In a statement, GTA publicity chief Nizam Mahshar apologised for the confusion caused to the judicial fraternity following the error in its announcement yesterday.

“We apologise for the error in the earlier infographic showing the CJ’s position being placed under the scrutiny of Parliament,” he said, without going into specifics.

Nizam, who is Pejuang’s candidate for the Jerai parliamentary seat, said the full and complete version of GTA’s manifesto document will be released soon.

“Our stand remains. We are firm subscribers to the doctrine of separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary, and this needs to be strengthened,” he added.

Earlier, retired judge Gopal Sri Ram said any move to empower Parliament to appoint the Chief Justice of Malaysia, or place the position under the legislature, is unsafe as it will undermine the separation of powers doctrine.

He said the CJ, and by extension, the superior court judges (High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court), were guardians of the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land.

The superior court judges act as a check and balance on the legislature and the executive arm of the government, he said.

Last night, the Pejuang-led GTA unveiled its GE15 manifesto which included a promise to place nine key top government officers under Parliament’s purview if it wins at the polls.

The nine key officers are the attorney-general, inspector-general of police, chief justice, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, armed forces chief, chief secretary to the government, Treasury secretary-general, auditor-general, and Bank Negara Malaysia governor.

GTA chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this was necessary to free the country from corruption, money politics and abuse of power.