Tugas hakim buat keputusan betul, bukan kejar populariti, kata ketua hakim negara

Ketua Hakim Negara Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has warned that social media fury and public sentiment pose a threat to judicial independence, urging judges to prioritize fairness over public approval. During an academic speech at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, he emphasized that judges must distinguish between popular aspirations, which are legitimate, and public clamor, which should not be pursued.

He stressed that their role is to render correct decisions, not to be popular. The lengthy texts of judgments are often condensed into headlines and shared online, leading to hasty judgments by the public without reading the full reasoning. Wan Ahmad Farid urged readers to read the judgment itself, including the reasoning, before forming an opinion.

He highlighted the institution's tendency to be praised when it supports a particular party, yet accused when its rulings are criticized. He drew parallels to past episodes like the 1988 judicial crisis and the 2007 "betul, betul, betul" video controversy, acknowledging that public mistrust can arise. The judiciary must acknowledge its shortcomings and rebuild trust through honest reflection and internal rectification.

He warned that a failure to act with honesty regarding its history would render the institution untrustworthy. He cautioned that concerns about public opinion could influence judicial decisions, even without direct interference. He emphasized the importance of concise summaries of judgments in layman's terms, timely publication, clear objections, and robust judicial ethics.

While criticism of judgments is healthy, personal attacks and attempts to discredit judges can undermine respect for the institution. He noted that public opinion polls are unreliable, but the legal system relies on fair and just laws. When asked if the judiciary can withstand public scrutiny, he replied firmly: "Yes."