AAS calls for resignation of appointed JAC members

MIRI: The Advocates Association of Sarawak ( AAS) yesterday called on members of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) appointed by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to resign to allow the commission to start anew with a clean slate of judicial reforms.

AAS president Ranbir Singh Sangha in a press statement said the association believes that the said members of the JAC should consider doing the honourable thing by tendering their resignations as circumstances have made it untenable for them to carry on.

“JAC’s functions include selecting suitably qualified persons who may be appointed as judges of the superior courts for the Prime Minister’s consideration.

“These candidates can be selected among other members of the Malaysian Bar Council, Sabah Law Society and Advocates Association of Sarawak and from those serving in judicial legal service.

“AAS has always advocated for a representative each from these three Bars to sit in the JAC, as this would provide a more diverse pool in the selection process,” he said.

The current members of the JAC are Chief Justice of Malaysia Tan Sri Richard Malanjum, Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim, and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk David Wong Dak Wah.

The appointed members are Tun Arrifin Zakaria, Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed, Dato Anantham Kasinather, Datuk Abdul Razak Tready and Prof Dr Choong Yeow Choy.

Ranbir said AAS believes the perception of the public and legal community may be affected as the appointments were done by Najib, who is currently facing charges for various offences in court.

“Public perception about the constitution and integrity of the JAC is of great importance as it will enhance faith and confidence in the judiciary and the judicial system, since JAC plays a pivotal role in the appointment of our judges,” he said.

According to him, a suit in the Federal Court has been filed by the Malaysian Bar Council and AAS, with Sabah Law Society as amicus curiae, whereby Arrifin was named as the first defendant, for recommending the appointments of Tun Md Raus Sharif and Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinuddin as additional judges holding the posts of Chief Justice of Malaysia and Court of Appeal President, respectively.