All for independent judiciary

PUTRAJAYA: The Government is committed to ensuring the independence of the country's judiciary, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“An independent judiciary is an essential ingredient in any successful nation-building effort,” he said in his speech during a visit to the Palace of Justice here yesterday.

He noted that the Government was fully aware and respected the need for an independent judiciary.

With greater access to information via ICT and social media, he said Malaysians had become more aware and emboldened in the preservation of their rights.

“As such, every segment of the government must adapt to meet these new challenges,” Najib said.

He also commended the judiciary for its transformation efforts over the last two years, including reducing the backlog in cases.

“The backlog has been reduced by almost 90% nationwide,” he said, adding that three-quarters of cases currently being heard were those registered last year and this year.

He also said the computerisation of the courts and the setting up of specialised courts had resulted in a dramatic increase in efficiency of between 300% and 400%.

“We are proud of the changes made by the judiciary as their efforts have gained recognition from the World Bank via its recent report Malaysia Court Backlog and Delay Reduction Programme',” he said.

Najib added that the report praised the judiciary for successfully reducing the backlog in cases over a short span of time, adding that it could be a model for other countries to emulate.

He also revealed that the Govern-ment was considering a proposal submitted by the judiciary to elevate the service grade held by Sessions Court judges and magistrates.

Later, when asked if Najib's visit to the Palace of Justice was inappropriate and could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary, outgoing Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi replied: “It should not as it was merely a visit by the head of government.”

He said it was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to look at the upgrading of the judiciary.

Taken from The Star Online