Former law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz has urged the government to take firm action against Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, citing recent remarks she made as inappropriate and damaging to the nation's image.
Nazri, who also served as Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, criticized Tengku Maimun for comments made during her speech at the 24th Commonwealth Law Conference in Malta. He claimed the Chief Justice’s remarks suggested that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was interfering in judicial appointments — a statement Nazri described as both unprofessional and misleading.
While acknowledging her competence in performing her judicial duties, Nazri expressed concern over the way Tengku Maimun publicly questioned executive involvement in appointing top judges. He stressed that such comments, especially made on an international stage, gave the impression that Malaysia lacked legal integrity and functioned like a “cowboy country.”
“In terms of her professional capabilities, I have no issue. But for her to speak as though the Prime Minister meddles in judicial matters — and to do so overseas — is entirely inappropriate,” he said, citing a local news report.
Nazri said the statement could tarnish not only the image of the judiciary but also cast a negative light on the current administration, especially when Malaysia is actively promoting its “Madani” governance model under Prime Minister Anwar.
He further questioned Tengku Maimun’s reference to a study recommending the separation of the Prime Minister’s powers in judicial appointments. Nazri argued that if such a study was still ongoing or incomplete, it was premature and irresponsible to disclose its findings publicly.
“Why talk about an unfinished study as though it proves the Prime Minister has overstepped his role?” Nazri asked, adding that such disclosures without full context could mislead the global audience and imply wrongdoing where there is none.
Calling the situation serious, Nazri proposed that the Cabinet set up a special committee to investigate Tengku Maimun’s remarks. He maintained that high-ranking civil servants should speak strictly based on verified facts, especially when discussing the nation’s legal framework.
Although he clarified he wasn’t rejecting the study or its recommendations, Nazri reiterated that revealing incomplete findings, especially by someone of the Chief Justice’s stature, could damage Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage.
Information Source: Sinar Harian
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