IT is only appropriate for the government to make public the quantum of the ex gratia payments it made to the six judges involved in the 1988 judicial crisis, despite the request by their families to keep the quantum confidential, because it involves public money and the government must be transparent.

When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the ex gratia payments in April, he said they were made in recognition of their contributions to the nation, their commitment to upholding justice and to acknowledge the pain and loss they suffered, although the latter can never be equated with money. Whether these judges retired early — optional retirement, which seems to be the “off icial” view — or were sacked, as most people allege, is now a moot point. What is significant is the recognition that the previous administration had done something wrong which led to the 1988 judicial crisis. Until today, the public has been kept in the dark as to what transpired in this debacle. If the previous administration had been responsible for the judicial crisis, the public has the right to know who are the people responsible, either individually or jointly. Surely we are not just letting them get away or treating the issue as histor y. This is a major national issue involving an important arm of the government, the judiciary, which is the last bastion of recourse for the man on the street when Parliament or the executive fails him. Although this episode happened two decades ago, its negative impact is felt to this day. It is just not right for any responsible government not to take any form of action against the wrongdoers after acknowledging that a serious wrong had been committed. Besides the judges who are still alive and willing to tell their side of the story, the people also want to know from the other side, especially from the attorney-general, the chief secretary to the government and the lord president at that time because they were among the key people involved. These people have retired but are still alive. As responsible citizens, they should be more than willing not only to tell the truth about what transpired but more importantly, help to remove the negative perception the people have of the judiciary. They may not have wanted to talk 20 years ago out of fear for their livelihood. Now, they are no longer civil servants and governed by general orders. Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, too, should be asked. I am sure he would be more than willing. We believe he can and should tell the people the truth. Unless this is done, the public’s negative perception of the judiciary will prevail. We believe that the government, having gone this far, should have no hesitation in telling all to the people and coming clean.

NORAMTAZ ABDULLAH, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – November 11, 2008