Judiciary lodges police report following allegations of misconduct

(The Star) – The judiciary has lodged a police report in light of allegations by a senior judge who made claims of judicial interference and corruption in cases pending in court.

The office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court said it did not wish to address the content of the allegations but described the claims in the affidavit against the judiciary as “grave” and “sweeping”, and may have the effect of tarnishing the image of the institution as a whole.

“This may also well result in public confidence in the institution being undermined.

“That in turn, has an adverse effect on the proper functioning of the administration of justice,” it said in a statement on Friday (Feb 15).

It said that the judiciary is currently implementing substantive improvements and reforms in the administration of justice and it 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 also said it was up to the government to decide on public calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the allegations.

“The decision as to whether a commission of inquiry is necessary is a matter for the decision of the government,” it said, adding that relevant law enforcement agencies are currently looking into the allegations that have been made.

On Thursday (Feb 14), Court of Appeal judge Datuk Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Backer made allegations against the judiciary, which was contained in his 65-page affidavit filed in support of an application by the late Karpal Singh’s daughter Sangeet Kaur Deo.