Outgoing CJ defends judges-PM meet

(Malaysiakini) The meeting between Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and the judges today will not compromise the independence of the judiciary, outgoing Chief Justice Zaki Azmi says.

Zaki, 66, who will retire on Monday, said the visit would not interfere in the administration of justice as alleged by certain quarters. 

The meeting was meant to brief the premier on how federal government funds were being used to improve the court delivery system, Zaki told reporters.

The judiciary had asked for an allocation of RM130 million for the courts for recording transcriptions and the judiciary's national e-filing system.

"Mind you, we do not appoint any consultants for this transformation," he said. 

Zaki, 66, who will retire on Monday, also said the such meetings were not new and that there had been a similar meeting with then premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad on two occassions. 

"It is nothing out of the ordinary as alleged (by certain quarters) as the judges' conference had been planned six months ago and the prime minister informed us of wanting to visit the court only last week.

"There is nothing hidden in the meeting as suggested. It will not affect our impartiality and independence in delivering judgments," he said in reference to the Council of Judges Conference held today in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaki said this was out in the open for all to see.

A total of 130 judges from the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court will be meeting the prime minister at the Palace of Justice.