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Top 5 at 5: Lawyers March for Judicial Independence

Steven Thiru, President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association

14-Jul-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Lawyers March for Judicial Independence

Over a thousand lawyers took to the streets of Putrajaya today, marching from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Malaysian Bar submitted a memorandum with four key demands in response to growing concerns over judicial independence, particularly the delay in appointing a new Chief Justice. We speak to Steven Thiru, president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, to understand what this means for the rule of law.

Other stories we covered:

• Alpha male picked for US Ambassador: Controversial commentator Nick Adams is nominated as US Ambassador to Malaysia, sparking pushback over his far-right views. Former Ashfield councillor Marc Receretnam recounts Adams’ political stunts in Australia, while ex-envoy Dato’ Ilango Karuppanan explains Malaysia’s options in responding diplomatically.

• FRIM joins UNESCO World Heritage List: FRIM is now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pioneering rainforest restoration. Deputy Director General Mahmudin Saleh shares his thoughts on how the recognition will strengthen conservation efforts and inspire similar projects around the world.

• How a teen squash star revealed Perak's squash crisis: 15-year-old Jinoreeka Ning clinched the Asian Junior title without a coach, highlighting Perak’s long-running sports mismanagement. Her father R. Manivannan details the family’s RM250,000 self-funded journey, while journalist Aizawati Ahmad calls for urgent reform in the state’s squash association.

• Superman, immigration and US Culture Wars collide: Director James Gunn frames Superman as a pro-immigrant story, prompting right-wing outrage and online backlash. We explore how the debate mirrors declining support for Trump’s immigration policies, despite his campaign using Superman imagery.

Image Credit: BFM News

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Sudais Ferhard, Juliet Jacobs, Sneha Harikannan, Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Sharaad Kuttan, Dashran Yohan


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Categories:  filmcultureenvironmentHistory/HeritagepoliticsgovernmentinternationalLaw/Activismcorruptioncontroversies

Tags:  american exceptionalismlawyers marchsupermansuperman 2025wokeunited states of americaus president donald trumpperakmalaysian squashfrimunesco world heritagetin miningalpha malesnick adamstoxic masculinitythe Malaysian Bar Counciljudicial independence





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