Malaysian Bar hands memo on judicial independence to PMO

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Bar has delivered the memorandum on safeguarding judicial independence to the Prime Minister’s Office, according to its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab.

Lawyers, including leading figures from the Malaysian Bar, staged a “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” on Monday (July 14) afternoon, proceeding from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The event was attended by members of the Bar, chambers and concerned members of the public, according to Ezri.

He said the memorandum was handed to Datuk Zamri Misman, the director-general of the Legal Affairs Division.

“Datuk Zamri was ready and waiting in the office earlier, and has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum,” he told a press conference here on Monday (July 14).

“We saw participation from members of the Bar and people in chambers and members of the public, all united in our call to address the pressing concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, particularly the ongoing vacancies in the judiciary, the need for institutional continuity and a more transparent and accountable judicial appointment process.”

Ezri stressed that the walk’s purpose was to uphold the independence of the judiciary, describing it as a prerequisite for a robust democratic system.

He expressed concern over recent media and social media commentary, urging the government “to resolve it as soon as possible”.

Highlighting specific concerns raised in the memorandum, he pointed out the alarming judicial vacancies.

“Among the matters raised is the need to fill the existing vacancies in the judiciary… we were informed that some cases have been scheduled as far ahead as the year 2030, and this will disrupt the functioning of the courts and negatively affect clients,” he said.

He confirmed that the memorandum will also be delivered to the Prime Minister.