FORMER prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin must explain his claims of “judicial interference” when he was prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim said.

The PKR president said they were demanding clarification from Muhyiddin who had revealed that there was an attempt to contact him to interfere in several high-profile cases.

“This is because there is public doubt and suspicion as to whether the executive is interfering in judicial affairs even though we acknowledge the existence of judges who are firm and obedient to the law,” Anwar said in a statement.

Anwar also welcomed Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s statement that there was no interference from him (Muhyiddin) in high-profile cases in the country.

Yesterday, Tengku Maimun said she had never been approached by certain parties to interfere in the decision of court cases.

She also said other judges had never experienced it and stressed that all judges made decisions based on evidence in court and could not run away from their principles.

“Indeed, we have heard from the former prime minister’s (Muhyiddin) televised announcement that he was approached, but no one has contacted me personally to ask for such help (intervention).

“But if anyone contacts, we can say that nothing can be done because what happens in court depends on the evidence and testimony,” Tengku Maimun said.

Muhyiddin had claimed last year his legitimacy was being questioned for refusing to interfere in the court process involving several individuals, alluding to Umno politicians who are fighting a slew of charges.

In a special televised announcement, he said he had refused to bow down to pressures from Umno.

“This included demands for me to intervene in the court process to free several individuals who have been charged in court.

“I have also been accused of sedition against the royalty when all I have done was to defend the constitution and the constitutional monarch.

“I will not abandon my principles and the oath I have taken to carry out my responsibilities,” Muhyiddin had said.

He was believed to be alluding to Umno president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former president Najib Razak, who were slapped with numerous charges relating to corruption, money laundering and abuse of power. – January 15, 2022.