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South China Morning Post

In no rush to judge: Malaysia's rulers leave out naming new justices

Malaysia 's rulers ended a key meeting on Wednesday without naming new senior judges, prolonging a leadership vacuum at the top of the judiciary that experts warned could damage public trust in the country's legal system. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the country's rulers were expected to make a 'clear announcement' on the appointment of a new chief justice on Wednesday, after mounting public criticism over alleged executive interference in the selection of judges. 'The issue regarding appointments was discussed in the meeting,' read a statement released by the national palace on Wednesday after the Conference of Rulers concluded the second day of its three-day meeting. The discussion covered appointments of the chief justice, president of the court of appeal, chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak and senior judges at the federal, appellate and high courts, the statement added. The national palace did not indicate if any decisions were made. Malaysian Bar Council members hold placards during a rally near the prime minister's office in Putrajaya on Monday to protest against the delay in appointing the country's top judges. Photo: AFP The Conference of Rulers is a gathering of the country's nine royal houses, which typically meet three times a year to discuss current affairs and issues of public interest.