Outgoing Chief Justice not impressed by quality of judgements

KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria (pix) admitted that he was not satisfied with the level of quality of judgements written by many judges.
"The fact that we have courses for the judges all the time shows that we are not fully satisfied.
"I'm not satisfied. I'm sure (Chief Judge of Malaya) Tan Sri Zulkefli (Ahmad Makinudin) is also not satisfied," he told a press conference, here, today.
Arifin, however, noted that the quality of written judgements in recent times have shown improvement, adding that the institution would monitor its judges through the Court of Appeal before deciding if they warrant training.
"Every time judgement is written, it goes up to the Court of Appeal. Then we discuss among us what we think about this and that judges, before designing the courses for them," he said.
Arifin, who is retiring at the end of this month, said it has always been a point in the judiciary that one of the criteria for judge's elevation is good writing in judgement, as it equates accountability of the said judge.
"Even at the federal court, we work very hard. It's not an easy job. Just because you have 30 years experience, doesn't mean you can close your eyes and write judgement," he said.
On whether he was open to taking up positions in the government or government-linked companies (GLC) following his retirement, Arifin said he would consider whatever options he has.
"Of course I will be open to them, be it private sector or public sector. But if it is connected to the law, then even better, as I can pursue my interest further," he said.
"(But) first, I want to take a break, and then think of what's next. Honestly, I have no plans," he added.
Arifin said he also has full confidence in whoever fills in his boots come his retirement, pointing that they have been players in the game for many years.