Salleh's death is a reminder of Mahathir's chequered past in issues relating to human rights, specifically judiciary independence.

While reference to the government usually points to the prime minister, it actually refers to all three branches – the executive, the judiciary and the legislative – which are independent but whose interaction results in a healthy check and balance for the good of the nation.

Lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah recalls the late Salleh Abas as the solicitor-general and lord president.

Salleh was dismissed as lord president after criticising what he said was then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's meddling in the judiciary.