Judiciary vital in upholding justice and people’s well‑being, says Tengku Maimun

Former Chief Justice Tun Dr Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding justice and people's well-being, and preserving the nation's integrity. She highlighted that the judiciary ensures transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law under the Federal Constitution. As a key institution, the judiciary protects fundamental rights against any abuse of power and rejects misconduct through checks and balances.

Tengku Maimun, a Professor of Practice at the UKM Faculty of Law, also holds the Tuanku Muhriz Royal Chair in Integrity and Good Governance. She underscored that the judiciary serves as the bulwark, protector, and guardian of the Constitution, preventing any state institution from exceeding its constitutional powers. Upholding the principle of constitutional supremacy over parliamentary sovereignty, Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution voids any inconsistent laws.

Tengku Maimun highlighted the judiciary's role in safeguarding rights and well-being in various court rulings, including the right to livelihood, environmental protection, freedom of speech, and customary land rights of the Orang Asli. Integrity, she said, is more than just avoiding corruption; it is a commitment to doing what is right even when difficult.

A culture focused solely on superficial compliance can lead to individuals seeking legal loopholes, whereas moral integrity demands asking what the right course of action is. Tengku Maimun stressed that integrity involves an internal compass that compels individuals to do what is right even when no one is watching and withstands external pressure and temptations.

Fostering integrity requires consistency between words and actions, transparent monitoring, merit-based appointments, equitable enforcement, and firm penalties without fear or favor. The concept of Jiwa Merdeka (a liberated spirit) refers to a continuous process of liberation, demanding freedom from corruption, abuse of power, and ethical compromises that sacrifice personal dignity for rank and position.