KUALA LUMPUR – The palace has cautioned against politicising the appointment of superior court judges, urging all parties to respect the constitutional process amid growing scrutiny over the appointment of a new chief justice.
A statement issued by Istana Negara posted on Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook account said such appointments must be handled with care and integrity, in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
“The matter must be handled lawfully so that the exercise of powers by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not politicised by any party.”
The statement emphasised that under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, judicial appointments are made by the king, on the advice of the prime minister, after consulting the Conference of Rulers.
This provision, according to the palace, clearly reflects the principle of checks and balances within the judiciary and must be upheld in its entirety.
The royal reminder comes ahead of the 269th Meeting of the Conference of Rulers, scheduled for July 15 to 17, where the vacancies for chief justice and president of the Court of Appeal are expected to be addressed.
Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Malaysia’s first woman chief justice, retired on July 2 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66. Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired the next day.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the appointments are made strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
She said the cabinet had taken note of public concern and that the Madani government remained committed to preserving judicial independence and public confidence in the institution.
Azalina added that Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, the Chief Judge of Malaya, is currently discharging the duties of Chief Justice in accordance with Article 131A of the Constitution and the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, pending a formal appointment. – July 10, 2025