further erosion of public trust in the judiciary.
- PSM says the PKR MPs’ move has opened up debate on allowing MPs to exercise free or conscience votes.
Opposition leaders have called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a work trip to Brazil, to immediately return and address the grave allegations of executive interference in the judiciary.
This came after a group of PKR lawmakers today proposed a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the allegations of a judicial appointments scandal.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the government must urgently and transparently address the PKR MPs’ claims, which include delayed judicial appointments and questionable procedures in the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).
"When this branch (judiciary) is tainted by political or executive interference, the principle of separation of powers collapses, and we are no longer a democracy but are sliding towards dictatorship," he said on Facebook.
Fadhli urged Anwar to "immediately return and provide a direct explanation to the people and Parliament," adding that this was not a minor issue that could be postponed.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari
The Pasir Mas MP also appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to consider appropriate steps to safeguard the dignity and independence of the judiciary from any executive encroachment.
Anwar is in Rio De Janeiro attending the Brics Leaders' Summit. Also in attendance were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Pasir Mas MP also appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to consider appropriate steps to safeguard the dignity and independence of the judiciary from any executive encroachment.
Anwar is in Rio De Janeiro attending the Brics Leaders' Summit. Also in attendance were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
PM Anwar Ibrahim and his delegation on a jog at the Copacabana beach in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
‘Clear conflict of interest’
Bersatu leader Wan Saiful Wan Jan echoed Fadhli’s call, stating it was more crucial for the prime minister to "go on leave" to prevent further erosion of public trust in the judiciary.
"The conflict of interest here is very clear. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done," the Tasek Gelugor MP said on Facebook.
This morning, a group of PKR MPs led by the party’s former deputy president Rafizi Ramli held a press conference to call for the RCI.
They will also formally request that the Parliament special select committee (PSSC) for institutional reforms probe into the brewing judicial scandal, including summoning Anwar for a statement.
Rafizi said he believes Anwar has nothing to hide, and if the PSSC calls him to clear the air, the prime minister can attend.
‘Clear conflict of interest’
Bersatu leader Wan Saiful Wan Jan echoed Fadhli’s call, stating it was more crucial for the prime minister to "go on leave" to prevent further erosion of public trust in the judiciary.
"The conflict of interest here is very clear. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done," the Tasek Gelugor MP said on Facebook.
This morning, a group of PKR MPs led by the party’s former deputy president Rafizi Ramli held a press conference to call for the RCI.
They will also formally request that the Parliament special select committee (PSSC) for institutional reforms probe into the brewing judicial scandal, including summoning Anwar for a statement.
Rafizi said he believes Anwar has nothing to hide, and if the PSSC calls him to clear the air, the prime minister can attend.
PKR’s Rafizi Ramli
PSM praises Rafizi camp
PSM has responded positively to the call, saying the PKR MPs’ statement has opened up debate on allowing MPs to exercise free or conscience votes.
"While I concur that party discipline is essential for a party yet, on serious issues of public interest such as the freedom of judiciary, it is essential the MPs vote according to their conscious or have a mechanism in their own parliamentary set-up and get feedback from the rakyat who voted them," its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said in a statement.
He also called for the government to expedite the long-awaited separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, noting that while it has been discussed in cabinet, it has yet to be tabled in Parliament.
"We hope all MPs will vote with their conscience and safeguard our pillars of democracy," he added.
PSM praises Rafizi camp
PSM has responded positively to the call, saying the PKR MPs’ statement has opened up debate on allowing MPs to exercise free or conscience votes.
"While I concur that party discipline is essential for a party yet, on serious issues of public interest such as the freedom of judiciary, it is essential the MPs vote according to their conscious or have a mechanism in their own parliamentary set-up and get feedback from the rakyat who voted them," its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan said in a statement.
He also called for the government to expedite the long-awaited separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, noting that while it has been discussed in cabinet, it has yet to be tabled in Parliament.
"We hope all MPs will vote with their conscience and safeguard our pillars of democracy," he added.
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kt comments:
What judicial crisis?
Does Rafizi has the right to speak on behalf of PMX regarding the proposed RCI?
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