Lawyers: CJ's integrity untainted by political past
Senior lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla said Wan Ahmad Farid had consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to adjudicating matters strictly based on facts and the law.
"In every trial where I've appeared before him, he has shown sound judgment and authority. His political background has never surfaced in his conduct or rulings.
"A review of his previous decisions reveals no indication of political bias. He has been transparent and fair throughout," Haniff said when contacted today.
He cited a notable instance from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2022.
"At the time, Wan Ahmad Farid was serving as a High Court judge. He voluntarily recused himself from the case before any objections were raised.
"He disclosed that a family member was involved in politics and stepped aside accordingly — a level of self-awareness not all judges demonstrate," Haniff said, adding that the judge's prior political career should not overshadow his present role.
He said that Wan Ahmad Farid exited politics in 2013 and was appointed as a judicial commissioner thereafter.
"Since then, he has remained impartial. There is no basis for concern regarding his appointment as Chief Justice."
Haniff said the incoming judicial leadership must now focus on its core responsibility of upholding justice.
"My message is simple: carry out your duties with integrity. This appointment is not a reward — it is a responsibility," he added.
Constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet echoed this sentiment, saying Wan Ahmad Farid's judicial record, not his former political career, should be the focus.
"We must remember that he stepped away from politics in 2013.
"Since his appointment as a High Court judge in 2018, he has recused himself from several matters involving Umno or its leaders.
"Judges take an oath to uphold the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.
"Based on the judgments he has delivered to date, there is no indication of partisanship," Lim said.
He added that Wan Ahmad Farid should be assessed on the basis of his integrity and dedication to judicial independence.
"It is only fair to evaluate him on his judicial performance rather than his political past."
Lawyer Andrew Choo expressed a similar view, saying that all judges were duty-bound to act in accordance with their oath.
"They can and must uphold that oath. If a judge believes they cannot be impartial in a particular case, it is their duty to recuse themselves," he said.
A former Umno member, Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, began his public service career as a senator in December 2005 before serving as Deputy Home Minister from March 2008 to April 2009.
He was previously a political aide to the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and contested the Kuala Terengganu by-election in 2009, where he was narrowly defeated. He formally retired from politics in 2013.
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