KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — 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, Farid had recused himself from hearing a high-profile matter concerning the admission of Queen’s Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw in a case involving ex-premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said Farid had then made several significant statements on the importance of public confidence in the judiciary.
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 would continue to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity and service to the nation, reaching greater heights,” he said in a statement today.
The 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, 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.
Last night, the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court said that in line with Clause (1) of Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to Farid's appointment based on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The 62-year-old is taking over as the 17th Chief Justice following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on July 2.
Meanwhile, Abu Bakar, 63, will fill the post of Court of Appeal President left vacant by Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who retired on July 3. Azizah, 63, will replace Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, who is set to retire on July 25.
— Bernama
