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KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council hopes ability, competence, integrity, independence and temperament will be given as much consideration as seniority in the appointment of the next chief justice.

Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, in a statement yesterday, said it must not be forgotten that the chief justice sets the tone in the judiciary and guides its direction.

"He heads the third branch of the government, and hence a critical national institution. He must therefore enjoy the confidence of Malaysians who are the consumers of the justice system."

She added that the chief justice also needed to be widely perceived to be above and independent of any political alliances or influences.

"This is all the more critical at this time when the nation is facing many political challenges."

Ambiga said seniority in terms of the position currently held is one criterion, as was seniority in years of experience. "Other factors relate to ability and competence, integrity, judicial temperament, and a demonstration of independence.

However, she added that the step forward for the country still remained in the formation of a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) "to overcome any hint of subjectivity or collateral purpose in the appointment of judges."

Chief Justice Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad will retire next Friday.

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