HEALTH IS WEALTH

-



Salam,

In the past week I have the privilege of conducting a trial in the judge's chamber. Kawtim involved? Definitely not. What happened was that the judge was too ill to proceed hearing the case in open court. She can barely walk to the majestic chair that we lawyers, DPPs and civilians alike, bow everyday as a matter of respect when we hear the magic word "bangunggggg!". So the judge declared her chambers as open court.

Conducting a criminal trial in chambers whereby the judge is restless and not in the best of health is neither pleasant nor dramatic. It's so peaceful and surely I can't raise my voice against joker witness although I wish I had done so, upon hearing the investigation officer replying with a standardized answer; "saya kurang pasti pula". In the end what transpired was a civilized trial with parties giving utmost respect to each other.

What really concern me is the way the pressure (read: KPI) has forced officers of the court to give priority to trials rather than their own health. This kind of occupational hazard is uncalled for and so unfair especially to good, hardworking officers. In a way, I salute the dedication and passion of the officer. Having said that, is it worth it to compromise on one's health?

Have we arrive at the stage that the superiors are everything worth sacrificing for and it is at the expense of our own health? As long as we adhere strictly to the commands whether it is justified or oppressive in nature; then we should be happy even though we might better be elsewhere, say in the hospital or resting at home? Gone are the days where officers of the court tolerate each other and accept health reason to adjourn cases even without MCs?

Being involved in an ultra stressful job like a judge, lawyers and prosecutors; we cannot ignore that the nature of the work itself is hazardous to our health; be it physical and even mental health. Let's face it, we as officers of the court are swimming daily in this toxic pool as we practice adversarial system. We appear in court to fight our opponent but of course what differentiate a noble officer with the rest is the goal is to achieve justice. Expect nothing less than "tensyen, pening kepala, sakit hati, bengang" etc.

Let us bring back some common sense and humanity in our justice system. After all, the end result is justice itself and not numbers that determine the effectiveness of an officer or otherwise. If an officer's health is not in the best position to proceed with the case, then an adjournment or a replacement is suitable. The superiors should try to understand more and be flexible when it comes to a genuine health reason. After all they themselves once occupying the lower ranks before they sit comfortably at the upper echelon of the pyramid. Wassalam.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MITIGASI KES SEKSYEN 39A(2) AKTA DADAH BERBAHAYA

-
Image
Dengan izin Yang Arif, Hujahkan mahkamah yang mulia ini perlu mempertimbangkan beberapa faktor sebelum menjatuhkan satu hukuman yang adil. 1. Pengakuan salah Pengakuan salah ini bukan sahaja menjimatkan masa dan kos mahkamah, juga pihak-pihak lain iaitu pendakwaan dan saksi Walaupun pengakuan ini dibuat di peringkat pembelaan, masih lagi perlu dipertimbangkan kerana ia dibuat "at the earliest opportunity" dan dalam keadaan berat dadah yang bukan "substantial" PP v Ravindran & Ors [1993] 1 MLJ 45 2. Latar belakang OKT Semasa ditangkap berusia 34 tahun dan bersekolah sehingga darjah 6 sahaja Belum berkahwin dan merupakan anak ke 3 dari 7 orang adik-beradik Sebelum ditangkap bekerja sebagai peniaga pasar dengan upah harian sebanyak RM 30 Ibu dan bapa masih hidup dan sudah uzur 3. Fakta kes Daripada fakta kes yang telah sedia ada di hadapan mahkamah yang mulia ini, OKT telah memberikan kerjasama kepada pihak polis sehingga membawa kepada perjumpaan dadah Terdapat 5
Read more

ADA APA DENGAN REPRESENTASI

-
Image
Salam, Representasi adalah satu perkataan keramat yang selalu diungkapkan dalam arena kepeguaman jenayah. Terkadang, ia umpama satu penawar atau antidot yang teringin sangat didengar oleh telinga sang tertuduh yang saban hari dicengkam jeriji besi. Mereka yang tertekan samada tekanan kehidupan penjara yang serba menyesakkan itu, ataupun tekanan akibat ketidakpastian dalam hidup mereka. Berapa lamakah lagi aku akan hidup, adakah cahaya di hujung terowong ataupun adakah nyawaku akan berakhir di tali gantung. Representasi sudah menjadi common word dan judicial notice bahkan di kalangan orang awam. Walaupun kadang-kadang sebutannya silap seperti ada yang menyebutnya lepresentasi atau represent atau lebih canggih lagi rap sahaja. Pokok pangkalnya, harapan yang disandarkan pada keajaiban representasi oleh seorang peguam jenayah begitu tinggi, bahkan dianggap boleh menyelamatkan nyawa. Let's get the record straight. Pertamanya, menulis surat representasi samada memohon pertud
Read more

HUJAHAN RAYUAN SEKSYEN 39A(1) AKTA DADAH BERBAHAYA

-
Image
PENGHUJAHAN PIHAK PERAYU PEMBUKAAN 1)   Rayuan oleh pihak Perayu adalah terhadap keputusan Majistret yang telah mensabitkan Perayu di bawah Seksyen 6 Akta Dadah Berbahaya yang dihukum di bawah Seksyen 39A(1) Akta yang sama. Majistret telah menjatuhkan hukuman penjara 24 bulan dari tarikh sabitan dan 3 kali sebatan. 2)     Perayu dalam kes ini telah didakwa bersama-sama dengan 4 lagi tertuduh yang telah dilepas dan dibebaskan di akhir kes pendakwaan. Pertuduhan yang dikemukakan adalah seperti berikut;  HUJAHAN PERAYU Alasan para (a) hingga (f) Petisyen Perayu; Majistret terkhilaf apabila memutuskan pihak pendakwaan telah berjaya membuktikan kes prima facie. 1)    Pertamanya, Majistret telah khilaf apabila bersandarkan kepada keterangan dengar cakap ( hearsay ). 2)     Secara asasnya, Majistret telah mendapati adanya kes prima facie terhadap Perayu atas 3 sebab; adanya maklumat tentang pengedaran dadah terhadap Perayu, kedudukan Perayu yang dekat dengan bara
Read more