Lawyers march in the hundreds for judicial independence in Putrajaya
People join the the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
Monday, 14 Jul 2025 3:56 PM MYT
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — Approximately 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (PoJ) to the Prime Minister’s Office complex here today in a demonstration aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary.
Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” was held amid rising concerns over the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies in its senior-most leadership, and the urgent need for institutional reforms.
At 2:30 pm, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession from the PoJ down Persiaran Perdana towards the group’s final destination at Putra Square.
Throughout the walk, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel facilitated the march by redirecting traffic and ensuring the safety of participants.
Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim, and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers.
A person holds up a protest sign during the the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
Several past Malaysian Bar presidents, including Karen Cheah, Steven Thiru, Christopher Leong, and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, were also present in a show of solidarity.
Upon the group’s arrival at Putra Square, Mohamad Ezri led a smaller entourage to deliver a memorandum at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at approximately 3.20pm.
The memorandum was received by Datuk Zamri Misman, director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal Affairs Division), on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Malaysian Bar had previously outlined four key points in its memorandum, including a renewed call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to probe any alleged interference with the judiciary.
The Bar also demanded that top leadership positions in the judiciary be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. It highlighted that these vacancies have resulted in some court cases being scheduled for hearing as late as 2030.
The organisation of the peaceful walk was mandated by both the Malaysian Bar’s statutory duties and a resolution passed at its 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 15, which gave the Bar Council a mandate to take public action to defend judicial independence.
Lawyers march during the the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
‘Resolve it as soon as possible’
Following the delivery, Mohamad Ezri said he was pleased with the turnout, which included members of the public alongside Malaysian Bar members.
“We have seen a lot of talk on social media, media statements that could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary, and we would like that settled,” he said.
“We are asking the government to resolve it as soon as possible; we are not giving them any timeline,” he added.
The crowd dispersed peacefully around 3.45pm, shortly after the memorandum was delivered, with no incidents reported.
Lawyers hold up banners during the the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
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