CHIEF Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat fired back at critics today who made unfair statements without first understanding judgments.

She was responding to comments by several politicians who attacked the judiciary after a five-member bench, led by her, quashed Najib’s appeal in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case and sentenced him to 12 years in jail and a RM210 million fine.

She said the comments were made solely on sentiment and not the understanding of law.

“It is not fair to be making statements on things you don’t understand, that would bring chaos to anything if you say something you do not understand,” she told reporters after attending the National Litigation Conference 2022 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre.

“You don’t have the basic knowledge, you don’t have the full understanding, yet you’re making statements about it. That’s not right.”

Tengku Maimun said the politicians’ statements show a clear lack of comprehension.

“My personal opinion is that the comments show their lack of understanding because they don’t read the judgment.

“If they don’t read, they don’t understand, and if they don’t understand, they will make comments that are inappropriate and irrelevant to the issue,” she said.

They should have consulted those more knowledgeable before speaking up, Tengku Mainmun said.

“You ask the right people, don’t simply jump to conclusions without fully understanding.

“That’s the basic thing, isn’t it? If you don’t understand, you ask,” she said.

She said the Malaysian Bar’s statement backing the judiciary and reprimanding politicians was much appreciated.

“I’m very grateful because the Malaysian Bar has in fact issued press statements and it has explained the real positions on why the verdicts were decided that way, and also why politicians should not jump to conclusions or make statements.

“I’m very grateful for the support,” she added. – September 10, 2022.