Muhyiddin’s Claim On Judiciary’s Independence Baseless – Kamil Munim

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The allegation by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is “tearing down the judiciary to remain in power” is unfounded, said Angkatan Muda Keadilan (PKR Youth) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.

Muhammad Kamil, who is also the Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, said any claim that judicial independence is compromised as long as the Prime Minister faces personal legal issues must be proven and backed by concrete facts, not made through baseless accusations.

He said the very fact that a Prime Minister or any high-ranking individual can be subjected to civil legal proceedings is actually a strong indicator of the judiciary’s independence.

“It shows that no one is above the law and that the principle of the rule of law is upheld. A truly independent judiciary allows the legal process to proceed without executive interference, regardless of who is involved,” he said in a statement today.

Commenting on Anwar’s application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court regarding the civil suit filed by Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, Muhammad Kamil stressed that every individual has the legal right to seek clarification or interpretation of the Constitution.

He described Muhyiddin’s interpretation as shallow and lacking a basic understanding of the country’s legal system.

“A veteran lawmaker like him should not be making such statements. To date, there has not been a single shred of evidence showing that the Prime Minister has interfered in or violated any legal provision relating to judicial administration.

“This is a malicious narrative irresponsibly crafted, serving as political rhetoric aimed at undermining public confidence and triggering instability,” he said.

He added that differing views or opinions from backbenchers should not be construed as a loss of confidence in the Prime Minister, but rather as proof of the strength of the MADANI government.

Throughout the administration of the MADANI government, he noted, many government MPs have openly expressed their views and opinions on government policies and approaches across various issues.

“That is a clear testament to a strong government that upholds and celebrates differing opinions in a country that genuinely practices democracy—unlike Muhyiddin, who once chose to shut down Parliament because he was afraid of facing opposition MPs.

“Linking Anwar’s popularity with policies such as the expansion of the SST (Sales and Services Tax) or electricity tariff hikes to allegations of tightening his grip on institutions is far off the mark,” he said.

Such policies, Muhammad Kamil explained, were government decisions based on economic considerations and the nation’s fiscal situation, and do not in any way constitute interference in national institutions.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin had, in a Facebook post, claimed that the judiciary cannot be truly independent as long as the individual holding the office of Prime Minister has personal issues involving the institution.

-- BERNAMA