Transmenu powered by JoomlArt.com - Mambo Joomla Professional Templates Club

• Commission a balanced team, says Nazri

©New Straits Times (Used by permission)

KUALA LUMPUR: The terms of reference laid out for the commission of inquiry into the "Lingam" video clip do not restrict it from offering advice for the improvement of the judiciary.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said the terms of reference of the commission were limited but this did not prevent it from making observations.

"I do not think the terms of reference will stop it from making recommendations to the authorities."

He said these would be opinions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary.

Abu Talib, a former attorney-general, said the commission consisted of three retired judges, two of whom had held positions under various authorities in the judiciary.
"They know what needs to be done."

Abu Talib said a scrutiny of the alleged conversation in the video clip was about the appointments and promotions of judges.

In this regard, he said, commission members should make suggestions on the method and criteria for appointing judges.

He said Suhakam's stand was that a body should be formed to appoint and promote judges.

National Council of Justices of the Peace secretary-general Datuk M. Ramalingam said the setting up of the commission was the beginning of the restoration of the judiciary's glory days.

"It will pave the way to rehabilitate the institution to dispense justice without fear or favour."

He said although there were limits to the commission's brief, avenues existed for it to give practical suggestions to the government.

Retired Court of Appeal judge Datuk Shaikh Daud Ismail, however, said the terms of reference were narrow and could be broadened by the government for the commission members to carry out their duties extensively.

"The commission had been expected to be given wider authority. It is not too late to do that."

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed