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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that all judicial appointments must be respected and carried out strictly in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the relevant legal provisions.
Responding to news of a planned public rally on Monday concerning issues within the judiciary, Anwar said the organisers were free to proceed but stressed that constitutional processes must be upheld.
“That is their decision,” said Anwar, referring to the Bar Council’s upcoming peaceful march, “but we have already clarified this matter. The Attorney General (Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar) has explained, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has explained, and even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has made a statement.
“So, we must adhere to the processes and provisions outlined in the Federal Constitution,” he told reporters after Friday prayers in Putrajaya.
The Malaysian Bar Council is set to hold a march on 14 July from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office to submit a memorandum highlighting concerns over the growing number of vacancies in key judicial positions, delays in appointments and alleged external interference.
Bar Council President Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab was quoted as saying that the march was “a manifestation of serious concern over the independence and integrity of the judiciary.”
Anwar added that any desire to change the existing appointment mechanism must be pursued through constitutional amendments.
“If there is a desire to amend, propose a constitutional amendment. But this is a matter where we follow the process that has long been in place,” he said.
He also reiterated his commitment to judicial independence throughout his tenure as Prime Minister.
“As I’ve said before, in the more than two and a half years I’ve been in office, I have never interfered in any court decisions – that is what I maintain.
“It is crucial that the appointment process and the respective powers of each institution follow what is provided in the Constitution,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar performed Friday prayers at the Surau Ar-Rahim in Precinct 15 alongside 500 congregants. He also joined them in listening to the sermon titled ‘Mengimani Qadar, Rahsia Berjiwa Besar’ (Believing in Divine Decree, the Secret to a Big Heart).
The Prime Minister spent time engaging with mosque officials and local worshippers before departing. - July 11, 2025