Sultan Azlan Shah has expressed his views.

We all should read his opening speech during the 14th Malaysian Law Conference 29 Oct. Instead of a general talk, it is rather enlightening and is related to current situation.

Sultan Azlan Shah might be our last hope. He is such an experienced jurist with lofty credentials. Certainly, he is unique and is second to none.

This former Yang DiPertuan Agong is widely loved by the people. Together with Tun Mohamed Salleh Abas and Tun Suffian Hashim, three of them are the most respected and powerful Lord Presidents of the Federal (later Supreme) Court of Malaysia.

With such impeccable record, his words are priceless. Of course, he won't express his views casually. Otherwise, his words would be weightless.

However, it would an important one when he expresses his views.

What is his intention?

Yes, he is upset with the recent judicial scandal.

During his time, such absurdities would not happen in the Judiciary.

Judges are the gatekeepers for the separation of powers and Judicial independence. No one, including businessmen and lawyers, could interfere in due process for their benefits and interests.

Judges are outstanding and lofty people with extraordinary abilities. How could they of late take years to write their grounds of judgements involving accused persons who have been convicted and are languishing in the death row? How could they have a case of medical negligence involving the death of a lawyer to take 23 years to reach the Court of Appeal?

He recalled that in his time, Malaysia's Judiciary was the pride of the region. Malaysia was then second to none and the judgements of our courts were quoted confidently in other common law jurisdictions.

However, now, even the United States has also warned their people, who are doing business in Malaysia, to be careful of the Malaysia's Rule of Law.

He added that the judges at his time were appointed judges for all Malaysians. They strive not to be identified with any particular race or religion. They treated everyone fairly.

Finally, he said that a reform of the Judiciary is needed urgently.

After I read the speech by Sultan Azlan Shah, as well as remarks by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the same day, I was moved.

The government is to decide on whether to extend the tenure for the Chief Justice today. The speeches of both Sultan Azlan Shah and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi are particularly poignant. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Sin Chew Daily)