Judges must seek justice, not popularity, says Chief Justice

Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has underscored the paramount duty of judges to render correct decisions regardless of public sentiment, cautioning against what he characterised as cyber hostility toward the judiciary.

Addressing concerns over escalating online criticism of court rulings, the Chief Justice characterised such digital backlash as a potential threat to the independence of Malaysia's judicial system. He stressed that judicial officers must prioritise legal correctness and adherence to constitutional principles above all other considerations, including public approval.

Wan Ahmad Farid called on Malaysians to engage more thoughtfully with court decisions by consulting the full texts of judgments rather than relying on partial reports or social media commentary. He suggested that greater familiarity with the reasoning behind judicial determinations would foster better public understanding of the courts' role in the justice system.

The Chief Justice's remarks reflect ongoing tensions between Malaysia's judiciary and segments of the public discourse, particularly on social media platforms where court decisions frequently attract swift and often polarised reactions. His intervention underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining institutional autonomy in carrying out its constitutional functions.