Seven national laureates urge equal justice, say no one should be above the law

Seven national laureates have united in a joint statement, stressing the necessity of upholding the rule of law without discrimination. They emphasized that no individual should be exempt from accountability and that every person deserves equal protection under the law. To them, the rule of law must be evident in the administration of justice, rather than just a recited ideal.

The signatories, comprising A Samad Said, Baharuddin Zainal (Baha Zain), Muhammad Haji Salleh, Anwar Ridhwan, Zurinah Hassan, Siti Zainon Ismail, and Rahman Shaari, urged those in authority to face accountability, while the powerless must retain their right to seek justice. "No one should believe themselves beyond accountability, and no one should be too powerless to obtain justice," their statement read.

The issue arises as public discourse surrounds former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest for the remainder of his sentence in the SRC International case. House arrest commenced for Najib on November 10, pending a High Court decision until August 23, 2028. The laureates emphasized that a just legal system must encompass all segments of society, listen to common citizens, and ensure justice is not restricted to those with financial means or influence.

They asserted that the principle of the rule of law, as outlined in the Rukun Negara, must be protected as a cornerstone of the nation. Public trust in the justice system hinges on the consistent enforcement of laws, irrespective of an individual's background, position, or influence. They further highlighted the role of writers and the literary community, stressing that literature must champion truth, justice, and human values, especially when such principles face challenges.

The statement concluded with a reminder that the rule of law can only gain public confidence when its protections apply equally to everyone.