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KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has his sight trained on former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said that she was never asked to intervene in high-profile court cases.
Anwar says, due to Tengku Maimun's denial, Muhyiddin must come forth and explain why he had made such a claim in the first place.
It is understood that Anwar is making reference to Muhyiddin’s speech on August 4 when several Umno MPs withdrew support towards his leadership, placing his prime ministerial post in limbo.
Muhyiddin said his leadership was challenged because he refused to give in to demands to interfere in court proceedings to free certain individuals from criminal charges.
The Port Dickson MP suggested that Muhyiddin’s claims have resulted in public mistrust towards the nation’s institutions of governance, and have given the impression the executive could interfere in judicial matters.
“We are waiting for further explanation from Muhyiddin, where he himself revealed there were attempts to contact him to interfere in court proceedings.
"In the same context, the Attorney-General should also come forth and respond," Anwar tweeted today.
Kenyataan Media
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) January 15, 2022
15 Januari 2022
Saya mengalu-alukan kenyataan Ketua Hakim Negara Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat bahawa tidak ada campurtangan dari pihak beliau melibatkan kes-kes berprofil tinggi di negara ini. pic.twitter.com/jaO5CwSxHi
Yesterday, during the opening of the Legal Year 2022 at the Palace of Justice, Tengku Maimun told the press that she was never approached by anyone to interfere in court decisions, adding that she believes the same could be said for other judges.
In addition, Tengku Maimun said that even if attempts were made to interfere, nothing can be done, given what takes precedence in court is evidence and testimony. – The Vibes, January 15, 2021