The judiciary is a vital institution and a key pillar in upholding justice:eing of the people, and preserving the nation's integrity, said former Chief Justice Tun Dr Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. She said the institution plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and fairness under the Federal Constitution, while safeguarding the rule of law.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Maimun delivered a lecture titled 'Integriti Pemangkin Jiwa Merdeka' at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She emphasized that judges ensure the rule of law is upheld, protect fundamental rights against abuse of power, and reject misconduct through a system of checks and balances. Tengku Maimun, who is a Professor of Practice at the UKM Faculty of Law, also holds the Tuanku Muhriz Royal Chair in Integrity and Good Governance.
The event was graced by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud. Others present included UKM Pro-Chancellors Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and Tan Sri Datuk Rafiah Salim, Chairman of the UKM Board of Directors, Datuk Johan Idris, and UKM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh.
Tengku Maimun highlighted the Judiciary's role as a bulwark, protector, and guardian of the Constitution, ensuring no state institution exceeds its constitutional powers. She noted Malaysia's commitment to constitutional supremacy over parliamentary sovereignty, citing Article 4(1) of the Federal Constitution, which voids any inconsistent post-Merdeka Day laws.
She elaborated on the Judiciary's role in court rulings that protect rights concerning livelihood, environmental protection, freedom of speech, customary land rights of the Orang Asli, and citizenship. Tengku Maimun stressed that integrity involves more than avoiding corruption or rule compliance; it requires a commitment to right actions, even when challenging.
Tengku Maimun explained that integrity involves an internal compass guiding right actions when unobserved and resisting external pressures. She emphasized fostering a culture of integrity through consistency between words and actions, transparent monitoring, merit-based appointments, equitable law enforcement, and firm penalties.
Concluding her lecture, Tengku Maimun discussed the concept of Jiwa Merdeka, or a liberated spirit, which extends beyond physical colonization. It involves rational thought, freedom from corruption, abuse of power, and ethical compromises that undermine personal dignity for rank preservation.