Malaysia's Anwar Demands Prosecution Of Top Figures In Judge-fixing Scandal

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim demanded Monday (12 May) that high-profile judicial and government figures be prosecuted for allegedly manipulating the appointments of judges.

Anwar called for tough measures to restore public confidence in the judiciary after a government inquiry panel reportedly found that a top lawyer had conspired with senior judges and other political and business allies to broker judicial appointments.

The scandal erupted in September when Anwar leaked a video that allegedly showed prominent lawyer V.K. Lingam speaking by telephone in 2001 to a former top judge, Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, about the promotions of judges.

Earlier this year the government appointed a panel to check the video's authenticity. The investigators completed their report last week, but government leaders said they were still considering whether to publicize the results.

The Star and New Straits Times newspapers, citing unidentified officials, reported during the weekend that the inquiry panel believed that Lingam was talking to Ahmad Fairuz and that the substance of their conversation was what Anwar had claimed.

Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, said the government "should take this report to its logical culmination, which is the investigation and prosecution of those whom the report deems to have deviated the course of justice."

"A halfhearted attempt at restoration (of judicial integrity) would be as unsatisfactory as no restoration at all," he told reporters. "This is a major issue affecting Malaysia at large."

Anwar did not specify who he thought should be prosecuted or with what charges.

The video shows a man widely believed to be Lingam talking about planning to work with a senior politician and a business tycoon to help Ahmad Fairuz become Malaysia's top-ranking judge.

Lingam has refused to confirm or deny that he was in the video. Ahmad Fairuz, who has denied speaking to Lingam, became chief justice in 2003 and retired last year.

Malaysia's judiciary has long been plagued by allegations of favoritism, corruption and influence-peddling. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced last month that an independent panel would be established to help select new judges as part of legal reforms.

(By JULIA ZAPPEI/ AP)