RCI the best forum to shed light on alleged judicial misconduct

LETTER | The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) notes with shock and concern allegation made against unnamed judges and the judiciary in an affidavit which was affirmed by a sitting Court of Appeal judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer.

It would have been a different matter if similar allegations were made by a common individual, but coming from a sitting judge and against his own brothers in the judiciary is indeed unprecedented.

These allegations have definitely undermined public confidence in the administration of justice in Malaysia, and if left unresolved, will have far worse consequences than expected. The judiciary is an integral part of our system of governance. Public trust and confidence in the judiciary is vital for our system of government to operate fairly and efficiently.

Interfering to influence the outcome of trials and collaborating to scam are heinous acts and an insult to the Federal Constitution, acts which must be condemned in the strongest terms.

While allegations in an affidavit cannot be presumed true, it is therefore crucial that these allegations are thoroughly investigated independently. The best forum to dig into it is a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

The MCM, therefore, calls upon the prime minister to immediately establish a RCI and leave no stones unturned in the quest to get to the truth of the matter. This must be done swiftly. Any delay will continue to erode public confidence.

DARSHAN SINGH is president of the Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.