PM's legal wrangle proves judicial independence thrives - Kamil

PM's legal wrangle proves judicial independence thrives - Kamil


Published: Jul 10, 2025 3:21 PM
Updated: 6:13 PM


PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim has accused Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin of peddling a dangerous and baseless narrative designed to erode public trust.

He was referring to Muhyiddin’s claim that judicial independence is compromised as long as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing personal legal issues.

Kamil (above, right) dismissed the allegation as “wild” and pointed out that the very fact that a sitting prime minister or any senior figure can be subjected to legal proceedings is, in fact, a clear sign that judicial independence is alive and well.

“It demonstrates that no one is above the law, and that the rule of law is upheld. A truly independent judiciary will allow legal processes to proceed without interference from the executive, regardless of who is involved.

“Muhyiddin's move to exploit the statements of several MPs is nothing more than an attempt to fish in troubled waters.

“The views or opinions of any government MP cannot be interpreted as a loss of confidence in the prime minister,” he said in reference to the nine PKR lawmakers who urged the formation of Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the judiciary and for the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on institutional reforms to investigate alleged judicial interference.

Kamil noted that under the Madani government, numerous government MPs have openly voiced their views and criticisms on a wide range of policies and decisions.

“This is clear evidence of the strength of the government, which acknowledges and celebrates differing opinions in the context of a functioning democracy - a far cry from Muhyiddin, who once chose to shut down Parliament because he lacked the courage to face opposition MPs.

“Thus, open differences of opinion like this are normal and openly embraced by the Madani government, reflecting a commitment to political maturity. Such a culture is clearly alien to the group led by Muhyiddin, hence his skewed interpretations,” he added.

Shallow interpretation

As for Anwar’s application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court in relation to the civil suit by Yusoff Rawther, the PKR Youth leader said it is the legal right of any individual to seek clarification or constitutional interpretation from the Federal Court.

“Labelling this as ‘unprecedented’ or a ‘clear conflict of interest’ reflects a shallow interpretation, and as an MP, Muhyiddin has clearly failed to grasp basic aspects of our legal system. For a veteran legislator like him to make such a statement is shameful and inappropriate.

“To this day, there is no evidence that the prime minister has interfered with or violated any legal provisions relating to judicial administration,” Kamil added.

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