Anwar Advocates for Judicial Independence at LAWASIA Conference 2024

In a powerful reaffirmation of judicial values, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasized the crucial role of judicial independence in maintaining justice without bias or influence. Speaking at the 37th LAWASIA Conference 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar underscored the significance of the separation of powers as a fundamental principle of Malaysia’s Federal Constitution.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the necessity of preserving judicial independence, a principle that has been compromised in the past by those in power seeking to manipulate justice for personal gain. He was resolute, declaring that the era of such abuses and violations is over and will not be tolerated moving forward. This stance comes as part of a broader agenda to uphold the constitution and ensure the integrity of Malaysia’s judicial system.

Joining Anwar at this pivotal event were Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Malaysian Bar President Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, and LAWASIA President Shyam Divan. Together, they emphasized the importance of aligning judicial and legal reforms with the nation’s progress and evolving technology.

Anwar highlighted the critical role of the legal profession in helping design frameworks that embrace innovation while maintaining justice and equity. He urged a forward-thinking approach to reviewing and adapting laws to safeguard privacy, security, and public trust, ensuring that judicial decisions benefit the nation well into the future.

He also emphasized the need for flexibility within the legal system, advocating for laws that protect individual rights without stifling creativity and innovation. Anwar warned against rigid legal systems and judgments made in isolation of public policy consequences, which could hinder progress and damage public trust.

Drawing comparisons with other legal traditions such as Shariah law, where the doctrine of istihsan allows for discretionary judgments to serve justice, Anwar underscored the necessity of balancing flexibility and robustness in legal decision-making.

The LAWASIA Conference, running from October 13 to 15, brought together legal experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss contemporary issues in law, including judicial practice, legal education, and cross-border dispute resolution. The gathering provided a platform to explore regional developments and reinforce the shared commitment to upholding judicial independence as a cornerstone of democratic governance.