Bar Council: Current system not working well - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be disappointing if the judiciary objects to the setting up of an independent commission to appoint and promote judges, the Bar Council said yesterday.

Its president, Ambiga Sreenevasan, said the judiciary might have reservations about who sat on the commission but the composition of its members was a separate issue.


“Their views should be sought and addressed but this issue can be resolved through further discussions. ” The council had forwarded its proposal on the judicial appoint - ments commission to the government last year.


She disagreed that the current system was working well. “It is subjective and is shrouded in secrecy.” Retired Court of Appeal judge Datuk Shaikh Daud Ismail said it was the prerogative of the government to set up the commission.


“The government only wants to get feedback from interested parties and the ultimate choice is its.” Shaikh Daud said most of the people wanted transparency in the appointment of judges.


“This is based on response in the press and views expressed at forums,” he said, adding that he had always advocated the idea of a commission when he was in office.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/National/20080412130105/Article/index_html]