I refer to the malaysiakini report Rulers reject government choice of top judge . One doesn't have to have a legal mind to know that there is something wrong in the judiciary if the chief judge of Malaya's post - the judiciary's No 3 - is still vacant after more than six months. And that the government's choice to fill it has been rejected by the Conference of Rulers.
Malaysian must be thankful to our rulers who seem to be listening to the common grouses of their 'rakyat' and are doing something to rectify the maladies which affect our country. By making their stand, it shows that our rulers are not puppets of the government and are willing to reject government proposals which are not good for the nation's interest.
A constitutional crisis is in the making if the present regime doesn't change its mind and replace its choice for the top judicial post. After all, judges are supposed to be the conscience of the nation and they must be firm and fair in their decisions and not be beholden to anybody - especially the executive - when delivering their decisions.
The Sultan of Perak, a former Lord President of our country, must have the interests of the judiciary at heart, I'm sure. Nearly 20 years after the judicial crisis which destroyed public confidence in one of the three branches of government, it is about time the selection of judges should be made on merit and the top judges be appointed based on seniority and on unblemished records.
The Raja Muda of Perak has already spoken his mind on immoral politicians who lack honesty and integrity saying they should make way for new blood who have better visions in the next polls. This wake-up call by the crown prince should send shivers down the spines of corrupt politicians who intend to stand again in the coming elections.
There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with regards to the problems besetting our country as our rulers are making a stand. By rejecting the government choice of the new chief judge of Malaya, they have made their voice heard. Although the government will not listen to the dissenting voices of the public, it will be difficult for them to ignore royal sentiments.
Other state rulers, who are protectors of the common people, should emulate the crown prince of Perak and whisper slowly to their states chief executives about the widespread of graft and abuse of power by those holding the fort which has resulted in the ordinary man and facing a hard time.
We the voters should also play our part in making our country great again by using our vote wisely in the coming polls. Let's throw out those politicians who have accumulated ill-gotten gains for their themselves and families.
'Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku'. May the Conference of Rulers' brave decision spur the government of the day to amend their ways failing which the wrath of the suffering voters will benefit the oppositions in the coming polls.
