Anwar, who is currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, said last week he has never interfered in judicial matters including the appointment of judges, and agreed such appointments should not be politicised.
Rafizi said on Monday the issue goes beyond party lines and partisan politics, adding that he hopes parties on both sides of the aisle lift their whips to allow members to speak freely on the matter.
“It’s very important to get everyone on board, partisan view aside,” he said, inviting MPs from parties in the opposition and Borneo-based coalitions to support the nine PKR MPs’ stand.
In their statement, the MPs said they will launch a campaign among fellow lawmakers to get broad support for an investigation by both parliament and the RCI.
They will also start an online petition and a series of “public forums” nationwide to rally the public on the matter, starting with one in Kuala Lumpur/Selangor on Jul 13 at 8.30pm before moving to other major cities.
“We call on all Malaysians to take note of this issue that will have great consequences on the country’s people and future, even though it could be seen as minor alongside other issues,” they added.
“SLAP IN THE FACE” FOR ANWAR?
The move by the nine MPs is not the norm and will have implications on their role in their party, analysts said.
It is “highly unusual” for members of the ruling party to express such dissent openly, despite believing they are acting in line with the party’s core principles, said Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, a partner at strategic advisory firm ADA Southeast Asia.
“This can easily be perceived as a direct affront to Anwar and an open challenge to his leadership. In other words, the PKR Nine’s actions can be seen as a slap in the face of the prime minister,” he told CNA.
The “insinuation” is that Anwar is withholding the JAC’s recommendations from Malaysia’s king and the Conference of Rulers, said analyst Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.
“I think that’s unbecoming of Rafizi and his group, to insinuate that (Anwar is withholding the appointments). The negative perception will be worse on the part of Datuk Seri Anwar,” he said.
Rafizi, being part of PKR and a former minister, should understand the process of filling critical roles in the judiciary, Azmi added.
The final decision on judicial appointments rests with the king and Conference of Rulers, he said. “So when Rafizi says there is some negative perception regarding this particular issue, you cannot blame the prime minister.”
Meanwhile, it is “understandable” that Anwar has chosen to remain relatively silent as the decision was not his to make, Azmi said.
While the nine MPs’ statement will put the Anwar administration under greater scrutiny, the group is unlikely to vote against the prime minister on key legislation, Asrul Hadi said.
“However, a more significant implication could arise when an election is called, and Anwar will face pressure to drop these nine lawmakers as candidates, risking party divisions and potentially strengthening the opposition,” he said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-chief-justice-vacant-anwar-interference-rafizi-pkr-5224311
