26. A Brave Judge

In 1996, Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid wrote a 33-page unsigned letter alleging corruption, abuse of power and misconduct against 12 fellow judges. The allegations were dismissed as baseless and he resigned as High Court judge shortly after that.

At yesterday’s talk, he said the selection of judges was very different from that of a CEO because the former had to hold and nurture the good name of his office, his nation and must possess certain characteristics and qualities that only a few could claim to have.

He added that physical and mental health, temperament, aptitude and financial background were all factors to look into during the selection process.

Read more here.


Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid is a one in a million. Certainly the qualities required of a judge are far different from a CEO. The Honourable Judge has mentioned them above. Justice means judges have to be totally independent and impartial and judge on merits and truthfulness. They have to earn that respect from the public by their considered judgements. They have to be thoroughly learned in their professional capacity and be respected by their colleagues in the judiciary and by the Bar members who appear before them. The learned and reading public can see through judgements made. Once they lose that 'honourable' capacity, it is time for them to go. But in the case of Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid he resigned because his word, which is his bond, was not taken seriously. An example of a fine, fearless judge, we often find the good ones leaving and the others staying.This does not mean we have all bad judges now. We have fine judges who do a decent job and bring much respect and honour to themselves, their profession and the country.