“Not only might this better rehabilitate the offenders, it will also save costs for the prison authorities,” he said in his speech at the opening of the 2019 legal year here.

Speaking on the matter in a press conference after the event, Malanjum said community service was provided for in the Criminal Procedure Code for less serious offences.

“We use that in Sabah and Sarawak and find it to be very effective,” he said.

“Offenders feel shy when they are asked to clean the streets in prison uniforms instead of being sent to jail for a week or a month.”

He added that judges across the country were now encouraged to look into the relevant provision in the Criminal Procedure Code as that particular mode of punishment would also help reduce overcrowding in prisons.

In his speech, the top judge who will retire in April said the bench was aware of the negative public perception of courts as, at times, their decisions were not in sync with public sentiment or the will of the majority.

“Our response to this is a request for understanding of the functions of the court.

“Our court is a court of law and not of the mob,” he said.

He also urged people to remember that while the legislature represents the will of the majority, the court must remain the “conscience of society” to ensure the rights and interest of the minority.

Malanjum said the judiciary was for the upholding of rule of law and had zero tolerance for any form of corruption or judicial interference.

“We welcome information of any such occurrences,” he added. “I can assure you that swift action will be taken in accordance with the law.”

Malanjum said a consultative committee comprising members of the three Bars, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the judiciary, had met at regular intervals to discuss matters of mutual interest

He added that all stakeholders in the judiciary must be able to adapt to changes in technology.

“Technology is the way to go. So we have introduced the e-review in case management. At all appellate levels, all case managements are now done online. No more lining up by lawyers from 9am onwards.”

The system is expected to be extended to other courts in the peninsula by March.

By June, Malanjum said, the courts would be “paperless” as all files would be stored in the case management system.

“Imagine coming to court carrying only your tablet,” he added.

He said the judiciary was also working with institutions of higher learning to tackle complaints that fresh law graduates do not meet industry expectations.