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©The Star (Used by permission)

STEPS are being made to strengthen the judicial system and ensure reform takes place effectively, including the setting up of the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the setting up of JAC was to ensure the judicial power separation policy proceeded smoothly.

“This will increase the public’s confidence in the judicial system and strengthen the practice of the doctrine of separation of powers,” he said in a written reply to MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-Kulai) who asked about the steps taken so far.

Abdullah said emphasis was also placed on resolving backlog cases quickly and looking into the scope and responsibility of the legal aid system in aiding the poor.

“Many things need to be done to bring change and reform to the judicial system. For backlog cases, the High Powered Committee on Backlog of Cases chaired by Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) is now studying methods on how to resolve this issue,” he added.

Abdullah said the operation to solve and close pre-2000 civil and criminal cases and pre-2004 criminal cases was a success.

Other steps currently being studied include having a more transparent and effective case management system to track the delay in solving cases and find solutions through mediation to reduce court cases.

Efforts were also underway to resolve issues arising from the implementation of a computer system to quicken note-taking process through court recording and transcription system.

Abdullah said the merging of provisions in the “High Court Procedures 1980” and the “Subordinate Court Procedures 1980” would also help speed up trials.

Other measures include restructuring the judicial body to overcome staff shortage and conducting a comprehensive study to enhance the role of the legal aid bureau to ensure more people qualified for their services.

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