Appoint independent members & widen the scope for the Royal Commission on the Lingam tape & other aspects.

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw again calls on the Prime Minister to appoint truly independent members for the Royal Commission on the Lingam video clip. The scope must be much wider than the tape, covering important aspects of the judiciary.
Dr Tan comments on the delay in forming the Royal Commission on the judiciary after the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has announced that the Government would do so since 16.11.2007. The video clip is suspected to contain conversations between a senior lawyer and a chief judge on the appointment of judges.

The Cabinet met on 21.11.2007 in the absence 0f the Prime Minister who is overseas on official duties. We are waiting for him to announce the composition of the Royal Commission on his return.

On 16.11.2007, Abdullah said:"The Commission will be established after its duties are sorted out. Then, selected individuals will be appointed as members."

Recently, the Lingam video clip causes controversy. If it is genuine, the image of the judiciary is tarnished further. After the exposure of the tape, the Government set up a three-men panel to investigate the case. Apparently, each panelist presents his own report and all recommend the formation of a Royal Commission. The Government should make the reports public, so that the public know the reasons for setting up the Commission.

This country practises the separation of powers, that is, the administration, the legislature and the judiciary, are all independent, creating a balance. In the last few years, many within and outside Malaysia question the independence of the judiciary. The removal of Tun Salleh Abbas 20 years ago as the Lord President attracted much attention.

Setting up the Commission is reasonable. Its scope must be more than just the controversial video clip. Having defined its duties, the Prime Minister must appoint members who are truly independent. It is best for him to get opinions from as many people as possible, so that the Commission will be widely accepted.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw