THE royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of judicial interference must have an expanded terms of reference to ensure thorough and comprehensive reforms to the judiciary, the Malaysian Bar said.

Setting up the RCI following the allegations of judicial interference and misconduct by Court of Appeal Judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer was a “significant and crucial opportunity that the government must seize,” said Bar president George Varughese in a statement tonight.

He said the Bar commended the government’s prompt decision to form an RCI, and said the lawyers’ group had called for the establishment of one since August last year, when the allegations first surfaced during Hamid Sultan’s presentation at the Malaysian Bar’s International Malaysia Law Conference 2018.

The sitting judge last week filed an affidavit alleging judicial bias to favour the government of the day as well as collusion between top judges and private contractors over compensation for undelivered government projects.

Hamid Sultan’s affidavit was in support of an originating summons by lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo, who is seeking a declaration that the Chief Justice had failed to intervene in cases of judicial interference.

“We are confident that the members of the RCI (who are yet to be announced) will execute their exceedingly important work with the greatest dedication and integrity, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the truth and proposals for reform,” Varughese said. 

“The Malaysian Bar is mindful that the sanctity of the independence and integrity of the judiciary is essential and of the utmost importance for upholding the rule of law and instilling public confidence, and must not be allowed to be tarnished. 

“We, therefore, urge all parties to demonstrate respect and support for the RCI and the weighty mandate entrusted to it, by refraining from speculating or making adverse comments on the allegations made by justice Hamid Sultan until the RCI concludes its investigation and its findings are revealed.

“The Malaysian Bar stands ready to assist the RCI and will, to this end, make available all the expertise and resources we can muster.” – February 22, 2019.