KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 25, 2025 — The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) has been granted permission by the High Court to serve as amicus curiae in a significant case challenging the validity of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). The case, Syed Amir Syakib Arsalan Syed Ibrahim v Government of Malaysia and Judicial Appointments Commission (Originating Summons No. WA-24-65-04/2025), addresses critical issues surrounding the commission’s legitimacy.
BERSIH, represented by lawyers Ramkarpal Singh and Kuhan Manokaran, applied to act as amicus curiae, allowing it to provide legal observations and arguments as an impartial observer. Today, High Court Judge Dato’ Amarjeet Singh Serjit Singh approved the application, a decision BERSIH welcomed with gratitude.
In a statement, BERSIH emphasized its commitment to amplifying public voices to strengthen judicial independence in line with the doctrine of separation of powers. The organization highlighted its 2021 policy research report, Safeguarding Judicial Independence: Appointment, Promotion and Removal of Judges in Malaysia, which proposed key reforms for transparent and fair judicial appointments. The report is available at bersih.org.
BERSIH underscored the case’s importance, noting that the High Court’s ruling will have far-reaching implications for public interest, aligning with the group’s core objectives of promoting a robust and independent judiciary.
The decision marks a significant step in BERSIH’s advocacy for judicial reform, as it prepares to contribute to the court’s deliberations on this matter of national importance.