Rais calls for transformation of judicial system

The transformation of the judicial system based on the principles of administrative law must be implemented, especially to shorten trial period, Social and Cultural Affairs Adviser to the Government Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said.

He said this was because some trials took tens of years to be concluded, to the extent of hampering the actual process of justice.

Relating the case of corporate figure and former Sabah Chief Minister's legal adviser, the late Tan Sri Syed Kechik Syed Mohamed Albukhary, in seeking justice for land acquisition by the state government in the 1970s, Rais said: "He (Syed Kechik) was clearly abused by the judicial system. He had to wait 34 years for justice, but still, the state government refused to pay the compensation for the acquired land."

Rais said this to reporters after launching the book titled 'Vendeta and Abuse of Power' authored by Dr Shaari Isa.

The 808-page book, which revolves around Syed Kechik's case, is being sold at RM99 for a hardcover copy and RM79 for paperback.