Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat is not the most suitable person to investigate matters relating to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), given her perceived lack of impartiality towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Not long ago, she appeared to make a veiled attack on Anwar at an international conference. Although his name was not mentioned, her remarks at the dialogue session titled “The Sanctity of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution: Threats, Solutions and Impact on National Governance” in August 2025 clearly pointed to Malaysia’s political climate—and to many observers, the current prime minister in particular. She stated:
“There may be interference left, right, centre, but if you ignore (it), nothing will happen and the judiciary will remain intact and judicial independence will be upheld.”
Her statement may be innocent, but when controversy arose, she did not clarify her words, choosing instead to remain silent. It is therefore unsurprising that, even if Anwar rejected her appeal to extend her tenure by six months, the King could have acted in her favour. Meanwhile, the non-extension of her tenure by another six months was portrayed as yet another ‘failure’ on Anwar’s part—an alleged refusal to give her the time she claimed was necessary to address issues and ensure the judiciary could function more efficiently. From an observer’s standpoint, it seemed both the Monarchy and the Executive were dissatisfied with her perceived interference in politics.
It is akin to someone throwing a stone at a glass house and then hiding her hand. Although I respected her from the day she became Chief Justice, her actions have left a bitter impression among those who expected greater neutrality.
Looking back, even her appointment itself raised questions. Despite being more junior than other judges, Tengku Maimun was elevated to Chief Justice. The appointment did not follow the usual process for selecting the head of the judiciary, which traditionally involves the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) recommending the most senior and qualified candidates to the Prime Minister, who then advises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for formal appointment.
In practice, seniority among Federal Court judges has long been regarded as the guiding principle, ensuring continuity and impartiality in judicial leadership. There was no brouhaha when it happened during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second term as Prime Minister, but now, everything that Anwar does, he is being criticised. For goodness sake, let the man do his job.
It is telling that Tengku Maimun is now named to probe Azam Baki’s controversy, given that she was appointed by Tun Dr Mahathir—who himself is currently under investigation by the MACC under the leadership of Tan Sri Azam Baki.
I need not say more. What matters now is to continue watching political developments and observing the undercurrents. Some individuals appear aligned with those who hope that the removal of Anwar or Azam might allow them to escape justice. While I do not doubt the judiciary as an institution, entrusting this probe to a former Chief Justice who seems at odds with the present government’ agenda raises serious concerns.
Read this as well.
Comments
Post a Comment