Judicial deadlock to end with Chief Justice appointment today
THE prolonged impasse over the Chief Justice position is expected to conclude today, as the Conference of Rulers prepares to announce a new appointment.
Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had held a lengthy discussion with the Conference yesterday and had left the matter entirely to their discretion.
'After more than 2 1/2 years in office, I have never discussed any case with any judge — not with the Chief Justice, nor with any other judge.
'I firmly uphold the principle of judicial independence. That said, I acknowledge there have been concerns expressed and I have taken note of them,' he said at the International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 yesterday.
The position has been vacant since the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on June 30.
The delay has raised concerns over possible interference in the judiciary, with the Malaysian Bar staging a march this week to deliver a memorandum urging the government to fill the vacancy and address three other demands.
Anwar acknowledged that the controversy stemmed from the prolonged vacancy and public perceptions surrounding judicial appointments.
He assured the public that there had been no undue influence and that no controversial names were submitted for consideration.
'I believe my colleagues in the legal field understand that we must act based on law and fact, not perception.
'We leave questions of perception to politicians. Only by doing this can we continue to govern the country effectively.
'God willing, tomorrow (today) there will be an announcement that will dispel all the negative perceptions that have spread,' he said.
Anwar added that the Madani government had inherited a system plagued by corruption and weak governance, making institutional reform — including of the judiciary — necessary.
He also addressed claims of political pressure influencing judicial matters.
'I hope this will not tarnish the position of the Bar Council, as they are guided by principle. Although I have firmly denied the allegations, some remain unsatisfied, perhaps due to political agendas.
'(Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said knows, the Chief Secretary to the Government knows, that no controversial or questionable names were ever submitted to the Yang diPertuan Agong (YDPA) or the Conference of Rulers,' he said.
Separately, Azalina said the YDPA is empowered under the Federal Constitution to establish a special tribunal to investigate allegations of misconduct involving judges.
She said the relevant provisions are outlined under Articles 125(3) and (4), and a judge under investigation may be suspended on the PM's advice, following consultation with the Chief Justice.
'Article 125(3A) also empowers the Chief Justice to refer any ethical breach to the Judicial Ethics Committee established under the Judicial Ethics Committee Act 2010 [Act 703].
'Meanwhile, Article 125(3B) allows for the formulation of a written code of ethics to uphold high standards of conduct and integrity among judges,' she said in a statement.
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