New CJ vows to put justice before politics

The Star

2 days ago

Judicial milestone: Wan Ahmad Farid (centre) at a ceremony honouring his appointment at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. Also present are Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim (left) and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Azizah Nawawi (right). — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Newly minted Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has vowed to safeguard the independence of the judiciary amid criticism on his background in politics.
Referring to his time in the legislative and executive branches, Wan Ahmad Farid acknowledged his long and varied career, describing it as 'something that I could not erase'.
'I have served in all three branches of the government. I cannot erase my history, political or otherwise.
'But as I assume this most solemn amanah (trust), and for as long as I occupy this chair, I give you my unconditional pledge in the name of God, that I will vigorously protect and relentlessly safeguard the independence of our branch of government with every fibre of my being,' he said in his maiden speech as the country's top judge at a ceremony honouring his appointment yesterday.
Wan Ahmad Farid quoted French philosopher Montesquieu, who said that 'there is no liberty if the judiciary in power be not separated from the legislative and executive'.
He also called for fellow judges, judicial officers, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Malaysian Bar, the Sabah Law Society, the Advocates Association of Sarawak and other stakeholders to work together with him.
'I pledge to do my level best towards the betterment of the Malaysian judiciary and its independence.
'Let there be a strong message of the independence of the judiciary which shall continue to be loud and clear, echoing not just through the halls of the Palace of Justice and other courthouses but also through all corners of society and all the corridors of power in our country,' he said.
Wan Ahmad Farid also said the adoption of technology in courtrooms will continue to enhance the efficiency of the court system and allow better access to justice.
'The judiciary will closely follow technological developments and in particular, the impact of the evolution of artificial intelligence.
'We will ensure that our judges are sufficiently equipped not only to use technology in courts but also to manage issues relating to technology,' he added.
On July 28, Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, took the oath of office as the 17th Chief Justice at Istana Negara.
The former Court of Appeal judge was also given the instrument of appointment as a Federal Court judge during the ceremony.
His appointment came after weeks of speculation following the mandatory retirement of his predecessor, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, on July 2.
Wan Ahmad Farid began his legal career as an advocate and solicitor with Messrs Adnan & Wee in Kuala Terengganu between 1987 and 2003.
He was also the political secretary to the late prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi between 2003 and 2008.
Between 2008 and 2009, he held a short stint as the deputy home minister.
He returned to legal practice between 2011 and 2015 as a partner at Messrs Wan Farid & Surin in Kuala Lumpur before being appointed as a Judicial Commissioner, serving in the High Courts of Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru until 2019.
He was then elevated to the High Court from 2019 to 2024, with postings in Kota Baru, Shah Alam (Special Powers Division) and Kuala Lumpur (Special Powers Division 3).