Decide without fear or favour, says Sultan
KLANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reminded judges and judicial officers to always uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
“Respect for the judiciary and court decisions relies on the people’s confidence in the integrity and independence of the judges who make their decisions without fear or favour,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
In his address at the launch of the new Klang court building, he said judges should make their decisions professionally, based on the Constitution and legislation.
He added that the interests of certain parties, insistence of public opinion or fear of criticism must not influence judicial decisions.
Sultan Sharafuddin said judges should only take the side of the Constitution and legislation, and not any other party.
“Indeed, freedom, peace, development and the rule of law can only be upheld and guaranteed if the people have full confidence in the independence and integrity of the judiciary,” he said.
He commended the judiciary’s move of appointing qualified, talented and reliable advocates and solicitors as judges, saying this would facilitate the inclusion of various types of legal expertise and knowledge in the judiciary.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria said there was a rise in cases, especially civil ones, being filed in the country.
He said in 2009, the number of civil cases filed in the Selangor High Court was 15,211 while criminal cases numbered 945.
“The number increases every year. In 2015, 20,599 civil and 1,058 criminal cases were registered in Selangor,” said Justice Arifin in his speech.
He added that the rise in the number of civil and criminal cases resulted in an increase in the number of High Court judges in the state.
“Currently, there are 20 High Court judges and judicial commissioners in Selangor,” said Justice Arifin.
Also at the launch were the Sultan’s consort Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Attorney-General Tan Sri Apandi Ali.