Nazlan Ghazali, the Court of Appeal judge that presided over the SRC case, was one of two High Court judges that acquited and discharged two suspected supporters of terrorist group LTTE in February 2020. There were public outcry over the decision in which prosecution was instructed by then Attorney General, Tommy Thomas to withdrew the case.
Circulating on social media is an alleged letter from Tun Dr Mahathir instructing then Home Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to do so. It created the perception Nazlan is at Mahathir's beck and call.
Fast forward to March 23rd 2022, opposition voted against renewal of security law, SOSMA. Late arrivals and absentee by the government side caused the renewal rejected. Here on, suspects that could threaten national security cannot be held for investigation for 28 days without charge.
Since abolishment of ISA, the latest decision by Federal Court could visibly worsen security and public safety situation in the country.