SPECIAL CORRUPTION HIGH COURT AIMS TO FAST-TRACK GRAFT TRIALS

By SEVAGAMY NYTHIANANTHAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- A newly established Special Corruption High Court is set to reshape the handling of high-profile graft cases, with legal practitioners describing the move as a decisive push towards greater judicial efficiency and sharper case management.

Criminal lawyer Sivahnathan Ragava said the initiative reflects the commitment of the judiciary under the leadership of Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh to strengthen the administration of justice.

“As the saying goes, ‘specialisation sharpens excellence’, when a dedicated High Court or a High Court judge is assigned solely to corruption cases, judicial efficiency improves immediately. 

“It allows judges to focus and manage complex, high-profile matters with greater precision, particularly cases involving prominent individuals, former politicians and high-stakes disputes,” he said. 

Sivahnathan pointed out that, the dedicated court structure, linked to the existing Special Corruption Sessions Courts, would streamline corruption trials while enabling other High Court judges to concentrate on other serious criminal matters that continue to flood the courts, particularly cases under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

“Cases under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which involve drug trafficking offences, do not allow for bail, requiring accused persons to remain in remand until the conclusion of their trials. This step has the potential to expedite the disposal of other serious criminal cases and improve overall court efficiency,” he said.

Sharing a similar view, lawyer Nur Ashiqeen Mohd Sultan said corruption cases are often complex and document-heavy, making delays unavoidable when heard alongside general criminal matters in ordinary Sessions Courts. 

“In most states, we already have specialised Sessions Courts for sexual offences. The idea is similar - certain offences come with unique evidentiary and procedural challenges, and a dedicated court ensures better continuity and more efficient case management

“Extending this approach to corruption cases is therefore a logical move. From a deterrence standpoint, enforcement must not only exist, but be seen to be effective and timely. Corruption offences often involve individuals in positions of authority or public trust, and the knowledge that investigations and prosecutions will be carried through without prolonged delay may serve as a real disincentive,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Raymon Ram described the initiative as an important but partial reform. 

“The creation of a dedicated court structure can improve scheduling discipline, judicial expertise and case management - all of which are necessary to reduce prolonged timelines that have historically weakened public confidence,” he said.

However, he stressed that specialised courts must be properly resourced, transparently managed and insulated from external influence to be effective.

Recently, Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin was appointed to preside over the newly established Special Corruption High Court in Kuala Lumpur, effective April 1, 2026.

Currently, 14 Special Corruption Sessions Courts are operating nationwide, with a target of resolving each case within one year from registration.

-- BERNAMA