| New CJ vows action against errant judges |
| Andrew Ong | October 29, 2008 |
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Newly-appointed Chief Justice Zaki Azmi has pledged to act against a “small” number of judges who have failed to perform their duties.
He noted that errant judges have tarnished the image of the judiciary and that this has to be resolved before the situation worsens. “If there are cases of ampu-mengampu (currying favour), I say ‘stop it’,” he said, without elaborating. While complimenting judicial staff for improvements in the Court of Appeal, he pointed out that it is possible to make changes if everyone works together. “I acknowledge that I have been rather rough and direct, but together we have managed to do it,” he said, also calling for more efficiency in the delivery of justice. Zaki was addressing some 50 people – mainly fellow-judges – who attended a swearing-in ceremony at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
Zaki reminded the judges that they are public servants and that those who are unable to serve at their very best should leave the judiciary to pursue their interests. “Not matter how important our personal interest, we must remember that public interest is far more important,” he said. ‘Hard-hitting speech’ Speaking to reporters later, Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan – who attended the ceremony – said Zaki had delivered a “hard-hitting” speech.
During his 18-minute speech, Zaki made no mention of criticism of his past relationships with Umno and the corporate world. Zaki, 63, was promoted to chief justice after having served 10 months as Court of Appeal president since December 11 last year.He was appointed No 2 in the judiciary after serving just three months as a Federal Court judge. He was the first Federal Court judge whose appointment bypassed the convention of prior service in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. |
“I will not hesitate to take stern and drastic action against this small group if the situation warrants me to,” Zaki said today in his maiden speech as the country’s top judge.
Judges Alauddin Mohd Sherif and Arifin Zakaria took their oath as Court of Appeal president and Chief Justice of Malaya respectively.
“I think it was a no-nonsense and tough speech… He is off to a good start with that speech,” she said.- Comment
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Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
Din Merican,
Well done, that’s truly a great title, aptly suits this newly minted Chief Justice. Nearly threw off my chair! 😀
That ‘tough call’ reminds me of his boss’s “Work with me not for me”, remember? I guess it was a message meant for Jeanne Danker, we were all suckers! And see what has happened? …a great mess indeed.
Din
Being the golfer that you are, the analogy of the 18th is intriguing! It’s an interesting title sure! But its not what happens at the 18th that counts. In Malaysia, its what happens at the 19th when accounts are settled! Lets wait and see.
_________
In the game of golf, the outcome is settled, either you win, lose or square, on the 18th hole if the game is a tight one. The 19th hole is irrelevant, just socialising and telling stories about what could have happened if this putt on the 15th hole had go in, or that pitch shot did not go into the bunker. Ifs and buts are of no use.
Yes, Chief Justice Zaki can have the time he needs, but first to demonstrate that he means business, he must resign his membership of UMNO and from its disciplinary committee; he should focus on judicial reform. I will be interested in how he deals with little napoleon, Nazri Aziz. Zaid Ibrahim would have been better for Zaki. Now, we can only hope that we are not suckers again.—Din Merican
ambi
talk is cheap. and in the tradition of UMNO, its all talk and life goes on as usual. no need to be prescient on this matter.
So you lawyers and judges watch out, there’s a leader of organised crime syndicate out there! Tread carefully.
Hasn’t he resigned from UMNO yet?
So he only sounds like it, and looks like it?
Ini mau cari bomoh lah! 😉
Those familiar with the guy knows that Aki is always the bully – but with a very soft spot for anything that has a skirt on. Don’t be fooled.
What a man does within the privacy of his own chambers or bedroom is his business but not when chambers also refer to the courts. Just think what a little blackmailing by the amateur blackmailer with a basket of donuts and a cell phone camera could do to the course of justice!
As RPK says “No holes barred”.
I think in Malaysia there is no separation of power. the lines between the three instituitions of democracy is muddied and blurred. We are fast lapsing into a police state.
Hey, stranger!
Wake up! From a Police State lah! 😉
Another one who talks the talk but won’t walk it? We shall see. How long a probation would you give him, Din?