Probe into judge Nazlan raises concerns and questions among fraternity
The MACC yesterday confirmed that a probe is being conducted into Nazlan over allegations by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin that over RM1 million was deposited into his bank account by fugitive financier Low Taek Jho.
(The Vibes) – The graft probe into a Court of Appeal judge has sparked a massive wave of indignation among legal and judicial circles, with senior figures characterising it as nothing short of an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Lawyer-activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan told The Vibes that the investigation into Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) clearly relates to the judgment in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s SRC trial in 2020.
She said while it is permissible to responsibly criticise a judgement, it is not permissible to launch a baseless attack on the judge.
“It is nothing short of an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
“These unwarranted attacks by those with little or no credibility reek of desperation and utter bad faith. In my view they are illegal.
“It is those who have launched scurrilous attacks on a highly respected judge known for his integrity and scholarship (words they are unfamiliar with) who should be investigated,” said Ambiga in defence of Nazlan.
The former Malaysian Bar president said it should be noted that the judgement in the SRC trial was unanimously upheld in the Court of Appeal.
She added that the case is still pending at the Federal Court and nothing more should be said about it, and that the law should be allowed to take its course.
“Unfortunately, judges cannot publicly defend themselves. It is therefore up to us and particularly the legal profession to defend the institution of the judiciary which is vital to the lifeblood of the nation.
“I have received messages from members of the public including lawyers who are absolutely horrified by these cowardly attacks on the judge. The judiciary must be left in no doubt that the right-thinking public, including the lawyers can see this precisely for what it is.
“It is an attempt at intimidation of the judges. It will not work. And there should be no doubt that the people will not stand by and watch the machinations of a few destroy the future of this country,” she said.
Provide evidence, says former high court judge
Meanwhile, former high court judge Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid said those who claim Nazlan had received money in his account must have evidence.
He said an honest judge should not be maligned and the judge may not be a party to such a financial transaction if it had happened, nor would he know who sent him the money.
“From records and interviews this judge is upright and from a good family. Those who claim he received money in his account must have the evidence.
“The police or MACC may go after the wrong person and that is indeed a negative action!” he said.
The MACC yesterday confirmed that a probe is being conducted into Nazlan over allegations by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin that over RM1 million was deposited into his bank account by fugitive financier Low Taek Jho.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe was opened after the commission received several reports on the allegations.
Nazlan has lodged a police report and the Palace of Justice chief registrar has claimed that the accusation is baseless and false, adding that it was aimed to undermine the judge’s professional reputation and that of the judiciary system.
