KUCHING: The Sarawak government views the relocation of the Registrar of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, as unconstitutional.
The Chief Minister’s Office in a statement yesterday confirmed that there was no consultation by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on the matter, as mandatorily required under Article 121 (4) of the Federal Constitution. As such, it said the Sarawak government strongly objects to the non-compliance with the rule of law, and views the relocation as unconstitutional.
“Although the Sarawak government accepts that the final decision in this matter rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on advice of the Prime Minister, it is imperative that the fundamental constitutional process of consultation be adhered to. This unconstitutional act, if not checked, will in future have wider repercussions on the rights of Sarawak under the Constitution,” read the statement.
The relocation, effective May 1 this year, was revealed in an official government letter issued by the Federal Court of Malaysia.
Copies of the letter, dated April 19, were also sent to 16 individuals and signed by Chief Registrar of the Federal Court Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar.