Latest news with #TakiyuddinHassan
Malaysiakini
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Group backs PN, urges Harapan to honour judicial reform pledge
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has backed Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan's call to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution and restore its original form. MCCBCHST stressed the need to safeguard judicial independence at all times. The council urged the government to carry out the promised...
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PN: Appoint judges based on merit, not politics
KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has called on the government to review Article 121 of the Federal Constitution with the aim of restoring the judiciary's original powers as a co-equal branch of government. PN chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said judicial independence is the foundation of a mature democracy and not merely an option. He said Malaysians have the right to a legal system that is upheld "without fear or favour" and one that acts firmly, fairly, and independently. This is one of PN's positions amidst the upcoming retirement of nine Federal Court judges, including the Chief Justice. He said the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) must be given the proper space to carry out its functions without any political pressure, especially from the executive. "Therefore, the names recommended must be based on merit, integrity, and seniority, not political connections or leanings," he said in a statement. He also called for the establishment of a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee to monitor the appointment process to ensure accountability without compromising judicial independence. Takiyuddin said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must also make an open commitment to act solely based on his role under the Constitution and relevant laws, and not interfere in the judicial appointment process and fully respect the doctrine of separation of powers. "PN (also) proposes that Article 121 of the Federal Constitution, which was amended in 1988, be reviewed with the aim of restoring the judiciary's original powers as a co-equal branch of government," he said. According to the Malaysian Bar Council, before the amendment, the Federal Constitution stated that judicial power was vested in the High Court of Malaya and the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak. However, after 1988 when the amendment was made, the jurisdiction and power of the court "may be conferred by or under federal law." Takiyuddin said these nine appointments are one of the greatest challenges and tests Malaysia's commitment to the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence. "The firm statement by the Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, recently, serves as a very important reminder. "She recalled the 1988 judicial crisis as the darkest moment in the country's constitutional history and warned that even the perception of political interference is enough to undermine public trust in the judiciary. "Although the establishment of the JAC in 2009 was seen as a reform, genuine transparency and independence in the appointment process remain in question and are once again being scrutinised. "With the upcoming appointment of a new Chief Justice and several other top positions, PN urges that this process be truly guided by the Federal Constitution and the relevant laws, and be entirely free from political influence or undue interference," he said. He added that it would be deeply regrettable if there is any truth to reports of improper disputes among JAC members during the appointment process for the highest positions in the judiciary. "Indeed, the decisions made today will determine the public's trust in the judiciary for decades to come. "Therefore, PN will continue to play its role as a responsible check-and-balance entity, defending the independence of the judiciary from any form of influence or a return to the dark days of constitutional betrayal," he said.
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Restore judiciary's standing as equal branch of govt
To ensure the judiciary remains independent at all times, Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution to its original form. He said this would reinstate its position as an equal branch of the government. 'The government must also...
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Restore judiciary's standing as equal branch of govt
To ensure the judiciary remains independent at all times, Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution to its original form. He said this would reinstate its position as an equal branch of the government. 'The government must also...
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Perikatan Nasional calls for review of Article 121
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said judicial independence is the foundation of a mature democracy. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has recommended that Article 121 of the Federal Constitution be reviewed with the aim of restoring the judiciary's original powers as a co-equal branch of government. In a statement, PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said judicial independence was the foundation of a mature democracy. Advertisement 'Malaysians have a right to a legal system that functions 'without fear or favour' – one that is firm, fair, and independent. 'The decisions made now will shape public trust in the judiciary for decades to come,' he said, adding that the judiciary should be protected from any form of interference. Before 1988, the constitution stated that judicial power was vested in the High Court of Malaya and the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak. However, an amendment made during the tenure of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the jurisdiction and power of the court 'may be conferred by or under federal law'. Takiyuddin, a lawyer by training, also called for the Judicial Appointments Commission to be given full autonomy to carry out its duties without political pressure, especially from the executive branch. He said that recommended candidates must be chosen based on merit, integrity, and seniority, not political affiliations or preferences. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
