Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, newly appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia
By PHUBIEYAS AHMAD
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — Malaysia’s judiciary has entered a new chapter with the appointment of three senior judges to lead the country’s top courts, marking a significant leadership transition aimed at reinforcing judicial independence and institutional credibility.
The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court confirmed today that His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the advice of the Prime Minister and following consultation with the Conference of Rulers, has approved the appointments under Clause (1) of Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.
Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, formerly a Judge of the Court of Appeal, has been named Chief Justice of Malaysia, succeeding Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat following her retirement on July 2.
He will be joined by Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, who has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal, and Datuk Azizah Nawawi, who will now serve as Chief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
The official presentation of appointment letters and the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 28 July 2025 at Istana Negara.
Bar Council Welcomes Appointments, Cites Integrity and Clarity
In a separate statement, the Malaysian Bar welcomed the appointments, describing them as a positive and timely resolution to a leadership vacuum that had spurred months of speculation.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid every success in leading the Judiciary with distinction, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” said Bar Council President Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab.
He also praised the appointments of Datuk Abu Bakar Jais and Datuk Azizah Nawawi, calling the new leadership team “critical to restoring and sustaining public confidence in the Judiciary.”
Ezri highlighted Wan Ahmad Farid’s principled conduct in 2022, when he recused himself from a high-profile case involving the proposed admission of Queen’s Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw in a trial linked to former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak.
At the time, Wan Ahmad Farid had emphasized that “public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt,” warning that “an independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society. Once it is lost, anarchy reigns.”
“These remarks,” Ezri said, “reflect a deep commitment to the Judiciary’s constitutional role in upholding the rule of law.”
Urgent Need to Fill Remaining Judicial Vacancies
While welcoming the new appointments, the Bar Council also urged the government to expedite the filling of other key vacancies in the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court.
Ezri stressed that any delay in appointments risks compromising the Judiciary’s efficiency and undermining public trust in the administration of justice. “These positions must be filled promptly and transparently to ensure the Judiciary operates at full strength,” he said.
The appointments come at a time when Malaysia continues to navigate a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape. As scrutiny over institutional accountability intensifies, the incoming judicial leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing judicial independence, transparency, and service to the nation.
- TNS NEWS