Circular No: 110/2025
Date: 11 July 2025
1. Reference is made to the Malaysian Bar’s Circulars No. 238/2025and No. 247/2025.
2. The Malaysian Bar is holding a Walk on 14 July 2025, and an Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) on 26 July 2025to demonstrate unwavering support for the Judiciary at a time of grave concern.
3. These assemblies come amid 3 developments:-
3.1 Alarming allegations of judicial interference
The media has reported that a senior judge was questioned by the JAC on allegations of interference in judicial affairs. There must be an open, transparent, and thorough investigation into the merits of these allegations:-
3.1.1 If true, we demand full accountability. There is an urgent need to discover the reasons for such conduct, which threatens the very independence and integrity of the Judiciary; and
3.1.2 If false, there is equally an urgent need for the senior judge to be cleared swiftly to preserve confidence in the continued administration of justice.
3.2 Vacancies at the Top
Both the Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal retired earlier this month without a clear succession plan in place. This dereliction is exacerbated by reports that both esteemed individuals, who had been in public service for four decades, were not even afforded the basic courtesy of being informed on whether or not they were being offered the 6- months extension, despite there being no succession plan in place, and a need for Judges.
3.3 Widespread Judicial Vacancies
This is the consequence of a lack of sufficient appointments of Judicial Commissioners, and promotions of Judges over the past year. In the Kuala Lumpur Courts alone, approximately 20% of the High Courts remain vacant. This has resulted in cases assigned to the vacant Courts being stalled, and the remaining Courts having overly-packed dockets, causing trials to be scheduled in 2027 and beyond.
4. The Kuala Lumpur Bar Committees calls on all members and pupils to assemble, both at the Walk, and the EGM. We must not remain silent. It is our equal responsibility, as Members of the Bar, to ensure a strong Judiciary. This is the time to show that we stand with the Judiciary. To protect their integrity and independence, to defend the rule of law, and to ensure the paramountcy of the Constitution.
5. In order to facilitate participation at the Walk, the Kuala Lumpur Bar has arranged for buses to transport members to the assembly point. Buses will depart from both Wisma Badan Peguam Malaysia, and the Kuala Lumpur High Court between 12:00pm to 12:30pm. Upon the completion of the Walk, the buses will transport members from the final destination back to the initial departure points. In order to ensure that sufficient buses are available, we request that members indicate their interest here.
6. Members and pupils attending the Walk are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes (preferably in dark colours), and bring sufficient water, sunscreen, and umbrellas and/or caps.
7. The Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee hopes to see an enormous turnout from the Kuala Lumpur Bar at both assemblies. To show that that we stand with the Judiciary, without fear or favour.
#KeadilanUntukKehakiman
#SafeguardJudicialIndependenceAndIntegrity
Regards,
Nimalan Devaraja
Chairman
Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee