High Court judge Datuk Asmabi Mohamad today recused herself from hearing an application by former Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for leave for a judicial review to challenge the Pardons Board's dismissal of his petition over his sodomy conviction.
Asmabi made the decision in chambers after hearing submissions by lawyers Latheefa Koya and Shahid Adli Kamarudin, representing Anwar, his wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their daughters, Nurul Izzah and Nurul Nuha.
Senior federal counsel Suzana Atan acted on behalf of the Pardons Board, the Attorney-General and the government.
Latheefa, when met by reporters, said Asmabi was recusing herself from hearing the matter following an application by Anwar for her recusal on grounds of "real danger of bias" if she was to hear the judicial review application.
She said this was on the grounds that Asmabi was the senior federal counsel representing the government in a suit filed by Anwar against the Prime Minister over his sacking from the Cabinet in 1998.
Following which, Latheefa said the case would be heard before another judge and the date for mention of the case to be fixed later.
On June 24, Anwar, Dr Wan Azizah and their daughters filed the leave application to quash the decision of the board on March 16 and to compel it to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to pardon and release him.
They also sought a mandamus order to compel the board to reconvene a meeting and consider all materials relating to the petition for a royal pardon.
Anwar, 67, in his supporting affidavit, claimed that the decision made by the board was in breach of the rules of natural justice and therefore void.
He is serving a five-year jail term at the Sungai Buloh Prison after the Federal Court on Feb 10 upheld his conviction and sentence for sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, in 2008.
Meanwhile, Latheefa said Asmabi also recused herself from hearing an originating summons by Anwar against the Election Commission and two others for not allowing him to vote in the Permatang Pauh by-election last May 7.
Following which, hearing of the case, which was fixed tomorrow before Asmabi, had been vacated, she added.
Bernama
Tue Sep 01 2015
Anwar, 67, in his supporting affidavit, claimed that the decision made by the board was in breach of the rules of natural justice and therefore void.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.