Today, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat blasted several parties for attempting to destroy the image of the judiciary just because the verdicts were not in their favor.
When she presided over the panel of Federal Court judges hearing Najib Razak’s appeal in the SRC International Bhd case, the top judge said she received death threats.
“When I took office, I swore to uphold the Rule of Law and to defend the independence of the judiciary – it is a promise that I take extremely seriously.
“This important occasion serves as a reminder of the unwavering commitment of the courts to do right fearlessly.
“In the course of the legal system, cases with overtly political overtones will invariably find their way to the courts.
Judges with high profile cases face more scrutiny
“Judges who preside over such cases are frequently subjected to a great deal of intense scrutiny in the media especially social media,” she said in her speech at the Opening of the 2023 Legal Year at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
She said that criminal culpability would be assessed in accordance with the applicable legislation and the strength of the evidence presented in court.
“Convicted accused persons will be meted with punishments that their crimes deserve, no more and no less.
“This is our job as judges, and we are determined to discharge our duty without regard to any threats that are made to deter us from it.”
She expressed confidence that judicial independence would be maintained as long as each judge is dedicated to making decisions without fear or favour.
She said that the criticism levelled at the judiciary should not cause discord between the department and members of the Bar, any political alliance, or the general public.
“The criticism should solidify and augment our determination to be even more united in upholding the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law,” she added.
Threats against judges will be taken seriously
On August 20, last year, police arrested a 30-year-old man for making threats against Tengku Maimun on social media.
The suspect, who is thought to be the owner of the Facebook account “Apiez Bond,” was apprehended at a house in Puchong, and his phone and SIM card, which were used to upload the threats, were confiscated.
The suspect made the remark after the Supreme Court denied Najib’s request to postpone his appeal proceedings in the SRC International corruption case.
Najib was convicted of all seven charges of power abuse, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to RM42 million of SRC International funds.
The 70-year-old is now serving his jail sentence in Kajang Prison.
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