Latest news with #MohamadEzri
Barnama
18-07-2025
- 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.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysian Bar praises appointment of Justice Wan Ahmad Farid as Chief Justice
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has commended the announcement of Court of Appeal judge Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new Chief Justice, highlighting his commitment to judicial independence. Bar president Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab (pic) recalled a 2022 case where Justice Wan Ahmad Farid recused himself from a high-profile matter involving the admission of Queen's Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw in a case concerning former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. In June 2022, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid stepped down from hearing the application by Laidlaw, who intended to represent Najib in his final appeal regarding the misappropriation of RM42mil belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd. Justice Wan Ahmad Farid had recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest, as a family member was an active politician in the same party as Najib. He emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, stating, "The public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt," and reminded all that "an independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society." Mohamad Ezri noted that these statements reflect a deep understanding of the judiciary's sacred role in upholding the rule of law. "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, reaching greater heights," he said. The Bar also congratulated Justice Datuk Abu Bakar Jais on his appointment as the Court of Appeal president and Justice Datuk Azizah Nawawi as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. Despite welcoming these appointments, Mohamad Ezri expressed concern over ongoing vacancies in the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, urging for them to be filled promptly and transparently. Veteran lawyer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu described Justice Wan Ahmad Farid's appointment as "unprecedented" in Malaysia's judiciary, noting his experience in the High Court and Appellate Court. "Interesting times," Baljit remarked, hinting at the challenges and opportunities ahead for the new Chief Justice. The Federal Court Chief Registrar's Office confirmed on Friday (July 18) that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has approved the three judicial appointments, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 28.
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysian Bar: Lawyers' walk to PM's office on July 14 not to protest CJ's non-extension, but to defend courts' independence
KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — The Malaysian Bar today clarified that its march to the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya next Monday is not meant to protest the government's decision to not extend the tenure of the two highest-ranking judges in Malaysia. Instead, the Malaysian Bar said the upcoming 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' is about defending the independence of the judiciary as an institution. In a press statement today, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said it was misleading to describe the walk as a protest against the government's decision not to extend the tenures of the former Chief Justice of Malaysia (CJ) and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA). Last week, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired as both the CJ and PCA, as they had reached the mandatory retirement age for judges at 66 years old and they had not been given a six-month extension. 'The Walk is not about individuals; it is a stand for institutional integrity,' Ezri said. On behalf of the Malaysian Bar, Ezri said: 'Let there be no misunderstanding: The Malaysian Bar walks not in protest of individuals, but in defence of the institution.' Among other things, Ezri said the Malaysian Bar's walk is for the sake of justice and also for the public. Ezri explained that the Bar Council — acting on a mandate given by Malaysian Bar members in the Bar's 79th annual general meeting (AGM) on March 15 — had decided to organise next Monday's walk after carefully thinking about it. The Malaysian Bar said the walk is aimed at expressing grave institutional concerns about the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies, the need for leadership continuity, and to call for reforms to safeguard the judiciary's independence. The Malaysian Bar said its focus is on structural and systemic issues affecting the judiciary. It said recent developments have raised deep concerns, referring to examples such as alleged unexplained delays in appointments to fill up vacancies in the courts and alleged possible interference in judicial affairs. Stressing the need to protect the judiciary from external influence, Ezri said the upcoming walk is a 'lawful, peaceful and symbolic act of civic responsibility'. 'This is not just a Walk for lawyers; it is a Walk for the Judiciary, the Bar, and for every Malaysian who values justice. When judicial independence is weakened, the whole nation suffers,' he said. Yesterday, the Malaysian Bar informed its 23,000-odd members that the peaceful walk will start at 2pm on July 14 from the Palace of Justice's (POJ) main entrance, with lawyers to trek 2.6km to the Prime Minister's Office to hand over a memorandum on judicial independence and the judiciary.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysian Bar renews call for refugee rights
PETALING JAYA: On this year's World Refugee Day, the Malaysian Bar has reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with refugees in Malaysia and around the world. Observed annually on June 20, World Refugee Day 2025 carries the theme Solidarity with Refugees, underscoring the urgent need for compassion, protection and meaningful legal reform for displaced communities. 'Globally, over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, violence and human rights violations,' said Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab. He said Malaysia hosts a significant refugee and asylum-seeker population, many of whom live without legal recognition or access to basic rights such as education, healthcare and employment. 'Despite facing immense challenges, refugee communities in Malaysia continue to demonstrate resilience and strength. 'Many contribute to local society through informal education programmes, community initiatives, skills development and humanitarian outreach – efforts that reflect the spirit of this year's theme,' he said in a statement. However, legal and systemic barriers remain. Refugees in Malaysia are not formally recognised under domestic law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, arbitrary arrest and detention. In light of these challenges, Mohamad Ezri called for urgent and meaningful reforms to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum-seekers. 'Firstly, the Malaysian Bar urges the enactment of a clear legal and policy framework that recognises the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers in accordance with international standards. 'Secondly, we call on the Malaysian government to accede to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.' He also stressed the importance of ensuring access to essential services, including legal protection, healthcare, education and lawful employment for all refugees and asylum-seekers. In addition, the Malaysian Bar advocates community engagement and partnerships that support integration and uphold the dignity of displaced persons. 'As officers of the court and advocates for justice, the Malaysian Bar remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of marginalised and vulnerable communities. 'True solidarity with refugees goes beyond compassion. It demands the pursuit of meaningful, rights-based solutions that ensure protection, dignity and inclusion. 'On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our shared humanity and strive to build a society in which no one is left behind, regardless of their status or origin,' he said.
