Citing VK Lingam and 1988 crisis, PKR lawmakers want RCI to end rumours of interference in Malaysia’s top courts
Rafizi Ramli speaks to reporters at the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on January 9, 2025. — Firdaus Latif
Monday, 07 Jul 2025 10:55 AM MYT
PUCHONG, July 7 — Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and eight other PKR MPs today called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of improper judicial appointments and interference in the judiciary.
The MPs said the inquiry was crucial to address the allegations and prevent a repeat of the damage inflicted on public trust from the 2007 VK Lingam tape scandal and the 1988 constitutional crisis.
Rafizi said an RCI is the best way to quell public speculation that was arising reasonably from circumstances such as the vacancies and successions within the judiciary.
“We can’t stop the public from speculating. Speculation is not good; that’s why the best way to do this is to have an RCI. Let the learned members of the RCI go through this; they will be able to ascertain what has transpired and present it to the public,” he said at a press conference at the Subang parliamentary service centre here.
“If that is done, it will affirm the government’s commitment to defend judicial independence, and it will nip the problem and speculation in the bud.”
Rafizi emphasised, however, that the call for an RCI was not an act against the current administration, adding that all nine PKR MPs continue to support the federal government and the ruling coalition.
MORE TO COME
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kt remarks:
I support. There are many who foolishly believe that 'not extending the service' of the last CJ had amounted to executive interference in the judiciary.
Constitutionally , the CJ term can only be extended 6 months beyond mandatory retirement age. That is all.
ReplyDeleteIt's considered just a minor extension , possibly to avoid unwarranted disruptions in case load. If there is no extension, frankly it's no big deal.