PROMISE 19

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PROMISE 19

Restore Public Trust in the Judicial and Legal Institutions

ANALYSIS

Malaysiakini published a simple interactive piece on the “VK Lingam Tape” scandal that rocked the Malaysian Judicial system. The video revealed collusion of certain judges to make judgements to favour certain parties. This scandal further erode the trust the public has toward the judicial system. Pakatan Harapan made a bold manifesto pledge which is “Promise 19” to restore this trust that was lost. In order to move forward, we feel a short reflection is needed to remind us on the betrayal of our trust by the government and the judicial system in the past. 

Click here to the Malaysiakini Piece

Sub-promise

Ensure the appointment of judges are based on merit and experience
Remove the power of PM to influence appointment of judges

2 Jan 2019 – AAS raises concern that 5 JAC members are appointed by PM

11 Oct 2018 – PM “hints” at PSC replacing JAC within 5 years

A Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) will decide on the membership of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)

11 Oct 2018 –  PM “hints” at PSC replacing JAC within 5 years  

Ensure judges (including Syariah Court)’s emoluments in accordance to their professionalism

7 March 2019 – PH has taken steps to hold judges to higher standards in order to rekindle faith in the judiciary

Cease appointment of the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal through the backdoor

8 Oct 2018 – JAC to be established with 9 members and the Chief Justice as its chairman, will appoint qualified legal practitioners as judges of the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court

18 Sept 2018 – Four new members of the JAC appointed

Introduce a new rule requiring judges to provide written judgements each time they announce their judgement

1 April 2018 – Chief Justice announced the launch of a portal making court judgements public