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KUALA LUMPUR – Negri Sembilan’s Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has doubled down on his call for independence in the selection of the five eminent persons on the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).
According to the New Straits Times, Tuanku Muhriz said that the appointments should not only be free from political influence but also be inclusive and diverse in reflecting the country’s multicultural society.
“The inclusion of members from diverse and independent backgrounds will allow more stakeholders to be represented, thus broadening the expertise in the judicial appointments process whilst maintaining the commission’s independence,” he said.
Tuanku Muhriz reportedly said this during the launch of a book titled Upholding The Federal Constitution: The Judicial Thoughts of Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus earlier today.
At the launch, he characterised independence as the essence of the judiciary and that it is thus important to ensure that its independence is maintained and protected, NST reported.
“It is the judiciary to whom we entrust to protect the fundamental principles embodied in our federal constitution.
“Judges are bound to uphold their judicial oath steadfastly and constantly remind themselves that their decisions have a profound impact on society.”
“Thus, the appointment of independent and competent judges is crucial to ensuring that this aim is met.”
In late November, Tuanku Muhriz had proposed that the power of the prime minister to appoint members of the JAC be removed to ensure the body’s independence.
Addressing the Conference of Malay Rulers’ 260th meeting on November 30, His Majesty noted that at present, the prime minister has the authority to appoint five of the nine JAC members, with the remaining four comprising the country’s most senior judges.
He said this power to appoint should instead be passed on to other key relevant institutions with no personal interests.
According to the JAC website, its functions include selecting suitably qualified people who merit appointment as judges of the superior court for the prime minister’s consideration, formulating and implementing the selection and appointment mechanisms, and making other recommendations about the judiciary.
Tuanku Muhriz said his proposal to eliminate the prime minister’s role in the appointment of JAC members is based on his view that there are currently weaknesses in the process of appointing judges. – The Vibes, December 14, 2022
