A meditation about the difficulty of celebrating the accomplishments or mourning the death of Augustine Paul, the Federal Court Judge, who passed away on 2 January 2010 from pancreatic cancer.

There is no denial that Datuk Seri S. Augustine Paul, was an accomplished man. I have reproduced the write up about him from the Federal Court website below in case they remove his bio-date in due course. But let’s just run by some of the highlights all the same.

Augustine Paul had a wide and varied legal experience with stints as a Federal Counsel and thereafter sitting as a Magistrate, Senior Assistant Registrar, a Sessions Judge before being promoted to Judicial Commissioner. His rise after that from the High Court Judge to the Federal Court was meteoric. He was active in hockey and church. Sacrificed his time to be an external examiner for universities. He was intellectually active and wrote prolifically, writing and editing several books that have become standard references in practice, presented papers whenever he had time and opportunity. All that on top of his job as a judge.

We would and should ordinarily be mourning his death and celebrating his accomplishments and what he stood for in life on his death. This is natural for such accomplishments are deserving of a celebration.

But I, and I suspect others too, have difficulty in either mourning Augustine Paul the Judge or celebrating his achievements. But truth be told, we want to mourn or celebrate him. After all, he is a human being like us when we get down to it. The passing away of one is always occasion for either, more so when that person is a Federal Court Judge, one of the handful of judges who sit in the highest and most powerful court in our country. But why this difficulty?

Sadly, it is due to the man himself. Augustine Paul was a judge. As one, he was tasked with one of the most challenging and difficult job in civilized society – to be a fountain of justice; to ensure that the waters of justice run freely, deeply and clearly into society; to direct its course so that it may cleanse the stained fabric of our nation. It is not a task for everybody. It is a task for only the ablest of men and women in our society – those who not simply possess but exemplify the virtues of honesty, intellect, courage, a strong will, emotional stability, humility, patience, incorruptibility, mercy and always remembering their humanity. Many fail. Few escape with their reputation fully intact. Only a rare handful will have the privilege of walking down the corridor of history.

Augustine Paul will not walk down that corridor. Though he may have believed he was doing right, in the final analysis, his conduct on the bench and his written judgments will show that he had little to do with striving for justice. We will find that his conduct and judgments were very much in favour of the government in power in crucial cases. This was seen most vividly when he was a Judicial Commissioner hearing the Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim trial and reinforced throught his career. And for his abilities and judgments, he was rewarded magnificently – a Judicial Commissioner in 1996; High Court Judge in 1998; Court of Appeal Judge in 2003 and Federal Court in 2005. A Sessions Court Judge to a Federal Court Judge in less than 10 years.

And that is where our difficulty lies: he was a judge; he took an oath to uphold the Federal Constitution and the cause of justice; he may have thought he did it, but that is not enough. We, the public, must feel he did it too. If not that is not justice but merely favouring one over the other. His oath (which can be found in the 6th Schedule of the Federal Constitution) reads as follows:

“I, …………., having been elected (or appointed) to the office of ……………………. do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge the duties of that office to the best of my ability, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Malaysia, and will preserve, protect and defend its Constitution.”

‘Malaysia’ in that oath does not just mean the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister or Barisan Nasional; it means all of us. That’s whom his faith and allegiance should have been to, each and every one of us – the rakyat. And there lies the difficulty – how do you celebrate or mourn for someone who has betrayed you so irretrievably, so steadfastly, without even a shudder of remorse? How?

You may rightly ask, why should someone like me, who didn’t like him and complained about his judgments most of the time now feel sad about not being able to celebrate his achievements or mourn for him? I confess I was surprised I felt this way at all. I really thought that I would be quite happy to read of his death and even celebrate it with friends. But when I actually read the news report, I felt quite sad but didn’t understand why.

After thinking it over, I can’t claim it is the answer but the following explanation does carry some resonance with me. As I have pointed out earlier, Augustine Paul for all his failings, was a human being. As I am. As we both are. And therein lies our commonality – our bond of humanity. But obstructing our bond, are his accomplishments.

So where does this sadness come from? It burns from my inability to reconcile myself to him because of what he did as a judge. It festers because, for me, he refused to redeem himself as a judge by doing justice in his final act as one. If he had written one powerful dissent despite its futility in one of those crucial cases, that would suffice to celebrate Augustine Paul the judge. If he did one heroic act of justice like lodge a police report revealing the corrupt acts that have gone or are going on in the judiciary before he left us all, we would not simply mourn Augustine Paul the judge, but the man as well. But he did nothing.

I must make it very clear that in the above, I only consider him as a judge. Not in other capacities. This is because I, like much of society, only know him as a judge, nothing else. He was not my father, friend or family. He may have been great in those other roles. But I don’t know and it is none of my business.

And this brings me to the part I cannot understand. Why do people blessed with such power, influence and such abilities to do great and good things to further the cause of justice do otherwise? Why do men so possessed of such wealth of intellect, eloquence and learning soil their entire familial heritage in the pursuit of mere money and superficial privilege?

Do they not see that they soil their own name when they do so? Do they not see that they disgrace the name of their fathers and mothers and their children’s as well (because their names are contained there)? Do they not see that all that money, title and things will eventually dissipate and the only good thing we can leave our name and the good we brought to others?

Have they lost knowing the pleasure and wholesome pride it stirs in someone when they are told their father/mother was good and honest, dependable, someone who can be counted to act in the cause of justice, not just her name?

I can only feel for Augustine Paul with what he has left us.

And that is an irreconcilable sadness of what could have been.

________________________________________________________

The Honourable Mr. Justice Dato’ Sri Augustine Paul was born on October 12, 1944 in Batu Gajah, Perak. He had his early education at Sultan Yusof School, Batu Gajah and Anderson School, Ipoh. His Lordship was called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of Inner Temple, London in 1971 and obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of London as an external student in 1979.

Upon graduation, his Lordship started his career in the Judicial and Legal Service as a Federal Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers from December 1971 to 1973. He was appointed as a Magistrate in Ipoh in April 1973 and as President of the Sessions Court in Temerloh in December 1973. He was appointed as the Senior Assistant Registrar of the High Court in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan in 1975 and in 1976, as President of the Sessions Court in Melaka. He was then appointed as President of the Sessions Court in Ipoh in 1984 and in Penang from 1987 to 1994. In February 1994, he was appointed as the Head of the Research Unit in the Attorney-General’s Chambers and in May 1994 as Chairman of the Income Tax Appeals Commission.

In August 1996 his Lordship was appointed as a Judicial Commissioner of the High Court of Malaya and was elevated as a Judge of the High Court in 1998; as a Judge of the Court of Appeal on 1 August 2003;and as a Judge of the Federal Court on 17 June 2005.

His Lordship was active in extra-curricular activities and had served as President of the Ipoh Hockey Association, Vice President of the Perak Hockey Association, President of the Parent – Teacher Association of the Light St Convent, Penang and Light St Xavier’s Institution, Penang.

His Lordship has been a Director of the Tun Abdul Hamid Foundation; is a member of the Curricular Development Committee of the Faculty of Human Resource Management and Development in University of Technology Malaysia; is an External Examiner for LL.B (Law of Evidence) in the International Islamic University of Malaysia and an External Examiner for LL.M (Law of Evidence) in the University Malaya.

His Lordship is a prolific legal writer and has written several books, namely, Cautioned Statements (1990) (dual language) 157 pages (CLJ Publishers), Impeachment Proceedings (1990) (dual language) 184 pages (CLJ Publishers), Trial within a Trial (1994) 202 pages (Old Bailey Publishers, London) and Evidence-Practice and Procedure (1994) 796 pages (Pelandok Publications)(Reprint 1995)(2nd Edition 2000)(3rd Edition 2003). The book on evidence is currently the leading textbook on the subject in Malaysia. His Lordship is also a Contributing Editor to Mallal’s Criminal Procedure Code 5th Edition.

His Lordship has also written articles on legal issues which have been published in the Current Law Journal and in the Malayan Law Journal. He had also presented papers at international forums; on Separation of Powers and Law Making Process at the National Institute of Public Administration in Hanoi in 1991; and on the Malaysian Judicial System at the Bond University, Australia in 2000. His Lordship also presents papers at local agencies regularly, namely, University of Science Malaysia, Anti Corruption Agency, National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN), Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara, Judicial and Legal Training Institute (ILKAP), Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysian Pharmacists Association, Malaysian Accountants Institute and Police Training College.

His Lordship is married to Datin Sri Dr Mary and is blessed with two children, Dr Juliana Sharmini and Alan John.

Fahri Azzat practices the dark arts of the law. Although he enjoys writing and reading, he doesn't enjoy writing his own little biographies of himself. Like this one. He wished somebody else would do it...

81 replies on “The Relevance of Augustine Paul”

  1. Md Yussof

    From what I know you know nothing!. As what Mat Top asked you " Read Agustine’s judgement and show me where in his judgement that he ruled that the mattress was irrelevant", now please tell us.

    Or you are just stupid.

  2. Mohd Yusof,

    You are indeed a joke. I guess you must have some intimate experience with Anwar himself to know his proclivities and propensities.

    As to the mattres, who said the Judge ruled it was irrelevant. It was not even tendered by the Prosecution in the first place. For all we know, the semen found on it could be that of Musa Hassan, the IO. It was never kept under lock and key as with all exhibits. The mattress, being a case exhibit was kept in a place where anyone has access. You could have planted your semen there yourself.

    Read Agustine's judgement and show me where in his judgement that he ruled that the mattress was irrelevant.

  3. Mohd Yusof,

    Anwar will sell this country to the Jews? Which part may I ask? The last time I checked, the whole country has been sold to whoever. Even our air force jet engines are sold? By who? By Anwar?

    You are a joke Mohd Yusof. A very BIG HUMONGOUS joke.

  4. I was AP's junior in SYS, Batu Gajah. From what I know he was very hardworking – always with a schoolbook in his hand at home.

    Now it saddens me to find so many people condemning the way he judged Anwar's case. Don't we know that Anwar is a damned fornicator front and back.

    Remember the matress that was carried in and out of the court with 13 spots of semen stains which were DNAed as belonging to Anwar, Shamsidar (Anwar's aide wife) and another unknown lady. The matress was declared to be irrelevant by the Honourable Judge and subsequently Anwar was found guilty on other charges.

    And Anwar had the thought of opposing Tun Dr Mahathir for the PM's post. Now we can see clearly that Anwar will sell out this country to the Jews.

    Please think carefully!

  5. Just let him rest in peace. It is undeniable he is a great judge who took the troubles to write a proper and comprehensive judgment and contributed tremendously to the legal field in Malaysia. The Anwar case is a sham and like everyone else, he could be just a victim of circumstances. We will never know.

  6. Thank you, for you have truly spoken the confusion I had when I read ab Agustine Paul’s death. I was sad, I didn’t know why – I was not particularly celebrating his life as a federal court judge – I felt he left without redeeming himself, for the orchestrated decisions he has made in his lifetime – he bore true faith and allegiance not to Malaysia –

    as for 5 luxury cars – is just like squeezing lime on open wound.

  7. I am told at the deceased daughter's house somewhere at Taman SA next to Bangsar Shopping Centre, there are 5 luxury cars including the latest Lamborghini. I am amazed of the need to flaunt ill-gotten gains.

  8. A KELING SHIT

    A shit who made his own law, swindler in law as judge to cover the obscenity of Mahathir and Umno as he practically 'killed' Anwar and Zainur Zakaria(defence lawyer for Anwar)- 3 months in jail without listening to Zainur.

    Augustine was sick in the head, playing the Devil for Mahathir.

    I bet his wife and children are living as kings and queens from the tons of money given to them. And son Allan drug charge thrown out and rape charge quashed in Singpapore by Mahathir.

    I hope your wife and children will suffer much more in the hands of other people than what you dish out to Anwar, Zainur and Malaysia.

    keling mutherfcuker

  9. Eusuff Chin, Lingam, AG Gani, IGP Musa, Vincent Tan & all involved in jailing Anwar will pay one day. A few have felt the wrath of GOD. You just wait. Your number is up! What the use of having millions if you do not have your soul?

  10. To ajajal : AP is not up there. he is down below!! chinese people will say about '18 stages' down.

  11. 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

    21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

    22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

    23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! (Isaiah 5)

    Woe has been declared against a man of Augustine's character and reputation!

  12. Let the late AP rest in peace. I dont entirely agree with his decisions and what not, but I believe that one should not be scrutinised after he is dead. He is dead. Let him go in peace.

    My condolences to his families.

  13. AP had done untold injustice to AI, I guess it was payback time when he suffered for his terminal illness.

    Mamak , Musang and Petai will follow suit that is for sure.

  14. It is sad that he did make an attempt to redeem himself and seek

    forgiveness openly when he still got a chance to do so (he was

    ill for a good 2 years). He could turn hero from being a villian before dying by telling the truth and better still with substantiated evidences to crucify his master who is still alive today. May be he did have it and could surface when the time is right.

  15. Proverbs 6:16

    "These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him":

    A Proud look

    A Lying tongue

    Hands that shed innocent blood,

    A heart that devises wicked plans,

    Feet that are swift in running evil,

    A false witness who speaks lies,

    And one who sows discord among brethren.

    .

    Proverbs 17:15

    "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,

    Both of them alike abomination to the Lord"

    Where is AP going only one place if what has been stated above speaks all for him…. Only place is a place of fiery fire below…………

    Not my opinion but what has been stated in the Holy Bible…quote.

    Shalom!

  16. I have been "privileged" to know Paul Augustine personally, well at least his children. I taught home tuition to Julie and Alan for two years in 96-97( roughly).

    From my brief occasional conversations, he came across as a kind and humble man though he smokes like a chimney. No air and he even asked me if I wanted help in getting scholarships, knowing that I was self supporting while studying in UM.

    Thus I was surprised when he was embroiled in the Anwar scandal. There really is something fishy.

    His children were nice.

    Julie was the smart one and I believe pushed herself quite hard ( she wd cry when she doesnt understand something and I wd look around guiltily incase her parents were lurking). She was a nice girl and I m happy that she is a doctor now.

    Alan was a bit playful and I might say a bit slow in studies, but he was a nice boy and there was no indication that he was a loose cannon or inclined to be a drug addict or a rapist.Only a year passed between the day I stopped teaching him and the anwar trial that I am doubtful of his character changing so drastically.

    Anyway there might be skeletons in his cupboard.

    Despite his "tresspasses", I hold thoughts of the good man in Mr Augustine.

    Kindness I cherish,hatred I bury.

    My condolences to his family and I wish them well.

  17. I had a few encounter with AP's son and his sidekicks in some of the pubs in bangsar where he will create some trouble and threaten other customers who he was and will call bukit aman to intimate them. The pub owner will then call his father to come-over to diffuse the situation. AP will come in 'pagoda' t-shirt and shorts always covering his face from the nose downwards and talking to the pub owner at a dark corner. By the way, the photo of Alan in Star doesn't look much like him. Alan was tall and quite chubby when I last saw him, maybe a year or more ago. Maybe he also has cancer and lost a lot of weight.

  18. These negative comments, though it may be seen as against Agustine Paul, but in actual fact it is for the living to realise that when you do wrong, you shall face the wrath. More appropriately it for the current judges to take note.

  19. For those interested, "pai ka chai" is a Hokkien term meaning "a son who wreaks misfortune to the family" or a "cursed son, a son that brings curses and damages the family, either to its reputation or even to its material wealth."

    Many years back, I also heard such a story, but we do not know its veracity.

    It was the journey of his life; only the late A.P. knows for sure what it was all about. I do not think it is fair for us to assume that he set out to do what he invariably did.

    Indisputably, the result, as we know it, brought shame to our judicial system.

    I agree totally that Judges at all levels must stick to the oath they took to uphold the law and the Constitution.

    Absent that, then we Malaysians are all the poorer for it.

  20. Surely he would have confided to his wife or children on his predicament, so let the truth be told through his family to clear his name or forever be condemned.

  21. FAHRI AZZAT, RPK

    I beg you to follow up what Rayshaun, Jungleboy and Mat Top wrote in this blog- that Augustine Paul and the judges in Chief Justice office continuously planned the 'killing' of Anwar.

    Mat Top wrote:

    ' …at the end of each day’s proceedings, Agustine and the late AG, Mohtar Abdullah would be seen huddling up in Eusoffe Chin’s Chambers (presumably to discuss the day’s proceedings and to map out their strategies). This Judge was resigned to the fact that the outcome of the case has been decided. The only job for Augustine then was how to justify Anwar’s conviction and his prolong incarceration….'

    Mahathir have to be jailed. A lot of money changed hands.Augustine and Mahathir are dogshit of a man.

  22. Fahri, I sensed your LOST !

    Hopefully his family could help him to at least redeem himself after death by revealing his inner thoughts and alternative judgments and the name and deeds of evil cohorts that accomplished him, ONE DAY.

  23. What a waste full life and death for this learned silly man.

    Wish, the justice prevail without such a human being in this earth.

  24. During the Anwar's trial which was heard by Agustine Paul, I had coffee with a senior Superior Crt Judge in his Chamber. This was what he commented on the Anwar's Trial. " …at the end of each day's proceedings, Agustine and the late AG, Mohtar Abdullah would be seen huddling up in Eusoffe Chin's Chambers (presumably to discuss the day's proceedings and to map out their strategies). This Judge was resigned to the fact that the outcome of the case has been decided. The only job for Augustine then was how to justify Anwar's conviction and his prolong incarceration.

    The verdict: Agustine is nothing but a scumbag and a 'pariah' judge. The same fate will await Eusoffe Chin. His demise and the outpouring of condemnation heaped on him would be a timely reminder to most of the current Judges in the Superior Courts; that they should steadfastly hold to their oath of offece in their judicial duties.

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