What was the basis for the conflict of interest claim against the judge?

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Basis for Conflict of Interest Claim Against High Court Judge

High Court judge Justice Datuk Asmabi Mohamad rejected an application for her recusal based on a conflict of interest claim that she had previously represented the government in a legal challenge brought by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. Anwar's legal team argued that her prior representation of the government in a case against Anwar created a real danger of bias in the current proceedings where Anwar is again suing the government.
Prior Representation of Government in 1998 Case

The core of the conflict of interest argument stemmed from Justice Asmabi Mohamad's role as a senior federal council member in 1998. During that period, she represented the government in a lawsuit filed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against Putrajaya. This prior professional engagement formed the basis of the application for her to step aside from the current case.
Allegation of Real Danger of Bias

Anwar's lawyer, Latheefa Koya, articulated that the judge's previous representation of the government in a case directly involving Anwar led to a perceived "real danger of bias." The argument posited that having previously acted for the government against Anwar could potentially influence her impartiality in the current judicial review application concerning the Pardons Board's decision.
Judge's Decision to Remain on the Case

Despite the arguments presented by Anwar's legal team, Justice Asmabi Mohamad ultimately decided to continue presiding over the case. She rejected the application for recusal, indicating that she did not find the grounds sufficient to warrant her withdrawal from hearing Anwar's challenge related to the dismissal of his bid for a royal pardon. The leave application process is scheduled to proceed before her on September 1.

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What was the basis for the conflict of interest claim against the judge?

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