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CLAIMS by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is “tearing down the judiciary to remain in power” are wholly baseless and politically motivated, says Angkatan Muda Keadilan (PKR Youth) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
Kamil, who also serves as Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, said any suggestion that judicial independence is compromised simply because the Prime Minister is engaged in legal proceedings must be backed by evidence.
“It shows that no one is above the law and that the principle of the rule of law is upheld. A truly independent judiciary allows the legal process to proceed without executive interference, regardless of who is involved,” Bernama cited him saying in a statement.
He added that the fact a sitting Prime Minister is able to face legal challenges without interference demonstrates that Malaysia’s judiciary is functioning independently.
Kamil was responding to recent remarks by Muhyiddin, who had claimed in a Facebook post that the judiciary “cannot be truly independent” while the Prime Minister faces personal legal issues. The comment referred to Anwar’s application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court in relation to a civil suit filed by Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.
“Any individual, including the Prime Minister, has the constitutional right to seek clarification from the courts. There is nothing improper or irregular about that,” said Kamil.
He criticised Muhyiddin’s remarks as “shallow” and accused the former Prime Minister of misrepresenting the legal process for political ends.
“A veteran lawmaker like him should not be making such statements. To date, there has not been a single shred of evidence showing that the Prime Minister has interfered in or violated any legal provision relating to judicial administration.
“This is a malicious narrative irresponsibly crafted, serving as political rhetoric aimed at undermining public confidence and triggering instability,” he said.
Kamil further asserted that diverse views from government backbenchers were not signs of weakness but rather reflections of a healthy, functioning democracy.
“Many government MPs have openly expressed their views and opinions on government policies. That is a clear testament to a strong government that upholds and celebrates differing opinions in a country that genuinely practises democracy—unlike Muhyiddin, who once chose to shut down Parliament for fear of facing opposition MPs,” he said.
Responding to attempts to link Anwar’s popularity or economic policy decisions — including the expansion of the Sales and Services Tax and adjustments to electricity tariffs — to institutional control, Kamil said such conclusions were “far off the mark”.
“These are economic measures based on fiscal needs. They do not amount to interference with judicial or institutional independence,” he added. - July 10, 2025