PUTRAJAYA: The Judiciary has lodged a police report over allegations made against unnamed judges and the institution in the affidavit made by a sitting Court of Appeal judge Datuk Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Backer.
In a media statement released by the office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, it said the judiciary noted with concern the grave allegations in the affidavit which was affirmed yesterday in an originating summons.
Lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo had filed an originating summons in connection with alleged interference by the judiciary in the outcome of her father, the late Karpal Singh’s sedition case and in the case of the religious conversion of three Hindu children.
“The action is pending in the courts, we do not intend to address the content of the allegations, save to say that the allegations in the affidavit against the Judiciary as an institution are sweeping and consequently may have the effect of tarnishing the image of the judiciary as a whole,” it said.
According to the statement, the allegations might also result in public confidence in the institution being undermined and that in turn would have an adverse effect on the proper functioning of the administration of justice.
It should be noted that the relevant law enforcement agencies were looking into the allegations that have been made, according to the statement.
The decision on whether a commission of inquiry was necessary, is a matter for the decision of the government, it said.
The statement also stated that judiciary was ever mindful of the importance of preserving public confidence in the institution.
“It is the continuing focus of the Judiciary to safeguard its integrity and ensure the proper functioning of the administration of justice.
“In this regard, the Malaysian Judiciary is presently implementing substantive improvements and reforms in the administration of justice, and will continue to do so.
“It is to be noted that the Institutional Reform Committee has met with the judiciary and made recommendations that are currently being implemented as well,” it said.
The 63-page affidavit revealed explosive and detailed information in relation to numerous incidents of judicial interference within the Malaysian judiciary, including allegation of judicial interference in the late Karpal Singh’s sedition appeal decision at the Court of Appeal. — Bernama