CJ: Complain via proper channels
‘Write to me over misconduct of judges with all the facts’
PUTRAJAYA: The Chief Justice has called on the public to write to her directly if there were any allegations of misconduct on the part of judges instead of airing their grievances on improper channels, especially social media.
Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the judiciary respected and valued the public’s right to comment on a judge’s work but criticism of a judge’s decision should be done responsibly and based on all the facts.
She said anyone who has information of misconduct should lodge a report with the relevant authorities, so that proper investigation may be carried out.
“The public may also write to me, the President of the Court of Appeal or to the Chief Judges of the two respective High Courts, for us to do the needful,” she said at the ceremonial sitting to celebrate her appointment as the Chief Justice at the Palace of Justice here yesterday.
She said that traditionally, judges do not respond to criticisms and allegations, hence it was important to use the proper channels to make the complaints.
“Judges speak through their judgments. This tradition, which was intended to preserve impartiality and respect for our courts, prevents a judge from getting into public debates with unhappy litigants or critics.
“It is a disservice to the judiciary and the country as a whole if one were to continue making wild allegations, especially in social media, without resorting to the proper channel for the allegations to be effectively addressed,” she added.
Tengku Maimun, however, reminded that unfounded and baseless criticism against the judiciary would weaken the administration of justice and erode the public’s confidence on the institution.
She urged the public to be responsible in their opinions and comments because of the wide repercussions of their actions.
Those who tarnish the image and dignity of the judiciary will have appropriate action taken against them, she said.
“In this regard, allow me to state my view that it rests on the Malaysian Bar to defend the judiciary, to correct blatant misinformation and to remind the public, media and others of the precious heritage of judicial neutrality and independence which we have enjoyed until now.
“I trust the AG, as the traditional leader of the legal profession would also do the same in appropriate cases,” Tengku Maimun added.
She also told judges to channel their time and energy positively.
“To judges, I would like to say this. The work of a judge is daunting. Instead of brooding over what others think and say of you, you should rather channel your time and energy to strive and work hard. You have a duty to discharge and that duty must be discharged well,” she said.
In reminding herself in discharging her duties, the country’s first woman top judge said she would heed the message from two verses of Surah An’ Nisa’ in the Quran, at which point she almost teared up while reciting the verses.
“Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice,” she quoted.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Attorney General Tommy Thomas, Dewan Rakyat speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and Dewan Negara president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran.