KUALA LUMPUR – Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has raised the alarm over what he sees as creeping interference in Malaysia’s judiciary, warning that ultra-wealthy elites once tied to past scandals may now be seeking to engineer outcomes in upcoming high-stakes court cases.
The Pandan MP said he was disturbed by the tone of Cabinet discussions on the judiciary over the past year, likening the atmosphere to the early signs of the 1988 judicial crisis under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“There was an undertone as if a clash between the executive and judiciary was inevitable,” Rafizi said at a public forum on judicial integrity last night, which took place at the UM Alumni Clubhouse.
“I couldn’t help but feel maybe this is how it started in 1998... The same elite forces – those Anwar (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) calls the ‘Mahakaya’ – they’re still here.”
He claimed that, contrary to popular belief, some of the most significant cases in the courts today do not involve the prime minister, but rather powerful figures with deep-rooted interests in reshaping the judiciary to their advantage.
“My fear is that the same people behind the VK Lingam scandal are once again trying to reconstitute the judiciary in a way that ensures they win when their big cases go through,” he said.
Cabinet conversations ‘disturbing’
Although bound by the Official Secrets Act, Rafizi hinted that as a former Cabinet member, he was privy to confidential discussions that alarmed him.
“I was extremely disturbed by the language and tone when the judiciary was discussed. Of course, we can't speak to the judges, but we talk to lawyers, and we can see where this is heading,” he said, stressing that some within the government appeared open to fast-tracking a judge despite clear criteria set by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).
The PKR lawmaker insisted that any appointment to top judicial posts must be grounded in principle and consistency.
He urged the government to defuse tensions by simply not proceeding with the controversial appointment.
“That way, we can allow space to examine the constitutional and legal issues properly, without destroying public trust,” Rafizi said.
Rafizi is one of nine PKR MPs who last week called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the delay and process of appointing top judges, following mounting concerns of interference.
The move triggered backlash from within the party, with at least 19 PKR division chiefs in Johor and Kedah urging disciplinary action against the group. Party secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh has confirmed that the matter is under review.
Rafizi defended the call for an RCI, saying it is a legitimate step to safeguard judicial integrity and hold the government accountable.
“If we do not act now, PH risks losing its urban, middle-class base – the very people who believed in reform and backed us through difficult elections,” he warned.
He also rebuffed criticism that the move undermines Anwar or the government.
“This isn’t sabotage. The prime minister doesn’t need protection – he needs to do what’s right,” Rafizi said.
As for calls for his suspension, Rafizi said he respects party processes but reminded his critics that PKR is a reformist party built on open dialogue and accountability.
“Of course, we’re party members, but we’re also MPs with a duty to the country. I would advise those eager to file petitions to be careful. This is a party of reform,” he said. – July 14, 2025
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