The recent appointment of Federal Court judge Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) has sparked questions that go far beyond individual personalities. On November 19, the lawyer and former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Latheefa Koya, called the appointment “simply unacceptable,” citing unresolved allegations against Terrirudin that suggest possible interference in the judiciary. It must be stated that these allegations are still not proven. While the controversy may appear technical or internal, it touches on fundamental issues of governance, accountability, and the rule of law. These are issues that affect every Malaysian. Latheefa’s concern stems from a purported leak of JAC meeting minutes last May, in which a now-retired judge allegedly accused Terrirudin of judicial interference. Although the authenticity of the leak remains unconfirmed, the allegations were serious enough to provoke calls for a royal commission of inquiry or tribunal. To date, the only formal action taken has been a police investigation into the source of the leak and a probe against the news portal Malaysiakini for asking related questions—a move that has raised concerns about press freedom. At the heart of Latheefa’s warning is a simple question: were the allegations investigated at all? If so, what were the outcomes? The government’s silence on this matter has significant implications, far beyond the immediate controversy. In addition, the Bar Council has questioned the lack of transparency over Terrirudin’s appointment as “troubling” and more importantly, the Edge reported that the Negeri Sembilan ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has also thrown his weight behind the objections raised. Here are ten factors to show that Latheefa’s concerns should be taken seriously. Judicial integrity is at stake The judiciary must operate independently to maintain fairness and impartiality. Appointing a judge under a cloud of unresolved allegations risks undermining the credibility of the entire system. Transparency in governance Without answers about investigations, the public is left uncertain whether officials are acting in the nation’s interest or shielding insiders from accountability. Checks and balances could be weakened The JAC exists to ensure that judicial appointments are fair and merit-based. If appointments are influenced by political considerations or unresolved allegations, this essential oversight is compromised. Potential abuse of power Allegations of interference in the judiciary suggest that some officials may exert undue influence on legal outcomes, and this presents a dangerous precedent for the rule of law. Media freedom is under threat The investigation against Malaysiakini demonstrates that asking probing questions about judicial integrity can provoke legal action, discouraging journalists from pursuing stories that hold power accountable. Public confidence in leadership Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government has yet to address these concerns publicly. Continued silence can erode the citizens’ trust in both government and judiciary. These will raise doubts about their commitment to justice. Impact on future appointments Ignoring unresolved allegations sets a dangerous precedent that controversial figures may hold high office without scrutiny, thus potentially normalising questionable appointments. Rule of law vs. political quotas Terrirudin’s appointment under the prime minister’s […]
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