Speeding up the judiciary and integrity

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw believes that besides speeding up the judicial process, lifelong education on integrity is essential.

On 7 November, 2008, Dr Tan attended the Annual Convention of the Malaysian Integrity Institute (IIM) in Kuching.

Tan Sri Zaki Tun Azmi , who was appointed the Chief Justice on 18 October, 2008, was an important speaker at the plenary session of the convention. He stressed his desire to ensure that the judicial process including getting the files is speeded up. Reduction of the time (and simplifying bureaucracy) prevents corruption.

For example, previously there were 13 persons looking after 13 sections of the files, each having his or her own system. Now, it takes 3 to 4 minutes to get a file at the Appeal Court.

Tan Sri mentioned the efficiency of rubbish disposal in Singapore. There were speedy enforcement and punishment.

Dr Tan asked Tan Sri Zaki (and the Chairman interjected, giving warning against a long speech). Dr Tan said that he only needed over a minute. "Speedy judicial process including retrieving of files is correct. Recently, I saw occasionl piles of rubbish at the side of Orchard Road in Singapore. Why? (There are more litters on Malaysian roads).

"Usually, arms deals cause controversies all over the world. I am not referring to the Malaysian Government's proposal to buy 12 Eurocopters at RM1.6 billion. I would like to mention the unhappiness of the huge arms deal between UK and Saudi Arabia, a multibillion contract. We can see the efficiency of the British. But, the sales of sophisticated weapons result in furore. Why?"

The Chief Justice replied,"These are political."

Dr Tan Seng Giaw