PETALING JAYA: While the legal fraternity has welcomed the proposal for all judges to declare their assets, they suggested that the move be taken further if public confidence in the judiciary is to be restored.
In tweets made yesterday, Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights community mover Edmund Bon said the centre supports the proposal made on Sunday by Chief Justice Tan Sri Arifin Zakaria but the declarations should go further.
“The declaration must go further to also declare potential conflicts of interests either by relationship or previous corporate and commercial dealings,” said Bon, who called for all declarations to be made publicly.
“If the declaration is made only to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the chief justice in private, the declaration is of little value. Trust in the judiciary must be formed publicly and transparently.”
Bon pointed out that judges are currently vetted by the MACC prior to appointment and any plans by Arifin must go over and above what is already being done.
Lawyers for Liberty spokesman N. Surendran called Arifin’s proposal a positive measure.
“But it is simply not enough and it misses the main issue completely. The chief justice has to restore public confidence in the judiciary.”
He said Arifin should prioritise the defence of fundamental liberties and act firmly and independently in cases that involve the breach of the liberties of the people by the executive.
Malaysian Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee welcomed the announcement and Arifin’s reminder to judges to uphold judicial independence which he called important steps in increasing public confidence in the judiciary.
“The involvement of the MACC will enhance the perception of impartiality in the verification of the declaration of assets.”
In a statement, the National Council for Justices of the Peace, Malaysia, called Arifin’s proposal as the best “new gift” to the nation at a time when accountability and transparency is uppermost in the minds of civil society.
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