2 extra judges' panels to expedite appeal hearings

Free Malaysia Today

4 days ago

Abu Bakar Jais is the 13th Court of Appeal president since its establishment in 1994. (Bernama pic)
PUTRAJAYA : Two more judges' panels will be set up to speed up the disposal of criminal and civil appeals, newly appointed Court of Appeal president Abu Bakar Jais said.
He said there are currently eight panels.
'Hopefully, with more judges appointed, we can expedite the disposal of cases,' he told reporters after witnessing the elevation of six Court of Appeal judges and the confirmation of 14 judicial commissioners as High Court judges here today.
With the appointment of the six judges, the Court of Appeal now comprises 32 judges, the maximum allowed under the Federal Constitution.
Bakar is the 13th president since the appellate court's establishment in 1994.
The Court of Appeal is often referred to as the 'engine of the judiciary' since it serves as the intermediate appellate court, reviewing decisions made by the High Court and the apex court for cases that originate from subordinate courts.
Bakar described his appointment as a huge responsibility and a significant challenge in a country with a multiracial and multireligious population.
'Of course, as president, I cannot satisfy everyone, but I will discharge my duties without fear of favour,' he said.
He also said there were highly capable judges who would assist him in fulfilling his responsibilities.
Newly appointed Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, who had earlier taken his oath of office before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara, was also present.
At the Palace of Justice, Bakar took his oath of office before senior Court of Appeal judge P Ravinthran.
Justice Azizah Nawawi, the new chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak, took her oath of office before Dean Wayne Daly, the most senior judge in East Malaysia.
She is also the first woman to hold the position.