A news report stating that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad refuted allegations that he had interfered with the judiciary, has drawn attention from different segments of the population. Each has its own views on such a situation.

Dr Mahathir has blasted the allegations that he had cowed the judiciary during his term as prime minister, calling such accusations “fitnah” or defamation. Saying that he is prepared to swear on the Quran that he did not interfere with the judiciary, Dr Mahathir adds that it would be a worthless exercise to sue those involved.

Accepting as true what Dr Mahathir says, the question arises as to whether there has been interference or attempts to interfere with judiciary at any time. Without pointing fingers at anyone, there are different aspects involved.

Some years ago, there was a perception that certain judges or registrars were told to decide a matter in a particular way. I certainly know of one such instance, in which I felt as though the officer of the court was either taking instructions or making decisions to please a particular party behind it.