Latest news with #MalaysianBar
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bar Council convenes EGM to debate judiciary resolutions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar will convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) this Saturday to debate two key motions concerning judicial independence and the undermining of public confidence in the legal system. Bar Council chairman Ezri Abdul Wahab will table the "Motion for Judicial Independence." Prominent rights lawyers Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and Surendra Ananth will jointly propose a motion to hold the Prime Minister accountable for allowing the undermining of public confidence in the judiciary. A third motion, titled "Implementing a Fair Rate of Minimum Remuneration for Pupils," has been put forward by lawyers Goh Cia Yee and Vince Tan. Meanwhile, former Bar Council member Salim Bashir told the New Straits Times: "Judicial independence is a cornerstone of every democratic nation," stressing the importance of the gathering. He added, "The upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EGM) reflects the Bar's commitment to protecting the rule of law and preventing any erosion of judicial independence." Salim said the meeting "is a critical call for the government to uphold constitutional governance and the separation of powers, and to take necessary steps to restore public confidence in the judiciary." "I hope many members will turn up at the EGM, as their participations are crucial," he added. The Malaysian Bar has around 24,000 members, and at least 500 must attend the meeting to meet the quorum requirement. Bar secretary Murshidah Mustafa has circulated the motions to members ahead of the extraordinary general meeting (EGM), which will be held at 10am at Matrade Hall, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. The meeting comes in the wake of major developments within the judiciary. On July 14, a group of lawyers marched outside the Palace of Justice to defend the judiciary's integrity. The Bar Council submitted a memorandum to the government. The memorandum urged the appointment of judicial leaders with proven integrity and a track record of sound judgments. It also called for judicial vacancies to be filled promptly to prevent delays in court proceedings. Last Friday, the Chief Registrar's Office confirmed the appointments of three top judicial figures, ending days of speculation over the leadership reshuffle within the country's judiciary. According to the statement, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new Chief Justice of Malaysia, in accordance with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution. Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been named as President of the Court of Appeal, while Datuk Azizah Nawawi has been appointed Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. All three judges will be sworn in and receive their letters of appointment at Istana Negara on July 28.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Of CJ and other judges
There was a palpable sigh of relief when on Thursday night the Chief Registrar's Office announced the appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new chief justice, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais as the new Court of Appeal president and Datuk Azizah Nawawi as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak. The sigh of relief is understandable. For months, unease had grown across many segments of society over who would fill the big shoes of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. The big shoes were not due to her being the first woman to occupy the seat, but because she was a judge extraordinaire and later, chief justice extraordinaire. On July 2, when she retired, she left behind a legacy of judicial independence that is hard to beat. An extension of the service of a judge of such a calibre would have pleased the country immensely, but it didn't happen. Wishes aren't horses. For avoidance of doubt, the unease — there was even a walk for justice organised by the Malaysian Bar — wasn't about the extension of Tengku Maimun's service, but about perception of all things to do with the judiciary. Perception of justice is a good cause to fight for, but those given to wild allegations, which at places became venomous, made the national unease worse. When it comes to the judiciary, perception ranks high. England's chief justice Lord Hewart gave perception of justice its noble place as long ago as Nov 9, 1923, when he spelt out his dictum in Rex v Sussex Justices: "It is not merely of some importance but of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly be and undoubtedly be seen to be done." As Malaysians "manifestly" and "undoubtedly" saw justice being done during Tengku Maimun's stewardship of the judiciary, they will now expect the same under the leadership of Wan Ahmad Farid as chief justice. It is clear that he has big shoes to fill. However, he has shown that he has just the "feet" for them as early as 2022, when he recused himself from hearing a matter concerning the admission of Queen's Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw to represent former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He did that to avoid any perception that might undermine confidence in the judiciary's independence. Before being appointed a judge, he had been actively involved in politics, even serving as a senator. Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab praised the new chief justice for recusing himself: "In doing so, he made several significant statements on the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, stating that the perception of judicial independence must not be placed in doubt and that it is not a matter of trial and error." An independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society, and once it is lost, anarchy reigns, wrote Wan Ahmad Farid as a High Court judge when recusing himself on June 16, 2022. We hope the judiciary under the new chief justice's stewardship will do everything necessary to prevent the precious gift from being lost.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Choice of CJ draws positive reactions
PETALING JAYA: The appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as Malaysia's new chief justice has drawn positive reactions from members of the legal community, that expressed hope his leadership would reinforce judicial independence, uphold constitutional values and enhance public confidence in the justice system. Constitutional expert Datuk Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain described the newly appointed chief justice as coming from a respected and well-established family in Terengganu. 'His grandfather Datuk Perba Wan Mahmud served as a magistrate before the formation of the Federation of Malaya, while his father Datuk Perwira Negara Wan Salleh was a former religious commissioner. 'Wan Ahmad Farid's diverse background, which includes experience in legal practice, politics and the judiciary, positions him uniquely to lead the country's top court.' Wan Ahmad Fauzi said having served as a senator, deputy minister and judicial commissioner, Wan Ahmad Farid has been exposed to all three branches of government under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 'This breadth of experience can benefit the judiciary. I believe four years is a sufficient period for any CJ to implement meaningful reforms and uplift the image of the judiciary.' He also expressed hope that under Wan Ahmad Farid's leadership there would be a renewed emphasis on Section 3 of the Civil Law Act 1956 (Revised 1972) to further develop Malaysia's legal principles. Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir described the new chief justice as a figure known for his fairness, integrity and objectivity. 'As a former practising lawyer, he understands the needs and challenges of the legal profession.' Salim also expressed hope that Wan Ahmad Farid would further strengthen judicial independence and help shape a justice system that is modern, progressive and on par with international standards. Constitutional lawyer Bastian Pius Vendargon emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of merit, independence and transparency in judicial appointments. He said the Federal Constitution provides a clear framework for judicial appointments and that understanding the rationale behind such decisions could help foster trust in the system. Vendargon also outlined what he believes should be among the top priorities for the new chief justice and senior judges – to demonstrate that the judiciary remains independent and free from executive or political influence. 'It is equally important that the judiciary continues to uphold the oath of office, to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution in its broadest sense.'
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Bar welcomes new CJ, calls for stronger judiciary
Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Ahmad Salleh's past actions demonstrate his understanding of the judiciary's role. PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Bar and a DAP MP have welcomed the appointment of Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new chief justice, expressing hope that he will uphold judicial independence. Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said Wan Ahmad Farid's past actions demonstrated his understanding of the judiciary's role, recalling his decision to recuse himself in 2022 from a high-profile case involving former prime minister Najib Razak. 'He remarked that the 'public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt' and that it is not a 'matter of trial and error'. 'He reminded all that an 'independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society'. Once it is lost, anarchy reigns. 'These statements demonstrate a profound understanding of the judiciary's sacred role in upholding the rule of law,' said Ezri. Former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired on July 1, while former Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired on July 3. Ezri congratulated Abu Bakar Jais on his appointment as Court of Appeal president and Azizah Nawawi as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak. 'We hope that under the stewardship of these new judicial office-bearers, the judiciary will continue to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity and service to the nation,' he said. However, Ezri added that many 'current critical vacancies remain unfilled across the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal and High Courts'. 'We remain hopeful these remaining vacancies will be filled promptly and transparently, in a manner that reinforces public confidence in the judiciary and strengthens the administration of justice,' he said. Separately, MP Syahredzan Johan urged Wan Ahmad Farid to uphold judicial independence. Noting his previous involvement in politics and his recusal from past cases involving potential conflicts of interest, Syahredzan said Malaysians would hold the new chief justice to his previous principles. 'They will expect the new chief justice to continue recusing himself from hearing cases that may create negative perceptions about the integrity of the judiciary. 'The people have high hopes that Wan Ahmad Farid will continue Tengku Maimun's legacy in ensuring that the judiciary remains free from external interference,' he said.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysian Bar Congratulates Wan Ahmad Farid On CJ Appointment, Cites Judicial Integrity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Bar has extended its congratulations to the newly appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia, Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, wishing him success in leading the judiciary with distinction, courage and unwavering commitment to justice. Its president, Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, said the Malaysian Bar recalls that as a High Court judge in 2022, Wan Ahmad Farid had recused himself from hearing a high-profile matter concerning the admission of Queen's Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw in a case involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said Wan Ahmad Farid had then made several significant statements on the importance of public confidence in the judiciary. Mohamad Ezri said the judge had remarked: 'The public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt. It is not a matter of trial and error … an independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society. Once it is lost, anarchy reigns.' 'These statements demonstrate a profound understanding of the judiciary's sacred role in upholding the rule of law. We hoped that under the stewardship of these new judicial office bearers, the judiciary will continue to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity and service to the nation, reaching greater heights,' he said in a statement today. The Malaysian Bar also congratulated Datuk Abu Bakar Jais on his appointment as President of the Court of Appeal and Datuk Azizah Nawawi as Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. While welcoming these appointments, Mohamad Ezri said that many critical vacancies, both current and anticipated, remain unfilled across the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court. 'The Malaysian Bar remains hopeful that these remaining vacancies will be filled promptly and transparently, in a manner that reinforces public confidence in the judiciary and strengthens the administration of justice,' he said. The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, in a statement last night, said that in line with Clause (1) of Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to Wan Ahmad Farid's appointment based on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
