KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims of a last-minute change in the nomination for the chief justice, insisting the name was submitted and approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong well in advance and in line with constitutional procedure.
He said the allegation was baseless and politically driven, intended to cast doubt on the integrity of the judiciary.
“For a week, we (the government) were attacked, supposedly ‘the prime minister didn’t respond’. How could I possibly answer at that time? The process was still ongoing,” he said during an assembly with the staff of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya today.
Anwar said the nomination followed Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, which requires a recommendation from the prime minister, consent from the Agong, and consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
He clarified that the names for top judicial appointments – including the chief justice, Court of Appeal president and chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak – were submitted earlier, before speculation emerged. The appointments, however, could only be finalised after the Conference of Rulers met on July 15 and 16.
He stressed that no changes were made to the list.
“In the meeting (of the Conference of Rulers), the name we submitted from the beginning was discussed and agreed upon. There was no change. Now that everything has taken place, some are saying the name was switched at the last minute. That’s not true – you can check,” he said.
Anwar also dismissed speculation that alternative names, including that of Federal Court judge Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, were put forward for the top post, saying such claims were “merely fabricated speculation.”
He added that some parties had likely leaked internal information and were now silent despite the process having concluded clearly and lawfully.
Responding to criticism over his earlier silence, Anwar explained that he could not speak publicly until the Conference of Rulers had deliberated.
“I couldn’t get ahead of the (Conference of Rulers), so even though I was criticised, I had to say that we were following the process. That made them even angrier,” he said.
Anwar also reminded civil servants not to jump to conclusions over sensitive matters such as judicial appointments.
“Understand the process. Don’t be hasty. Don’t judge first,” he said, adding that he was thankful the process had concluded properly.
The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court on July 17 confirmed the appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the 17th chief justice, under Clause (1) of Article 122B, with royal consent and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, replaces Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2. He will be sworn in on July 28.
Federal Court judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais was appointed president of the Court of Appeal, succeeding Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who retired on July 3. Court of Appeal judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi was named chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak, replacing Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, who retires on July 25. – July 21, 2025