Judiciary must uphold trust of rakyat

Judiciary only hope of the rakyat

The video recording released by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) implicating a prominent lawyer purportedly brokering the appointment of judges, if proven true, is a very serious offence that deals a deadly blow to our judiciary and the system that delivers justice to the rakyat.The government must take this matter seriously and leave no stone unturned to investigate this allegation with urgency.

The authenticity of the 8-minute video recording must be verified for its genuinity without delay. If true than it is clear that our judiciary is not free and independent as it should be. Its impartiality has been compromised and it has truly become subservient to powerful individuals both in and out of the government

Action must be taken against those involved in this judicial scandal. It also calls for a comprehensive review of the procedures for the promotion of judges in the country. If it is not true than action should also be taken against those responsible for releasing such an evil-intentioned video..

We are often told by judges themselves that justice must not only be done but it must also be seen to be done. The judiciary must be seen to be clean and independent in the eyes of the rakyat. In this context, it is of utmost importance for the judges to act and behave in a manner appropriate to the highly noble responsibility entrusted upon them, which is to safeguard the rule of law at all costs. Judges who do not fulfill these criteria must quit or removed to safeguard the reputation and integrity of their position.

The rights and welfare of the rakyat must be the only consideration when they deliberate and deliver their judgments. Temptations in whatever from should not be allowed to cloud their decisions in any way. In this respect it is important to choose the right person for the job, one with high integrity and passion to do justice to mankind.

The ordinary man on the street has nowhere to turn to justice except the judiciary and if the institution, that is established to grant him justiceis flawed and tarnished, it would be a great tragedy not only to the person who seeks fair play but also the institution itself.

Dr.Chris Anthony