The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today reminded court judges and judicial officers to always protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
The Sultan said respect for the judgments and decisions of the courts depended on public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judges in making decisions without fear or favour.
In this regard, the Sultan said the judges were required to make decisions in a professional manner based on the Constitution and law, and without being influenced by the interest of certain parties, public opinion pressure or fear of being criticised.
"Court judges can only side with the Constitution and the law, and not with other parties.
"Indeed freedom, peace, progress and the rule of law can only be upheld and guaranteed if the people have full confidence in the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
"Carry out the tasks entrusted, with sincerity, honesty, diligence and efficiency to hear and solve the cases before them," the Sultan said when officially opening the new Klang Court building, here.
Also present were Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria, Attorney-General Tan Sri Apandi Ali and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Sultan Sharafuddin commended the Malaysian Judiciary for taking the approach of appointing judges from among the advocates and solicitors with the qualifications, talent and integrity to hold the post.
The Sultan said this approach would encourage diversity in expertise and legal knowledge in the Malaysian Judiciary in facing the challenge of dealing with current legal issues in Malaysia.
Sultan Sharafuddin, meanwhile, also thanked the Malaysian Judiciary for having built the additional building for the Klang Court complex, to enable the Sessions and Magistrate's courts to be located in one place, besides providing comfort to members of the public dealing with the courts.
"I hope with the sophisticated facilities available, the court proceedings will be more efficient, smoother and faster, and the long-standing, burdening problem of backlog of cases can be reduced.
"The backlog of cases and court hearing delays have to a certain extent affected the image of the judiciary, resulting in the public having a negative perception of the courts and feel discouraged to take action in seeking redress and upholding their rights in court," the Sultan said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also urged judges, judicial officers and staff of the courts in Selangor to carry out their duties with full responsibility, and to be client-friendly and professional at all times and in all situations.
Arifin, in his speech, said the four-storey additional building costing RM48.3 million for the Klang Court complex was built along a court technology concept, equipped with an e-court system which had a court recording and transcription system.
He said the new building was also equipped with a room for vulnerable witnesses, to help those having difficulty to give evidence in open court, such as victims of abuse or sexual offences and cases involving children where they could testify via video conferencing.
"Another characteristic of a smart court is the availability of a welfare room specifically for children. I believe such a facility can help smoothen court proceedings, besides protecting vulnerable as well as child witnesses.
"These measures were taken to ensure the witnesses could give the best evidence in court and to help them overcome any arising pressure from testifying in court," he said. -- Bernama
Bernama
Thu Oct 20 2016
Sultan Sharafuddin (second, left) and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin looking over the Case Registration Book officially opening the new Klang Court building today. - BERNAMApic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.