Latest news with #WanAhmadFarid
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar denies last-minute switch in CJ pick, says vilified for one week just because process was still ongoing
PUTRAJAYA, July 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly denied claims of a last-minute change in the proposed candidate for Chief Justice. He said today that the appointment had already been submitted and approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier in accordance with the Federal Constitution. 'They said the [judicial] system was compromised. There were those who wanted to politicise the issue,' he said at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department as quoted by New Straits Times. 'For a week, we were criticised, with claims that the prime minister did not respond. How could I respond at that time when the [judicial appointment] process was still ongoing?' He explained that under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of the Chief Justice requires the prime minister's recommendation and the King's consent after consultation with the Conference of Rulers. Court of Appeal Judge Wan Ahmad Farid will be sworn in as the country's 17th Chief Justice on July 28, succeeding Tengku Maimun, who retired on July 2. Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been appointed as the new president of the Court of Appeal, while Datuk Azizah Nawawi has been appointed Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. Anwar said earlier this week that 8 newly appointed Court of Appeal judges and 14 High Court judges are scheduled to be sworn in on July 28, with no judges removed. The appointments came following a purported leak from a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting, which came hot on the heels of allegations that there had been attempts to influence the appointments of new judges. The claim later prompted nine government backbenchers to call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry, with Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirming an investigation into the matter.
New Straits Times
5 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
New chief justice to be sworn in on July 28
PETALING JAYA: Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, 62, has been appointed the new chief justice. He will be will be sworn in on July 28 as the country's 17th chief justice, succeeding Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2. The Office of the Federal Court Chief Registrar said in a statement yesterday that His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the appointment, putting an end to weeks of speculation following the retirement of Tengku Maimun. The appointment was made on the advice of the prime minister and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers, in line with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution. The statement added that Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been appointed Court of Appeal president while Datuk Azizah Nawawi has been named chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak, replacing the outgoing chief judge, who will be retiring. Wan Ahmad Farid, a respected figure in legal circles, is known for his sharp legal mind and unwavering judicial integrity. A University of Malaya law graduate, he built a solid reputation in legal practice before joining the judiciary. He served with distinction as a High Court judge, handling complex and high-profile cases with fairness and clarity. His elevation to the Court of Appeal saw him deliver numerous landmark judgments, cementing his status as a jurist of exceptional calibre. In his judicial capacity, he has presided over several cases, including: * Tun Daim Zainuddin's challenge against a probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, in which the court rejected an application for judicial review; * a case in which the High Court recognised a Klang-born man with Malaysian-Filipino parents as a citizen after years of being stateless; and * the long-standing 'Duta Enclave' land dispute, in which he was part of a panel that recently addressed the issue. Wan Ahmad Farid is also known not to mince his words. 'As advocates and solicitors, we all know that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But there is no need for us to solicit sympathy from the court of public opinion. 'The one that will ultimately decide the fate of our client is he or she who presides in the solemn courtroom. 'So, present your case before the judge. Argue it intelligently, devoid of any emotion. There are no two ways about it.' Wan Ahmad Farid steps into the top judicial role at a crucial time. He is expected to address judicial efficiency, case backlogs and ensure greater access to justice. The commitment of the new chief justice to judicial independence and integrity is seen as vital for maintaining public trust. All eyes are now on Putrajaya as he embarks on this pivotal role, tasked with upholding the integrity of justice in Malaysia.
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
6 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.
