Ismail said no one is above the law and enforcement agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police were free to investigate if they suspected a criminal offence had been committed, Bernama reported.

However, to preserve respect for the judicial institution, investigations against judges should not be publicised, he said.

“There is no need for them (enforcement agencies) to announce who is involved … telling the media about the investigation.

“I do not see anything wrong about investigating judges implicated in criminal wrongdoings. We are not saying a crime has been committed, as it is only at the investigation stage.

“But there is no need to publicise it and reveal to the media the names of those under probe. Maybe that is what is being questioned,” he said, without naming the individuals or agencies involved.

The MACC has come under fire after it revealed that investigations were being conducted after a police report was lodged about an unexplained sum of more than RM1 million in the bank account of Court of Appeal judge Nazlan Mohd Ghazali.

On Friday, the Malaysian Bar conducted a Walk for Judicial Independence at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, which was viewed as being held in protest against the investigation.

Ismail said the Bar’s action might be in response to the way the agency concerned was conducting its investigation.

The prime minister spoke to reporters after attending a constituency event in Bera, where he is the MP.

He reiterated that the government subscribes to the principle of separation of powers, with the judiciary given the freedom to conduct trials and make rulings without interference.