Following a royal decree by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, the Malaysian Judiciary will establish a Special High Court to hear corruption cases as well as appeals from the Special Corruption Sessions Courts.
In a media statement, the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia said the Judiciary had taken note of the King’s decree delivered during the Opening of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament at the Parliament Building on Monday.
According to the statement, the King stressed the need for experienced judges to preside over corruption cases and for a special judicial track to be created so that such trials can be concluded swiftly.
“At present, 14 Special Corruption Sessions Courts have been established nationwide to hear these cases, with the aim of resolving them within one year from the date of registration.
“In compliance with the royal decree, the Chief Judge of Malaya, Datuk Hashim Hamzah, has consulted with the Chief Justice, Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, and they have agreed for the Malaysian Judiciary to take the initiative to establish a Special High Court to conduct trials and hear appeals from the lower courts,” the statement said.
Initially, the Special High Court will be set up at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex.
On Monday, Sultan Ibrahim reiterated his firm stance that corruption must be fought comprehensively, stressing that no individual should be shielded from legal action.
His Majesty also said anti-corruption efforts should not focus solely on those who receive bribes, but must also include those who offer bribes, intermediaries, and any parties involved, all of whom should be investigated and dealt with firmly.
The King further expressed his deep disappointment over corruption cases involving the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), including at the highest levels.
