2-year remand before trial unjust, says CJ

Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision to impose a two-year remand period before criminal cases are heard in court. Speaking at a Johor Bar dinner, he emphasized that this delay undermines the fundamental principle of an accused person's liberty. The chief justice argued that such prolonged remand effectively punishes the accused before they have the opportunity to be judged innocent or guilty.

He cited recent cases, including an Orang Asli man who spent nine years in remand for murder and a lorry driver charged with drugs who waited over four years, as evidence of the issue. The chief justice praised the Attorney-General's Chambers for responding to concerns made by solicitors of accused persons, resulting in reduced charges and less judicial workload.

In response to his concerns, the government has agreed to establish a Judicial Academy focused on continuous, rigorous training for superior court judges. This new academy will provide judges with ongoing challenges, up-to-date skills, and exposure to global best practices, ensuring they possess the specialized knowledge necessary to command courtroom respect.

The chief justice believes this will eliminate outdated trial-and-error methods, refining the judicial process and ensuring judges are prepared to handle complex cases with precision.