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5d ago

Malaysian Chief Justice Retires as Successor Remains Uncertain

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to adhere to constitutional rules for appointments, following warnings that prolonged uncertainty could undermine judicial integrity.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference in Jakarta on June 27. Photo: AFP
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Overview

  • Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat stepped down on July 2 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66 without an extension to her term.
  • The Malaysian Bar condemned the lack of clarity on her replacement as indefensible and warned it could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
  • Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he has never interfered in judicial matters and affirmed that successor nominations will follow the Federal Constitution and royal consultations.
  • Although the 2009 Judicial Appointments Commission was created to ensure impartial vetting, lawyers report that political figures and segments of royal households still lobby intensively for favoured candidates.
  • Tengku Maimun is the first of nine of the 14 Federal Court judges set to retire in coming months, raising concerns over significant leadership gaps at Malaysia’s apex court.