Debates Surrounding the Appointment of Former Attorney-General as Federal Court Judge
A Call to Action: Hasnal Rezua Merican’s Concerns
A senior lawyer, Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican, has expressed his concerns over the appointment of former Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh as a Federal Court judge. In a recent forum, he called for Terrirudin to stand down from his duties until the issue of a royal pardon addendum linked to Najib Razak is resolved. According to Hasnal, any decision made by Terrirudin as a Federal Court judge would become law, thus, he should relinquish his duties until the addendum matter is resolved in court.
The Controversy Surrounding the Royal Pardon Addendum
The controversy surrounding the addendum has raised several concerns over Terrirudin’s credibility and integrity. The addendum, issued by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah while Yang di-Pertuan Agong, provided for Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest. Najib has sought a court order to compel the government to execute the addendum, while the government has filed for a gag order to prevent public discussion on the matter.
Haniff Khatri’s Critique of the Gag Order
Another lawyer, Haniff Khatri Abdulla, has criticized the government’s application for a gag order, stating that it is a "wily move" by the Attorney-General’s Chambers to cover up its mistakes made in Najib’s trial. Haniff argues that the gag order contravenes basic principles of law and justice, and that it is meant to cover up the AGC’s blunders.
A Call to Action: Getting Terrirudin to Stand Down
In light of the controversy surrounding the royal pardon addendum, Hasnal believes that getting Terrirudin to stand down temporarily would be a more appropriate step to take instead of forming a tribunal to have him removed. This would ensure that any decision made by Terrirudin as a Federal Court judge does not become law until the addendum matter is resolved in court.
Conclusion
The appointment of former Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh as a Federal Court judge has raised serious concerns over his credibility and integrity. As any decision made by Terrirudin would become law, it is crucial that he relinquishes his duties until the addendum matter is resolved in court. The controversy surrounding the royal pardon addendum highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the judiciary system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the royal pardon addendum?
A: The royal pardon addendum is an addendum to a royal pardon granted in February, which commuted former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s jail sentence by half and reduced a fine imposed on him. The addendum provides for Najib to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest.
Q: Why is there a controversy surrounding the addendum?
A: The controversy surrounds the fact that the addendum was issued by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah while Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Najib has sought a court order to compel the government to execute the addendum.
Q: What is the role of the Attorney-General’s Chambers in this controversy?
A: The Attorney-General’s Chambers has filed for a gag order to prevent public discussion on the royal addendum, which has been criticized by Haniff Khatri Abdulla as a "wily move" to cover up its mistakes made in Najib’s trial.