The revelation by Justice Datuk Ian Chin for grounds to open himself for possible recuse in an election petition hearing in Sibu deserves praise. He had quoted two cases over which he presided in 1997; one being a libel suit, and the other, an election matter.

This is an example for other Judges to follow, if the situation demands it, and demonstrates the integrity of the member of the bench.

We are not going into the merits and demerits of the implication of comments by the learned Judge.

But the fact that Datuk Ian Chin had chosen to reveal as to what, in his words, transpired at that time, speaks for itself, and should be left to posterity.

However, let us hope that this is the igniter for more transparency, independence and impartiality on the part of the Malaysian Judiciary.

Together with the proposed introduction of the Judicial Services Commission, we look forward to the return of a Judiciary that was the pride of the nation, and even the Commonwealth, in the sixties and seventies.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.