OCTOBER 12 — During his Budget 2026 speech in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (October 10), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that the judiciary’s reputation had not been at its best.
But Anwar was also quick to add that the judiciary was moving towards greater authority, integrity, and independence.
“In that spirit, the government has agreed to increase judges’ salaries by up to 30 per cent starting Jan 1, 2026,” he said.
“The last time judges’ salaries were increased was in 2015, and they have not received annual salary increments like other schemes,” Anwar added.
While it is commendable of the prime minister to acknowledge that judges have not had their salaries reviewed since 2015, it must be said that judges’ salaries are not “like other schemes”.
Remuneration of judges is fundamentally about preserving the independence and dignity of the judiciary.
As the Malaysian Bar reiterated in a statement issued on June 10, judicial remuneration is “a matter of principle, institutional integrity, and public confidence”.
While the government has not responded to the call by the Malaysian Bar for the establishment of an independent Judges’ Remuneration Commission, the government agreeing to raise judges’ salaries can be a first step towards recognising that “judicial salaries and benefits should be reviewed regularly through a transparent, objective, and independent process”.
It can go towards ensuring that judges are not exposed to undue influence – perceived or otherwise.
So, what say you, Malaysian Bar?
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
