Wither Justice?

Chief Justice Of The Federal Court, Malaysia

The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato' Seri Zaki bin Tun Azmi P.S.M., S.S.D.K., P.J.N., D.S.M.T. (Terengganu), D.S.D.K.(Kedah), J.S.M., K.M.N.

Ketua Hakim Negara yang baru dilantik Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi berkata, beliau seboleh mungkin akan mengelak daripada mendengar kes-kes melibatkan Umno apabila ia dibawa ke mahkamah memandangkan beliau pernah mewakili parti itu sebagai peguam. - Utusan Malaysia

The above is an excerpt of an exclusive interview betwen the new Chief Justice and Bernama yesterday. The excerpt reflects his high hope that he'll be seen as impartial and most importantly as someone with integrity and such response to quell doubts is something which everyone, every Malaysians hopes and waiting for. But, the question is will he able to since the post is offered by the Prime Minister, the President of the party he's affiliated to before his appointment first as the President of the Court of Appeal.

As I've written before, trust is sacred and paramount once you lost it then it will take forever to redeem it back. I am not saying that His Justice is not trustworthy but his previous (and maybe still is) with the party which has been barred by one of his peers, the late Tan Sri Harun M>Hashim. Indeed, his situation is perhaps nobody will envy because all eyes will be on him 24 hours, trying to see whether he is up to his oath.

In the excerpt he vows not to deal with any cases involving UMNO as long as possible but by saying so he is limiting himself in his function and duty as man of the law. What is the use of someone who cannot disperse justice without fear or favour? His appointment to me and to many is a political ploy, a very mischievous and cunning on the part of the government to foil its own wish to improve the image of the Judiciary. There are a lot of qualified and experienced judges on the bench as well as private practitioners who are more than capable of shouldering the onerous task. Why him and why continue to dwell in controversy while at the same time the government has been harping and promoting its desire to improve the Judiciary.

A Chief Justice must be someone who does not only possess the experience but must also be someone who is considered above the rest since he is there to disperse justice. Justice must not only be served but it must also be seen. Such simple logic should be in the mind of the prime minister before proposing any names to the Council of Rulers for approval.

In view of the current situation, it is highly doubtful that His Justice is able to dispense justice although he is really trying to do so. Pity him.

Liberty, equality - bad principles! The only true principle for humanity is justice; and justice to the feeble is protection and kindness.