Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) is alarmed by events that have unfolded over the past week or so in relation to the ongoing final appeal of former Prime Minister Najib Razak in the SRC International case at the Federal Court.
After having abruptly discharged his former lead counsel less than a month before the current trial dates, Najib decried the refusal of the judges to postpone his trial for his new counsel to prepare his case.
His supporters have also resorted to social media attacks which questioned the impartiality of Judge Nazlan Mohd Ghazali who delivered the guilty verdict and issued death threats against the Chief Justice who is presiding over his ongoing appeal.
In addition, Umno’s top leadership not only issued statements in solidarity with Najib over what are widely perceived as his mischievous delay tactics, several media channels reported last night that they are allegedly trying to exert party pressure on the prime minister to get his trial postponed.
GBM supports the statement by the Malaysian Bar that the advocates and solicitors who tried to abuse the court process have conducted themselves unprofessionally and would have to face disciplinary action. These well-known established figures are setting the wrong role models for younger lawyers and students of law.
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We also commend the swift action by the police in detaining and investigating the individual who posted threats against Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat over her decisions in the trial.
GBM wishes to remind all politicians and their supporters that the use of threats or the misuse of social media to manipulate popular sentiment among supporters to influence court decision is totally unacceptable in a civilised society based on the rule of law.
We urge those parties involved to immediately stop undermining the judicial due process and the integrity of the judiciary. For the benefit of the nation, let us allow the justice system to run its course. – GBM
Stanley Yong Yew Wei is chair of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia. This statement was issued on behalf of the GBM executive council
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
