19/07/2025

SATURDAY | JULY 19, 2025

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New chief justice to be sworn in on July 28

Abu Bakar Jais appointed Court of Appeal president KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Court Judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been appointed Court of Appeal president, replacing Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who retired on July 3. Abu Bakar, 63, brings with him over three decades of experience in legal and judicial service. He began his judicial career as a judicial commissioner at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on July 8, 2013. He was then appointed a High Court judge on March 21, 2016, and served at both the High Court of Kuala Lumpur and Seremban until 2019. On Dec 5, 2019, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, and later to the Federal Court on June 13, 2023. Born in Muar, Johor, Abu Bakar graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Universiti Malaya (1982–1986) and later obtained a Certificate in Government Legal Advisers Course from the University of London in 1996. In private practice, he was a litigation partner at Zaid Ibrahim & Co (2001-2003) and later at Hisham, Sobri & Kadir (2004-2013). He was part of the Federal Court panel in 2023 that ruled on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s application for a review of his conviction and 12-year prison sentence over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. He also sat on the panel that decided the appeal involving SIS Forum (Malaysia). – Bernama Nobody sidelined in top judiciary post selection: PM PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that certain individuals were sidelined in the appointment of Malaysia’s new chief justice. He said no such names were ever proposed through official channels. “When the Sultan of Selangor asked me about that name, I made it clear. I never proposed it,” he said after Friday prayers at Surau Al Istiqlal in Precinct 14 yesterday. “I haven’t dismissed any judges. I haven’t referred anyone to a tribunal. I haven’t interfered with any court decisions. “I haven’t given orders to the chief justice or Court of Appeal judges. None of that has happened,” he said. Anwar said the appointments were conducted in line with constitutional procedures, beginning with the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). “The process began with the JAC, which submitted its recommendations to me. I reviewed the names, and they were then presented to the chief justice and subsequently referred to the Conference of Malay Rulers.” He added that he also consulted the Sultan of Selangor, who chaired the most recent Conference of Rulers. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Bar welcomed the appointment of the new chief justice, expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to upholding the rule of law. Its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said the Bar extends its congratulations to Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh.

o King grants consent on advice of PM and approval by Conference of Rulers, in line with Federal Constitution

BY HARITH KAMAL AND QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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 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 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.

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.”– By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi “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.

Choice of CJ draws positive reactions