RCI silence: Gerakan leader calls out Kit Siang, Loke, Rayer, and Kula
Published: Jul 10, 2025 7:37 AM
Updated: 6:27 PM
Summary
- Gerakan leader slams DAP for staying silent on the proposed RCI into the judiciary.
- Naran Singh notes that only DAP MP Teresa Kok spoke up, while accusing others, including ministers, of inaction.
- PKR MPs led by Rafizi Ramli have called for the RCI over alleged judicial interference by the executive.
A Gerakan leader has taken DAP to task over its silence on the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the judiciary, calling out the party’s past vocal defence of the separation of powers.
“Where is the honourable DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang?” asked Perak Gerakan deputy chairperson Naran Singh in a statement to Malaysiakini.
He noted that Lim had emerged from retirement in May to question Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s commitment to multiracial ideals.
“Surely judicial independence is a far weightier matter - one that demands Lim’s voice once more. Is this not more important than debating whether Muhyiddin is ‘Malaysian first’ or ‘Malay first’?” he asked.
Naran (above), a criminal lawyer by profession, also took aim at DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“Where is the DAP secretary-general? He must surely understand that judicial independence - a pillar of any functioning democracy - is at least as important, if not more so, than trains and buses,” he remarked.
DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke
What about the DAP lawyers?
The Gerakan leader did not spare DAP’s outspoken Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran, who also serves as the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
“Rayer is always quick to speak, often leaping to his feet in Parliament. So, where is he now? As a lawyer, he should be deeply concerned about the state of the judiciary. And what about Kulasegaran, who is also a lawyer? Nowhere to be seen,” he said.
Naran also took aim at Kulasegaran’s superior, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, accusing both of being “asleep at the wheel”.
“They knew the terms of the chief justice and Court of Appeal president were coming to an end. What were they doing?” he asked in reference to Azalina’s statement that the government is fully aware of public concern surrounding the issue.
Only Teresa present
In contrast, Naran praised DAP MP Teresa Kok for seemingly breaking ranks and supporting the call by nine PKR MPs - led by Rafizi Ramli - for an RCI.
“So far, Teresa seems to be the only DAP leader with the courage and conviction to speak out. The rest have vanished,” he added.
What about the DAP lawyers?
The Gerakan leader did not spare DAP’s outspoken Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran, who also serves as the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
“Rayer is always quick to speak, often leaping to his feet in Parliament. So, where is he now? As a lawyer, he should be deeply concerned about the state of the judiciary. And what about Kulasegaran, who is also a lawyer? Nowhere to be seen,” he said.
Naran also took aim at Kulasegaran’s superior, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said, accusing both of being “asleep at the wheel”.
“They knew the terms of the chief justice and Court of Appeal president were coming to an end. What were they doing?” he asked in reference to Azalina’s statement that the government is fully aware of public concern surrounding the issue.
Only Teresa present
In contrast, Naran praised DAP MP Teresa Kok for seemingly breaking ranks and supporting the call by nine PKR MPs - led by Rafizi Ramli - for an RCI.
“So far, Teresa seems to be the only DAP leader with the courage and conviction to speak out. The rest have vanished,” he added.
DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok
Naran also acknowledged that DAP Youth had raised concerns, urging the government to clarify the controversies surrounding judicial appointments and warning that public trust is eroding.
Calls for RCI
On Monday, Rafizi and the eight PKR lawmakers urged the formation of the RCI and for the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on institutional reforms to investigate alleged judicial interference.
They called for the RCI to probe claims that the government ignored Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) recommendations before former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s retirement, including nominations for chief justice and Court of Appeal president.
They also highlighted concerns that the JAC was summoned last Friday without the mandatory 10-day notice to propose new candidates.
Rafizi likened the allegations to the VK Lingam scandal, where a 2002 phone recording revealed efforts to influence judicial appointments.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers subsequently downplayed the concerns raised by the PKR lawmakers and described the comparison with the VK Lingam scandal as unwarranted.
Naran also acknowledged that DAP Youth had raised concerns, urging the government to clarify the controversies surrounding judicial appointments and warning that public trust is eroding.
Calls for RCI
On Monday, Rafizi and the eight PKR lawmakers urged the formation of the RCI and for the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on institutional reforms to investigate alleged judicial interference.
They called for the RCI to probe claims that the government ignored Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) recommendations before former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s retirement, including nominations for chief justice and Court of Appeal president.
They also highlighted concerns that the JAC was summoned last Friday without the mandatory 10-day notice to propose new candidates.
Rafizi likened the allegations to the VK Lingam scandal, where a 2002 phone recording revealed efforts to influence judicial appointments.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers subsequently downplayed the concerns raised by the PKR lawmakers and described the comparison with the VK Lingam scandal as unwarranted.
PM's legal wrangle proves judicial independence thrives - Kamil
Anwar to meet Harapan MPs day after Rafizi's judicial integrity forum
Palace breaks silence, warns not to politicise top judges' appointments
Rafizi rallies MPs behind RCI, special panel to quiz Anwar
PAS denies RCI support tied to Rafizi's attendance at 'Turun Anwar' rally
Latheefa: Acting CJ's refusal to facilitate Bar's march unacceptable
Bersih, C4 to join Bar's walk for judicial independence
No comments:
Post a Comment