KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is looking into at least 20 complaints of bribery involving Sessions Court judges and magistrates, MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya said today.

Latheefa said the allegations are serious and that the complaints will be formalised as and when they are scrutinised.  

“We have received complaints of the incidents; not everything [have seen] investigation papers being produced,” she told reporters after the Integrity Day celebrations at the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex here today.

Latheefa said the cases must be properly scrutinised to determine their authenticity.

“We may have received complaints from those who have lost their case,” she said.

So far, the complaints that the MACC have received involved those with rankings of Session Court judges and below. Latheefa did not elaborate on whether those with rankings of High Court judge and above have been subject to similar complaints as well.

Chief Justice Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat was also present at the event.

In her speech, Tengku Maimun reminded that judges in Malaysia are required to declare their assets in writing to the chief justice, when they were appointed under the Judge Code of Ethics 2009.

This requirement is also emphasised through the chief justice's circulars, she said.

“A judge who fails to commit to the declaration of assets may be subjected to be taken action (against), as provided under the Judge Code of Ethics 2009,” she said.

Tengku Maimun said judicial officers are required to declare their assets at least once every five years.

According to her, asset declaration is implemented to enhance transparency of the Malaysian judiciary and instil public confidence in the system.

It will also prevent judges and judicial officers from engaging in any form of conflict of interest that will affect the course of cases or court proceedings before them, she said.

“This is also to create awareness among judges and judicial officers that the sources and flows of ownership and disposal of their assets are closely monitored,” she added.