PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said there is nothing wrong for judges to be investigated on allegations of misconduct or wrongdoings but the matter should not be publicised. 

Ismail said no one is above the law and enforcement agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police are free to investigate if they suspect a criminal offence had been committed.

However, to preserve respect for the judicial institution, investigations against judges should not be publicised, he said. 

“There is no need for them (enforcement agencies) to announce who is involved… telling the media about the investigation. 

“I do not see anything wrong about investigating judges implicated in criminal wrongdoings. We are not saying a crime has been committed, as it is only at the investigation stage. 

“But there is no need to publicise it and reveal to the media the names of those under probe. Maybe that is what is being questioned,” he said, without naming the individuals or agencies involved. 

He said this when asked at the Malaysian Bar’s “Walk for Judicial Independence” assembly held at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. 

Ismail said the Malaysian Bar’s action might be in response to the way the agency concerned had conducted its investigation.

The Bera MP, was speaking at a media conference after attending a meet-and-greet session with workers of the Bera Jalinan Rakyat at Kompleks Rakan Muda Bera today.

He reiterated that the government subscribes to the principle of separation of powers, with the judiciary given the freedom to conduct trials and make rulings without interference from any parties.

Meanwhile, when asked about the proposed Political Funding Bill, he said the Prime Minister’s Department and Attorney-General’s Chambers have been directed to make comprehensive studies for it to be tabled to the cabinet before being taken to Parliament. – Bernama, June 19, 2022.