IPOH: A transparent judgment reflects a credible justice system that is not influenced by fear of anyone, says Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

He said that in the justice system, the judge was an important character and played a big role in ensuring the credibility and integrity of the judiciary.

“There should not be any doubt and a judge must be free from any influence or pressure.

“In the effort to create a Syariah Judicial Institution that is credible and with integrity, judicial officers need to be sent for training, equipped with skills and given the necessary exposure for them to gain experience from time to time to improve their knowledge and competence in interpreting syariah law,” said the Sultan when launching the Perak Al-Qanun Shariah Journal Vol.1 2022 here yesterday.

According to him, judges should write quality judgments of cases as a guide and reference for legal practitioners.

“The grounds of judgment is also used as a consideration for any party aggrieved by the decision to make a review, whether they want to proceed with their intention to appeal or not.

“If the basis and grounds of the judgment are weak, the appellant has the right to argue that the judge erred in his judgment and apply for the case to be reviewed by a higher court.

“The opportunity to appeal is a right guaranteed by law, becoming a venue for a higher court judge to review the grounds of judgment by the lower court judges; whether there is a mistake or not,” he said, reported Bernama.

Sultan Nazrin said in his role as the head of the Islamic religion who is responsible for Islamic affairs in the state, he fully supported the principle on the independence of the syariah judiciary for the sake of justice.

Sultan Nazrin expressed the need for efforts to improve the syariah judicial system and empower the Syariah Court.

“Publishing the Al-Qanun, the Perak Shariah Journal is an example of a noble and commendable effort.

“Hopefully, Al-Qanun can be used as reference material by judges and legal practitioners,” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/30/judges-should-fear-no-one-says-sultan