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FORMER Minister of Economy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has warned of troubling undertones of confrontation between the executive and judicial branches, pointing to discussions within the Cabinet over the past year as evidence of potential interference in the judiciary.
Speaking at the “Public Forum: Judicial Integrity”, hosted by MP for Ledang Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh at the Persatuan Alumni Universiti Malaya (PAUM) clubhouse on Sunday, Rafizi said he had perceived an alarming resemblance to the judicial crisis of 1988, when pressure from the executive led to the suspension and eventual dismissal of then Lord President Tun Mohamed Salleh Abas and several senior judges.
“I still remember the feeling and thought, maybe this is how it all started back in 1988, when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the cause behind the suspension and eventual removal of the Lord President, Tun Mohamed Salleh Abas, and other senior judges,” said the Pandan MP.
Rafizi further explained that there were several major cases expected in the coming years involving the country’s elite, which may place undue pressure on judicial independence.
“As an MP and former minister, we have friends who are lawyers and judges. There are two or three major cases set to emerge in the next two to three years. When I mention big cases, the opposition may assume I mean those involving the Prime Minister. In reality, many don’t realise the cases I’m referring to involve the same elite group—the ‘super wealthy’ that Anwar (Prime Minister) frequently criticises. This is the same group involved in the VK Lingam case,” he said.
“My concern is that the same individuals who have vested interests are attempting to shape the judiciary in a way that, when their big cases are heard, they will win.”
Rafizi also proposed that the government halt the appointment of a senior judge currently embroiled in allegations of judicial interference, as a step toward de-escalation and restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
“The easiest way for the government to handle the current impasse is to not proceed with the controversial appointment. This allows everyone space to address the constitutional and legal issues thoroughly, without eroding public trust,” he said.
He cautioned that if the issue is not addressed swiftly, it could damage Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) public standing and electoral support.
“There are vocal voices within PH raising this not to sabotage, but as an early warning so action can be taken. He (Anwar) just needs to do the right thing—and the right thing is to remove the questioned judge from the nomination process. Either investigate first, or follow the proper procedures. I think people won’t be so upset then,” Rafizi added.
He emphasised that with appropriate action, PH still has time to restore public support ahead of the next general election. However, he warned that continued inaction could lead to the erosion of PH’s core support from the urban middle class—a demographic seen as critical to the coalition’s electoral victories. - July 14, 2025