Latest news with #Article122B
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Anwar Refutes Claims Of Interference, Affirms Judicial Appointments Followed Due Process
PUTRAJAYA, July 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected allegations of interference in the recent appointments of Malaysia's top judges, asserting that the selection process was carried out in full accordance with constitutional procedures. Anwar stressed that the appointments, including that of the new Chief Justice, were discussed at the Conference of Rulers and received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, reflecting a smooth and lawful process that upholds the Federal Constitution. 'This Conference of Rulers meeting demonstrates that the process went well and adhered to Article 122B of the Constitution. This stands in stark contrast to the accusations that were made earlier. 'I hope that with this explanation and the decision consented by His Majesty the King, the false accusations and unease that have circulated will come to an end. 'For weeks, we were subjected to slander and criticism, but today it is evident those claims were baseless,' he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Istiqlal here today. The Prime Minister also refuted the allegations of political meddling in the selection of candidates for top judicial posts, including what he described as slander against Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh. 'He still has many years in service. His name was never proposed, discussed, or submitted to the King. So, where did these allegations come from? It appears to me that these came from politically motivated figures within the legal community. I don't believe these views reflect the stance of the broader legal fraternity. I hope this clarification will clear everything,' he said. Anwar further emphasised the need to end the culture of slander and baseless accusations targeting the judiciary, warning that such attacks could undermine the credibility and integrity of one of the nation's key institutions. Late last night, the Federal Court Chief Registrar's Office, in a statement, announced that Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Malaysia.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘JAC non-binding on judge picks'
KOTA TINGGI: The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 does not carry binding authority in the appointment of judges, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic). The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Act's main role is to screen, evaluate and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court must still follow Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. 'The JAC Act is not a final step in the appointment process. 'It only recommends names, and these recommendations are not binding. 'For JAC's role to be legally binding, the Constitution would need to be amended,' she told reporters after officiating the 22nd Pengerang UMNO Division Delegates Meeting yesterday. Azalina also cited a previous explanation by former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who clarified in Parliament that the JAC Act is an administrative provision and does not have binding legal effect. On the planned march by the Malaysian Bar today, Azalina said it is within their democratic right, as long as it is carried out professionally and within the boundaries of the law. 'If they want to march, that is their right. 'As lawyers, I believe most of them are professionals who understand Article 122B (of the Federal Constitution) and the JAC Act 2009,' she said, Bernama reported. Azalina also said that the appointment of a new Chief Justice will only be decided after the 269th Conference of Rulers, scheduled to be held from July 15 to 17. Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is exercising the powers and duties of the office of the Chief Justice (including those under the Constitution) until the position is filled. This is in accordance with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution, as well as paragraph 9(1)(b) and subsection 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, to ensure continuity in the administration of justice in the country. The Chief Justice position became vacant following the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on July 2. She was the country's first woman to serve in the role. Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired as President of the Court of Appeal (the second highest position) on July 3.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
JAC Act not binding in judge appointments, says Azalina
KOTA TINGGI: The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 does not carry binding authority in the appointment of judges, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Act's main role was to screen, evaluate and recommend candidates to the Prime Minister, while appointments to the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court must still follow Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. "The JAC Act is not a final step in the appointment process. It only recommends names, and these recommendations are not binding. "For JAC's role to be legally binding, the Constitution would need to be amended,' she told reporters after officiating the 22nd Pengerang Umno division delegates meeting on Sunday (July 13). Azalina also cited a previous explanation by former minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, who clarified in Parliament that the JAC Act was an administrative provision and does not have binding legal effect. On the planned march by the Malaysian Bar on Monday (July 14), Azalina said it was within their democratic right, as long as it was carried out professionally and within the boundaries of the law. "If they want to march, that is their right. As lawyers, I believe most of them are professionals who understand Article 122B and the JAC Act 2009,' she said. Meanwhile, Azalina said that the appointment of a new Chief Justice would only be decided after the 269th Conference of Rulers, scheduled to be held from July 15 to 17. On Saturday (July 12), Muslim Lawyers Association (Pembela) chairman Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar urged for the appointment process to be expedited, citing the recent and upcoming retirements of several senior judges.- Bernama
