Contributed by Liew Kok Heng, Editor/Writer, Publications Department, Malaysian Bar; and photos by Mathn Raj s/o Elamurugu
The Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence (“Walk”) was organised to express deep concerns regarding, among others, unexplained delays in the judicial appointments, a significant number of vacancies across all levels of the Judiciary and allegations of possible interference in judicial affairs.
Members of the Bar gathering at the start of the Walk.
On 14 July 2025, close to 1,500 participants gathered at the entrance facing Perbadanan Putrajaya at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya before proceeding to the Prime Minister’s Office to hand over the Memorandum to Safeguard Judicial Independence, wherein the Malaysian Bar:
(1) calls upon judicial leadership positions to be filled as soon as possible by judges of impeccable character, integrity, unblemished reputation, judicial experience and acumen as measured and demonstrated by a record of quality, consistency and clarity in decision making and written judgments, and who command the respect of their peers on the Bench, at the Bar, and the Malaysian public;
(2) reiterates our call for the immediate release of the relevant official Judicial Appointments Commission (“JAC”) meeting minutes and to call for urgent and immediate inquiries into whether or not there was interference in judicial affairs and/or confirmation that what purports to be the JAC minutes circulated on social media are authentic (or otherwise);
(3) renews our call for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate whether or not there was any interference with the Judiciary; and
(4) calls for the numerous vacancies in the Judiciary to be expeditiously filled.
The Office Bearers of the Malaysian Bar took turns to address the issues at stake and energise the crowd — clad in chambers attire, carrying placards and banners as well as umbrellas — for the Walk ahead. At 2:30 pm thereabout, Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab, President of the Malaysian Bar, led the Walk from the Palace of Justice, along Persiaran Perdana, towards Putra Square.
On the steps of the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya.
Members of the Bar came prepared with umbrellas to face the weather.
Persevering under the midday sun.
Have wheels, will travel.
Despite the sweltering weather, the participants remained orderly over the 2.6-kilometre journey. The strong turnout; comprising Members of the Malaysian Bar, pupils in chambers, representatives of civil society and members of the public; signified a shared and unwavering commitment to safeguard judicial independence. The atmosphere throughout the Walk was solemn yet resolute, with the occasional chants of “Bebas Kehakiman” and “Hidup Kehakiman”, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the concerns raised.
Members of the Malaysian Bar gathering at Putra Square before the Prime Minister’s Office.
Upon reaching Putra Square, Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab led a smaller delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office to hand over the Memorandum. Datuk Zamri b Misman, Director-General, Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department received the Memorandum on behalf of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Office Bearers of the Malaysian Bar handing over the Memorandum to Datuk Zamri b Misman.