I can't erase my history, but I vow to protect judicial independence, says new CJ
PUTRAJAYA : Newly appointed Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has pledged to defend the independence of the judiciary, despite his past in politics.
Wan Farid acknowledged his unique background, having served in all three branches of government.
'I cannot erase my history, political or otherwise. Nor do I want to. That is who I am,' he said in his maiden speech to members of the legal fraternity today.
'But as I assume this role and for as long as I occupy this chair, I give my unconditional pledge that I will vigorously protect and relentlessly safeguard the independence of this branch with every fibre of my being,' he said.
Wan Farid, a former Umno member who previously served as a deputy minister and a senator, said the judiciary must remain a reliable avenue of recourse for both the public and the government.
'We (judges) should not fail them. In any decision (made by the courts), it is impossible to please everyone. This is something we expect,' he said.
'In whatever decision we make, we must ensure that the losing party walks out of our courtrooms feeling satisfied that they were given the right to be heard, to present their evidence and be given their day,' he said.
Backlogs of cases will be resolved
Wan Farid also said the judiciary will work towards resolving the courts' backlog of cases.
'I am happy to inform you that we are working with the government on increasing the number of courtrooms and appointing additional judicial commissioners.
'We will assign circuit judges and judicial commissioners in various stations (locations) to hear ageing cases and dispose of them within a specified period,' he said.
He also said Federal Court and Court of Appeal circuit sittings would resume, allowing litigants outside the Klang Valley to observe proceedings of the apex courts.
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