THE new law Minister Senator Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has suggested that the Government should apologize to those who were victimised in the 1988 judiciary crisis.

Former UN’s rapporteur on independence of judges and lawyers, Param Cumaraswamy, has also said that those who committed the transgressions should apologise and be made accountable. I agree with them absolutely.

The judiciary is the artery and backbone of the country’s stability, credibility, accountability, social and economic well-being.

It permeates, in essence, the lives of every Malaysian and the very order of peace and stability.

It must maintain the highest order of integrity and confidence, and it is vital for the country to regain the confidence lost in the embattled delivery system of the judiciary, without which, everything else will disintegrate eventually.

In this respect, the Parliament should make further initiatives to rectify the weaknesses.

A proposal to install Tun Salleh Abas, the former Lord President, as an Honorary Chief Justice, is appropriate.

Taken altogether, it will be the first and important step of personal and national reconciliation for the injustice done to him, his colleagues and the nation.

More importantly, this will regain and re-enforce the confidence of the people and foreigners in our judicial system – through which crimes , corruptions and abuse of power, all of which, in any form, will be greatly reduced.

Law and order will be further enhanced and investments vastly improved.

Following this and the total revamp of the judiciary to its old glory and respectful status, other pressing issues, problems and grievances of the people can be systematically resolved with much ease.

The efficiency and productivity of the country would be further strengthened.

The benefits to the nation will be immeasurable.

K.L. LAU,
Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star – March 28, 2008