Can civil servants be disciplined for leaking court judgments?

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The Public Services Commission Can Take Disciplinary Action Against Civil Servants for Leaking Court Judgments

The Public Services Commission (SPA) possesses the authority and specific provisions to initiate disciplinary action against civil servants found to be involved in the leakage of court judgment papers. This stance was affirmed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who highlighted the SPA's disciplinary powers in addressing such breaches. These measures are in place to uphold the integrity of the judicial process, particularly when court rules are contravened.
SPA's Authority to Act

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar stated that the Public Services Commission has the mandate and the necessary disciplinary tools to address situations where court judgment papers are leaked by civil servants. The existence of specific provisions within the SPA framework allows for the investigation and subsequent action against individuals found to be responsible for such disclosures. This underscores the commission's role in maintaining order and adherence to regulations within the civil service, especially concerning sensitive judicial information.
Context of Recent Allegations

The discussion surrounding the potential for disciplinary action arose in the context of an alleged leak of a court judgment. Specifically, the Chief Registrar’s Office of the Federal Court lodged a police report on August 27. This report was filed after a purported leaked draft of Datuk Seri Najib Razak's SRC International appeal judgment was published by a media portal. This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding the dissemination of draft judgments before their official release.
Ongoing Investigations

In relation to such alleged leaks, law enforcement agencies have been actively involved. Police have recorded statements from individuals connected to the matter, including a High Court judge and a legal officer, as part of their investigation. These investigations are crucial for determining the source of the leak and ensuring accountability within the system.

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Can civil servants be disciplined for leaking court judgments?

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