PUTRAJAYA will have to accede to the wishes of the public on setting up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of judicial interference, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

“What is important is that the people want it, “ he said, at the prime minister’s Hari Raya open house in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, today.

“I think they will start work soon (on the RCI).

Dr Mahathir was responding to calls for an investigation into Court of Appeal Judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer’s allegations widespread judicial interference and misconduct.

Former judge Gopal Sri Ram had suggested that instead of an RCI, the newly minted Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat should carry out an internal inquiry.

Gopal said it was inappropriate for an RCI to probe into the allegations as that would contravene the doctrine of separation of powers.

On what he thought of the argument, Dr Mahathir said his opinion was not important.

“Don’t ask me because I am entitled to my own opinions. I have to respond to public views.”

Hamid had alleged widespread corruption in the judiciary in an affidavit filed on February 14 in support of Sangeet Kaur Deo’s application to declare the chief justice had failed to defend the integrity and credibility of the institution in two alleged incidents of judicial interference. – June 5, 2019.