'Tengku Maimun 100pct correct' - Zaid backs call for judicial reform
Published: Apr 14, 2025 2:06 PM
Updated: 4:23 PM
Summary
Following criticism from former law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz over Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s remarks on political influence in judicial appointments, another former law minister has come to her defence.
In a Facebook post today, Zaid Ibrahim described Nazri as “Madani’s hero” who appeared angered by Tengku Maimun’s suggestion that the process for appointing judges could be susceptible 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 that 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.
Updated: 4:23 PM
Summary
- Zaid defends Tengku Maimun’s proposal to remove the PM’s role in judicial appointments, calling criticisms by Nazri “childish”.
- Ex-minister argues that the system allows the PM excessive influence and undermines judicial independence.
- Zaid urges govt to be honest about its stance on judicial reform, stressing the importance of impartiality in the legal system.
Following criticism from former law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz over Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s remarks on political influence in judicial appointments, another former law minister has come to her defence.
In a Facebook post today, Zaid Ibrahim described Nazri as “Madani’s hero” who appeared angered by Tengku Maimun’s suggestion that the process for appointing judges could be susceptible 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 that 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.
CJ Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat
In backing 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,” he added.
Nazri had earlier questioned the timing of Tengku Maimun’s remarks, noting 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 told Free Malaysia Today.
In backing 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,” he added.
Nazri had earlier questioned the timing of Tengku Maimun’s remarks, noting 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 told Free Malaysia Today.
Ex-law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz
JAC provisions
Zaid said that if Nazri carefully read the provisions of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), he would understand the validity 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 suggestion.
Zaid said that if Nazri carefully read the provisions of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), he would understand the validity 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 suggestion.
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