Malaysia appoints royal commission of inquiry into an alleged judge-fixing racket

Malaysia appoints royal commission of inquiry into an alleged judge-fixing racket

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia will set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate a video clip allegedly showing judicial corruption, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday.

Abdullah said the move was recommended by a three-member independent panel appointed by the government to determine the authenticity of the clip, released in September by an opposition party, in which a prominent lawyer is allegedly taped brokering the appointment of top judges in 2002.

"We've agreed to set up the commission. Now we're deciding on the terms of reference, the tasks to be undertaken by the commission," Abdullah was quoted as saying by the national Bernama news agency, adding that details would be announced later.

An aide to Abdullah confirmed his comments but could not give further details.

The government's move came amid growing calls from opposition parties, lawyers and rights groups for a royal commission of inquiry that is empowered to probe allegations of corruption and cronyism in the judiciary.

The video shows the lawyer talking on his mobile phone and identifying the person on the other end as a senior judge.

The lawyer allegedly talks about how he helped get the judge appointed to his current post and discusses plans to elevate him further with the help of a tycoon and a senior politician. A number of prominent judges are also named during the conversation.

Some 1,000 lawyers marched through Malaysia's administrative capital Sept. 26, urging authorities to investigate the clip and change how judges are appointed.

Currently, senior judges are chosen and recommended for appointment by the prime minister, though the king formally appoints them. The Bar Council, which represents 12,000 attorneys, wants an impartial commission to evaluate candidates.(**)