Anwar's Leadership Tested by Dissent Within PKR Over Judicial Appointments

Anwar Ibrahim, who is presently attending the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, emphasized that he has refrained from interfering in judicial matters, including the appointment of judges, insisting that such processes should remain free of political influence. Meanwhile, Rafizi Ramli expressed that the issue extends beyond party affiliations and urged bipartisan support, encouraging lawmakers from across the political spectrum to freely engage in discussions about judicial appointments.

The group of nine PKR MPs announced their intention to launch a movement among fellow parliamentarians, advocating for an in-depth investigation by both Parliament and an independent royal commission of inquiry (RCI). They also plan to initiate an online petition and a series of public forums across the country to raise awareness, starting with an event in Kuala Lumpur/Selangor on July 13, aiming to involve citizens in evaluating this crucial issue.

This push by the nine MPs signals a break from traditional party conduct and may influence their roles within PKR, according to analysts. Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani noted that openly expressing dissent is unusual for ruling party members and may be perceived as a direct challenge to Anwar’s leadership. The actions of these MPs could be interpreted as a significant reproach to the Prime Minister, as they imply that Anwar is not forthcoming with judicial appointment recommendations to the monarchy.

Azmi Hassan, another analyst, criticized Rafizi and his colleagues for insinuating that Anwar is delaying judge appointments, reminding them that ultimately, these decisions fall under the king's jurisdiction. He argued that portraying Anwar negatively may reflect poorly on Rafizi, especially since the process of judicial appointments is structured and not solely within the Prime Minister’s control. While Anwar’s restrained reaction to the controversy might be seen as understandable, given the circumstances, the dissent from the nine MPs could heighten the scrutiny of his administration. Although it is unlikely they will oppose key legislation, analysts warn that Anwar may face pressure to reevaluate their candidacies in future elections, risking fractures within the party and potentially empowering the opposition.