Malaysiakini reports him as saying that ‘there is no law against the fast-track appointment of Zaki. We are not doing something unconstitutional or illegal’.
Nazri said that Zaki is a ‘straight fellow’ and that the ‘only reason we roped him in was due to his past performance and his character’.
‘we roped him in’?
Who is ‘we’?
UMNO?
His past performance and character?
Could Nazri tell us how the past performance and the character of the seven other more senior Federal Court judges is lacking such that ‘they’ had to ‘rope him in’?
What performance and character, specifically?
Perhaps Nazri is alluding to that referred to by Kim Quek in a Malaysiakini article entitled ‘Judicial rot : From one nightmare to another?’
I quote Kim Quek :
‘Just as the nation is heaving a sigh of relief at the exit of the scandal-ridden Ahmad Fairuz as chief justice, in comes another dubious candidate poised to take his place.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s sudden announcement of the appointment of Zaki Azmi to the second highest post in the judiciary – President of the Court of Appeal – must have jolted and dismayed many who have cherished hopes of judicial reforms following the reluctant retirement of Fairuz.
…In fact, when Zaki was appointed a Federal Court judge in September, he was instantly recognized at home and abroad as the person planted to the highest court to succeed Fairuz, whose request for a six-month extension of service beyond his mandatory retirement on Oct 31 was not accepted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Such instant recognition of Zaki’s mission came from his deep involvement with Umno as a key party player. He was chairman of the party’s election committee, deputy chairman of its disciplinary board of appeal, party legal adviser etc.
As Umno’s legal man, he was involved with the party’s myriad of scandalous financial misadventures that were bailed out by the government in the heydays of Mahathir’s crony-capitalism during the last Asian financial crisis. One prominent example is the RM3 billion loan scam in the disastrous acquisition of Philippines’ National Steel Corp (NS) by Umno’s financial proxy Halim Saad. When the shares of NS became scrap, four top Malaysian banks were made to stomach the entire RM3 billion losses. And Zaki was then a director of the investment vehicle – Hottick Investment Ltd of Hong Kong – which borrowed the RM3 billion and embarked on the acquisition of NS.
Apart from acting as Umno’s nominee, Zaki also has held directorship in scores of major companies including some of the most well known names such as Berjaya, Metacorp, Pan Global, SP Setia, Malaysia Airports, Hume, Matsushita Electric, Pharmaniaga etc. Zaki was reported by Bernama on April 21 this year to have said that his 58% owned Emrail Sdn Bhd, a railway specialist company, had only the government as employer, and that he was earnestly soliciting contracts in the northern and southern portions of the double-tracking project to turn the cash-strapped Emrail around.
Such political and business background would already have made him a poor candidate for any judicial appointment, Zaki is battered by yet another serious handicap – the question of his moral integrity arising from his controversial marriage and divorce from his second wife Nor Hayati Yahaya, who was half his age.Zaki married Nor Hayati in a ceremony conducted by a kadi from Thailand in a textile shop in Perlis in March 2005. They separated three months later. In the messy divorce that ensued, it was revealed that Zaki burned the original marriage certificate to hide the marriage from his first wife. Further, the marriage was ruled by the Syarah Court as illegal.
Following the revelation of Zaki’s marital trouble, he resigned as deputy chairman of Umno’s disciplinary board, for which he commented: “Considering that members of the disciplinary board are of the highest integrity, I have made this decision following reports in the media ….” (New Straits Times, 9 Aug 2005)’.
See also Sisters in Islam take on this sordid affair in an article entitled ‘Deception and Dishonesty in the Practice of Polygamy’ :
Tan Sri Zaki Azmi with his second wife, Nor Hayati, deliberately burnt their original marriage certificate to keep their union a secret from his first wife (NST, 5 August 2005). Now that he is facing problems with his second wife, he is seeking to get their marriage declared null and void as a way to resolve the matter. In other words, to claim that the second marriage did not really exist and that he had in effect, deceived his second wife about the legality of their union. When a prominent senior lawyer and public figure chooses to use his access to knowledge and expertise in law to effect deceit in his existing married life, as well as to evade responsibility and problems in his subsequent marriage, this demonstrates a startling lack of respect not only for his chosen life partners, but also to the family as instituted in law and religion. What can Malaysians expect when leaders of our community display such blatant lack of deference to the integrity of family life and the institution of marriage? Why have laws on polygamy in the first place, when they are used not to protect rights and interests of contracting parties, but as a way to avoid duties and responsibilities?
Kim Quek’s questions below sum up just how nonsensical Nazri’s attempt to calm public concerns is :
‘The question we must ask now is: If Zaki is morally unfit to serve in Umno’s disciplinary board, how could he be considered morally fit to be a federal court judge, not to mention his lightning elevation to the No.2 position, and anticipated imminent rise to the top job in the judiciary?Is this country so poor in legal talent and integrity that we have no choice but to appoint some one so glaringly unsuited for such important judicial position arising from his multiple conflicts of interests and questionable integrity? If not, then why did the prime minister make such a move? If it is not to advance the prime minister’s and Umno’s interests, then what motivated such an appointment?’
Whilst I could be wrong, my sense is that if no effective date has been fixed for Zaki’s appointment to take effect, then His Majesty has not as yet assented to Zaki’s appointment as President of the Court of Appeal. It seems unimaginable that His Majesty would sign an appointment letter with dates blank.
And if I am right, then the announcement by the PM that Zaki has been appointed when in fact the Agong has not is an act most mischievous on the part of the PM.
Kim Quek seems to share some of these concerns. This is what he says :
‘Knowing that the King and the Council of Rulers had previously declined to accept nominees deemed inappropriate to fill the vacancies of the President of Court of Appeal and Chief Judge of Malaya respectively, as well as having turned down Fairuz’ request to continue as chief justice, the suddenness of PM’s claim of royal assent – particularly in reference to Zaki’s controversial promotion – came as a surprise to many people. Did the Agong also assent to Zaki’s appointment? If so, why couldn’t Zaki’s date of appointment be also decided alongside with Hamid’s? Or was there a problem of royal assent?’
These concerns also raise the question as to the sincerity on the part of the government in the setting up of the Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the judiciary following the VK Lingam video expose. Media reports have it that the names of nominees have been submitted to His Majesty for approval.
People, start worrying.
Update : See also Malik Imtiaz’s take on this issue.
ycg
December 7, 2007
apparently there is nothing illegal in being a village idiot and table & chair minister as well. if there is, i would have sued his arse long time ago.
i never knew there are so much dirt on Zaki. hell, i wont even consider inviting him for a BBQ if he is my neighbour knowing his history. Excellent dig! Let’s spread the news.
BTW, by Nazri’s benchmark for past performance & character only a handful would fail this test…prominantly Abdullah, his fav monkey sil, zamzam-alikazam and gangs!
shar101
December 7, 2007
And yet the government admonished the 10-Eleveners for attempting to drag the DYMM into making a stand for good governance.
Is UMNO so totally detached from reality? Are their ivory towers beyond reproach by ordinary citizens? Does UMNO have an elitist inner sanctum which no mere mortal can enter? Is AAB so inept and incompetent that his administration need a multitude of laws and legislation to protect its purpose of being?
No, Haris. I’ve stopped worrying and started prying into these issues. And if there are more of us doing likewise, the sooner we can begin to rectify what’s wrong with this nation of ours.
Meanwhile, NA can unload his BS unto the gullibles with his legal definition of what makes a good senior judge if the question of morality and integrity are not considered. I’m certain the seven other persons on the bench are equally miffed.
Paul Warren
December 7, 2007
“Following the revelation of Zaki’s marital trouble, he resigned as deputy chairman of Umno’s disciplinary board, for which he commented: “Considering that members of the disciplinary board are of the highest integrity, I have made this decision following reports in the media ….” (New Straits Times, 9 Aug 2005)’.
Is that suggesting to me that the institution that demands the greatest integrity in this country is the UMNO Disciplinary Committee? It is quite all right for the judiciary to be filled with scumbags, fellas who knowingly commit an illegal act, like getting married in a textile shop to one who is half his age without the knowledge and consent of the first? And this guy who cares a damn for the Islamic Laws of the nation by that act of his is to be our President of the Court of Appeal!!!
That is all about him. But what does it take to acceed to and accept to serve under such a vermin? Now I have to question all the Magistrates, judges and so on who now have to serve under this Zaki? Can you? it is just like if Joseph Goebbels now resurrects and becomes your boss, will you serve him or resign?
Sharing
December 7, 2007
Enough to Sing or No more space to Worry?
Song of the Scenes!
(To the 31 in Jail when Police+AG+Court in one piece!)
(Rhythms: from Where have all the flowers gone?)
====================
Where have all the appeals gone?
Long time passing!
Where have all the memos gone?
Some time ago!
Where have all the Rallies gone?
Police teargas everywhere!
Did PM ever see?
Did PM ever see?
Where have all the police gone?
Gone to bully everyone!
Where have all the fairness gone?
Gone to greedy!
Where have all the money gone?
Gone to toll, tax, corruptions!
No one need to be told!
No one need to be told!
Where have all the MPs gone?
Gone to sleeping everyone!
Where have all the projects gone?
Gone to Samy!
Where have all the joking gone?
Gone to leaking everywhere!
Did PM ever know?
Did PM ever know?
Where have lost the ballots box?
EC chief knew nothing?
Where have all the tricks to be?
BN knows well!
Where have all the postal votes?
Gone to BN’s pocket!
Did PM ever know?
Did PM ever know?
Where have all the People gone?
Gone to Rallies everyone!
Where have all the People gone?
Gone to Valley!
Where have all the People gone?
Talking grievance everyone!
So PM stays away
So PM stays away!
Why surveys one by one?
BN’s way of swinging!
Why only survey done?
Their only way!
Why survey off the facts?
BN’s tricks to overcome!
Hiding facts from everyone
Hiding facts from everyone!!
============================
MANY GRIEVES TO SING!
The original sang during Anti-war in U.S.
so for Peace this song wrote
and for Peace this song is repeated!!
The question is where the Grievances can go?
How many more to be abused?
when at least 31 Hindu in court
even for a peaceful walk in Batu Cave!
PM swing with surveys over facts
Just repeating “King in his new dress”!
People not in War
but to the walls!!
People have walls to worry
or Judge to Worry?
Together Walls are more slippery!!
Paul Warren
December 7, 2007
Shar101 said: “I’m certain the seven other persons on the bench are eqully miffed”.
But what is the use of being miffed? From out of the blues this character is being thrust upon them and they are supposed to do nothing but to serve him. Just like the whole of the German citizenship did when by doing nothing Hitler rose to achieve his legacy. So they are suppposed to be good men and they are supposed to according to Malaysian culture do nothing!! Congratulations to the good for nothing people then!
Paul Warren
December 7, 2007
One more thing, Haris, sorry to have to post a third time. If you are trying to get someone to respond to this post, I have already previously told you, Badawi has already said, in not so many words, by his actions that he will only respond if this was a blatant lie that angered him tremendously.
All that has been written above are just truths. come on that can be found a dime a dozen. The jewel so far to which Badawi has so far responded to…”ethnic cleansing”!! Is there anything else that he might respond to?
Paul,
If I did not have to stop to reply to you here, I might be able to get on with the business of drafting a petition to His Majesty on this issue.
We do want a petition, don’t we?
toyotarave
December 7, 2007
ok another walk on the cards
20 Cent
December 7, 2007
My goodness…its like watching a parody of a farce in theater and knowing you had the displeasure to pay for the ticket.
Khairie
December 7, 2007
I don’t know how everyone else feels, but I feel these blatant atrocities are a huge INSULT to the people’s intelligence.
Yes, Haris, show me a reasonable petition, and I will gladly sign my name.
Malaysians, this is your judiciary. Have the courage to tell anyone you feel unfit to serve to ‘GET OUT’.
klconfidential
December 7, 2007
Shit. Out of the pot into the frying pan..
We’re in deep shit aren’t we?
Argh!!!
KakiAyam
December 7, 2007
yes, another walk. I will walk on this. I just hope that the petition will be straight to the point, one single point, that this fella integrity is suspect. Don’t let other issues (although equally pressing) cloud this issue.
But one request, don’t do this on the eve of Christmas…
oA
December 7, 2007
.
Haris,
The ‘appointment’ and the issues with the hindraf cannot be coincidence. Hindraf peaceful demonstration was been HIJACKED for a number of reasons – killing more than one bird with a stone scenario by umno.
Hopefully the king is able to see beyond what the govt. wanted him to see and abstain from making decision on a whim and fall victim to their all too welknown satire’ of the damned.
Deep down king should be wise and virtuous and shouldn’t be coerced and played to the racial and religious sentiments perpetrated and engendered by umno themselves with a diabolical twist to cast others as evil.
The king should not let ‘them’ go on abusing the people’s power entrusted to them on good faith.
.
Paul Warren
December 7, 2007
O.k Mate, you finish writing your petition. You can put my name down for it in case I don’t….tomorrow onwards my time is not my own anymore!! I’ve got two lovely ladies who I got to spend time with and take care of! Anyone offering to cook for me/us? Now that is going to be my biggest issue!!! Daily meals!
shar101
December 8, 2007
Paul Warren,
It would help matters if we could get some feedback from the other senior judges, wouldn’t it.
Question is, are they allowed to and if so, how and where? What’s the protocol?
Any ideas, Haris?
But if they choose to remain silent, then it becomes clear to us in civil society that the judiciary does not heed our call which effectively means our justice system has failed. No thanks to UMNO, of course.
Shar,
The only recourse open to their Lordships, as I see it, to articulate their abhorrence, would be to resign and then to speak up.
Millemeow
December 8, 2007
Nazri said that Zaki is a ’straight fellow’ and that the ‘only reason we roped him in was due to his past performance and his character’.
Phooey… Given the enormity of Zaki’s sordid past, I spit, ermm no, I puke on that statement. Nazri’s pulling a “fast one” here. This exercise is second only to the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled, and that was convincing the world he didn’t exist.
Misben
December 8, 2007
Haris,
Ben Rethual signs the petition. And by the way, keep me in your database.
nstman
December 8, 2007
Zaki a straight fellow? Either Nazri is a buffoon or mad.
nirvinsidhu
December 8, 2007
First of all, who are you doubt Nazri? I mean, this guy has his own Wikipedia entry, and an awesome one at that. If he says something, everyone should take it as gospel. HE HAS A WIKIPEDIA ENTRY!
On a more serious note, Kim Quek is one of my new favourite names.
trashed
December 8, 2007
The article by Kim Quek has already laid out some instances when Zaki was not so “straight”. Unless Kim Quek’s article is based on lies (and so far no one eg. Nazri, has refuted that), then I totally agree with other posters here.
We are being insulted, taken for a ride, are in deep doo-doo, etc.
People with access to information especially via the Internet have to take action to inform the rest of the injustices being perpertrated on us – the Malaysian rakyat.
rakyat.biasa
December 8, 2007
Nothing good comes out of UMNO and their allies, ever.
They are taking down this nation with their open acts of corruption. When the latter is finally accepted as a norm, this nation is screwed. (Check out some of our illustrious neighbours)
bovista
December 8, 2007
any petition to sign?
Coming soon
Frusmalaysian
December 8, 2007
Yes, you can count me in again for the next petition to the Agong.
With due respect to him, a person with such questionable character should not, by any standard, be elevated to head any judiciary, in any country.
Just as we are about to address the rot in the present judiciary, another forseeable one is about to pop up. This makes us to wonder: what is the purpose of the impending RC then? Won’t it be a futile exercise altogether?
All Malaysian, who are informed of this matter, are very sad and frustrated indeed. Why can’t we apply the highest standard of morality and integrity in our government? Or right to the point, why don’t the government practice what Islam Hadhari says about character, morality and integrity and good governance?
We really need deliverance from the poor standard of governance in this country. May the Almighty God ( with full reverence)have mercy upon us, and raise individuals or group of people to bring this nation to the path of righteousness.
vanaja panickar
December 8, 2007
Please Haris, we need the petition
vanaja panickar
December 8, 2007
We need to clean up this nation. I cannot digest that such a low down scum like Zaki who has no humane human values and respect for women can soon be elevated to the top post in the judiciary. What juustice can he mete out? Ummo’s reasons are all too clear, just like they want to extend the tenure of the election commission chairman to another year. not only are they corrupt, they are extremely fearful too, they are frightened of the people of Malaysia. If elections are free and fair, they know they will be booted out. And they will most probably be counting the bars, so they have to retain power by hook or by crook. Only the raykat and God can save us
Long Man
December 8, 2007
in kera2jaan, anyone can be somebody… be it good, be it bad… as long as you can work with bodola and work for bodola as well as level 4… he’ll put you on top… damn u bodola!!!…
miwaki
December 8, 2007
In Malaysia,nothing surprises me because the country is governed by incompetent people.Becuase of their inferiority in every aspects,they become arrogant since this is the psychology effects of a person who is inferior.
Since they can’t manage the country intelligently as they have none,they have to cling to power by hook or by crook and as a result,stupid decisions and actions follow.However,regardless of their incompetency,its citizen still return BN as the government.I believe this is the only disadvantage of being a democracy country when the people cannot differeciate between mediocre and good government.
kensball
December 8, 2007
I want another walk again!!!
CT Ong
December 8, 2007
This time is not me alone who will walk,
my family members will walk,
my relatives will walk
and my friends will all walk.
Make sure more walk to show those craps people’s
Power.
CT,
Walk, yes.
Please sign the petition as well. Get friends, relatives etc.
Sigh, I could go into auto pilot.
tan chuan wai
December 8, 2007
as an ex-lawyer, it really saddens me to see our judiciary system sinking…
tan,
Please sign the petition.
NRR
December 8, 2007
Is there anyway one can pose the question on the character of Zaki to the PM directly? I am sure he will say ‘I don’t know’ if not asked directly and will claim he does not read the blogs. There is ample evidence vide the the NST and Sisters in Islam report of August 2005. Will the STAR or NST take this up
NRR,
MSM will not take up these issues.
We have to work to save our judiciary.
Please sign the petition
StockTube
December 8, 2007
but what can you do about it even if zaki was planted and is going to head the judiciary pillar? what can the the citizens do about it?
absolutely nothing … not even the KING can do anything about it …
cheers …
Stocktube,
Then do not sign the petition.
I still have faith in my monarch.
K. PARAMASVARAN
December 8, 2007
If I were Zaki and really had the interests of this glotious nation at heart, I would forthwith tender my resignation from the Judicial service and save this country from further odium and contempt. When Malaysians are already treatinf this matte with utmost contempt and wondering how the Rulers allowed this tio happen, we have to think seriously about what foreign investors would think about their fate were they to consider this country for investment in the Southern, Northern and Eastern ‘Corridors’ – which are of course meant to divert attention of the masses.
It is said that there are over 300,000 Malaysian talents working overseas. Under this scenario, would you want to come home at this juncture?
The Press in India is pressing the Government to offer more places in Indian recognised Universities for Medicine and the like. Maybe HINDRAF has in some way opened an outlet for those who live in the agony of not having got a ‘place’ in what are termed ‘Universties’ in Malaysia.
Param,
We hear you.
Could you now please sign the petition?
frusmalaysian
December 8, 2007
Harris,
What petition are you refering to? Is this the one you put up about two months ago? If not, I’m ready to sign, just tell me where I can find it.
Thanks
frusmalaysian,
The petition can be found in the latest posting ‘Ampun Tuanku…’
trademark registration
December 9, 2007
Where’s the petition?
Please go to the post entitled ‘Ampun Tuanku…’
KakiAyam
December 9, 2007
Anyone reads The Star interview?
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/8/nation/19701303&sec=nation
A snippet of that interview…
” The Tuanku also hit out at the organisers of the recent Bersih protest, which drew thousands of demonstrators, saying that he could not accept illegal gatherings and that the law must be respected.
Bersih is a loose coalition of opposition parties including PAS, DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat and non-governmental organisations, which has demanded free elections.
The Sultan said Malaysia was not like some countries, where there were no democratic avenues, including elections, and that it was wrong for any Malaysian to emulate the protests there. “
KakiAyam
December 9, 2007
Okay, now that sets the record straight to some extent, on the opinion of the Rulers on those rallies.
While I respect his views on this, I can’t help feeling dissapointed with it. So it seems that his views are no different from those people who got caught in the massive traffic jams and cursing those who participate the rally.
So tell me Sultan, what are the means to achieve this objective of ours, legally? you think that so long a country have election every 5 years, that means all is well? you really think that so long some form of democracy being practiced, then the rakyat should not go to the streets? to me, that is akin to saying, so long as you achieve ISO or JIT methodology in a manufacturing facility, then your product will be free of defect?
( i am shaking my head hard, very hard right now. just can’t believe what I am reading…)
Hibiscus
December 9, 2007
Ever heard of the story about the gingerbread man? He could outrun everybody who tried to catch him for a meal. Except the fox. You see, he trusted the fox to take him across the river. The fox said to him to trust him and the best position to keep dry is to perch on the fox’s nose. So the gingerbread man stood on the fox’s nose. That’s right. Half-way towards the other side,the fox tossed him into the air and the gingerbread man was eaten by the fox. The end of the gingerbread man. Get the picture? Many people in a number of countries did not and so they and their generations suffered. Zimbawe under Mugabe( Mugabe kicked the British out), Uganda under Idi Amin, Russia under Stalin (his people called him comrade), Cambodia under Pol Pot(his people called him Brother no. one), Philippines under Marcos, etc.
Redaero
December 9, 2007
How do I sign the petition?
Please go to the post entitled ‘Ampun Tuanku…’
Angela Ooi
December 10, 2007
Zaki, unless you have a real thick HIDE, you please give us long-suffering Msians a break by declining the post offered by UNMO. If you possess an once of decency and have any pride, you will NOT accept the post. A god fearing MUSLIM who prays 5 times a day will do the right thing. (that is, if you pray 5 times a day. Cos 5 times a day you are close to God and you wouldn’t want to sully HIM with you presence!)
kasim selamat
December 11, 2007
correct, that’s UMNO leaders’ hidden secret. when they say ‘YES’ it means ‘NO’ vice versa. in other words they are LIARS!