CONFIDENCE is a paramount element in all aspects of good governance and trust is a key component in any criminal justice system.

Confidence and trust are gained when those in the system show the appropriate leadership traits expected of them. It can be dauntingly unfair but such are the complexities of public perception.

So what is in a jig that connected and swayed all the limbs and torsos of the justice system to the beat of the rhythm that night?

It was more than an illustration of the fusion of powers that any criminal justice system avoids. At the least, it was an inappropriate depiction of metaphorical association.

We have been down this road before with the previous government and their night of fraternising. It led to criticism from many tiers of the sociopolitical realms, especially from opposing legal eagles who were undoubtedly justified in their opinion pertaining to the erosion of trust and confidence in the justice system.

It was more than a hint of the unholy fraternity in the fusion of powers. We thought that such an occasion would be avoided in our new Malaysia.

Deja vu?

Of course there is nothing wrong in a little fun and revelry amongst a close circle of people who share the same goals in their sociopolitical responsibilities. But it is opined that all those custodians of the criminal justice system did no favours to their own assurances that they would be the catalysts to widen the separation of powers in the justice system when they took office.

Even more perplexing were the reasons given for letting their hair down a few nights ago. It was almost a mirror reflection of the same reasons given by the previous administration in their dancing shoes!

The upper limbs of the system have always taken their seclusion and steadfastness in not fraternising with anyone except amongst their peers seriously.

Most of their socialising is kept very discreet as they realise that any revelation of any proximity to all forms of entertainment is directly proportional to the erosion of society’s trust and confidence.

It affects the acceptance and quality of any decision made at all the different levels within the system. When there is a shortfall in confidence and trust, it becomes harder and more tumultuous when controversial decisions are made.

The erosion in trust and confidence in our criminal justice system has been monumental over the last decade with many cases that the criminal justice system has failed to deliver. There is much to be done and time is of essence as we are now four years away from the next general election.

Put away those dancing shoes till the job is done or at least, when it is seen to be done.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.