Malaysian Courts are Opera House?

Nazrin: Courts not opera houses

The courts should not be allowed to sink to the level of theatrical operas or turned into an arena for individuals to gain political mileage, said Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

“We must, at all costs, never allow the courts to degenerate to a level where society regards them as a theatre performing an opera scripted by certain directors.

“Control must also be exercised to prevent anyone from turning the courts into an arena to garner political mileage,” he said at the 13th convocation of the Certificate in Legal Practice Year 2007 examination at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.

He said a legal system that was just and had the people’s confidence was a prerequisite for ensuring that peace in the country is not undermined.

“A just legal system is an effective instrument to deter citizens from seeking disastrous alternatives which could lead a developed country into a state of anarchy,” he said.

Raja Dr Nazrin emphasised that a transparent and credible legal system was also an important component in enhancing the confidence of the outside world, particularly foreign investors, in the country.

He said legal practitioners were duty-bound to uphold the sovereignty of the country’s judicial system and set a good example for the people.

Lawyers must 'uphold sanctity of the courts'
By : Marc Lourdes

Our courts should never be allowed to become theatres whose players act to a pre-ordained script, or a hunting ground for those seeking political influence.

Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said lawyers should set themselves as examples when it comes to obeying the law and should at all times defend the sanctity of the courts from being skewed by irresponsible parties.

"A legal system based on firm ethical guidelines for lawyers will strengthen the check and balance mechanism between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.

"A system that has the people's confidence is a pre-condition to ensuring the peace of the nation is not jeopardized and it is an effective instrument to ensure the citizens do not look for more extreme alternatives that could lead to anarchy."

He said rule of law was also an important component in ensuring the continued confidence of the outside world, especially investors, towards our country.

"The sacred codes, enactments and acts of the law become meaningless if they are stained by the actions of those who do not honour the ethics of their profession.

"The value of the law is in how those who have been given the trust to uphold it carry out their duties. Its strength and honour lie not in the beauty of courthouse architecture, high-tech facilities or in the fancy clothes of powerful advocates.

"The courts and practitioners of law need to have strong spirits capable of upholding the respected institution."

Raja Nazrin said the courts need to be known as an institution that guarantees justice and defends the downtrodden.

"It needs to know only one language -- truth and justice for all, be it the rich, poor, of high rank or not, whether they are ruling or whether they are being ruled," he told the graduating class of students.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, who also gave a speech, said all those who had passed did so on merit.

"No other criteria was used. Some people still ask if the qualifying board uses a quota system.

"I would like to stress that a quota, be it one of percentage or one of race, has never been used.

"All decisions are made fairly and professionally and based on merit," he said.