The recent retirement of the Chief Judge of Malaya on 8th November 2004 has resulted in a vacancy in a position that is critical to the efficient administration of justice. The Bar Council trusts that this important position will be filled immediately, and by the appointment of the senior-most Judge of the Federal Court who enjoys the confidence of the legal fraternity and the Malaysian public.
Recent developments in our justice system have provided hope that the system is beginning to be steered onto the right track; and this has enhanced the image of the Government. For this positive trend to continue, it is crucial that the next appointment of the Chief Judge of Malaya is both immediate and confidence-building. In a justice system divorced from politics, leaving such a vital position open for prolonged periods despite the availability of a suitable candidate (as had sometimes occurred in the past) will leave room for negative speculations and undo the recent positive developments.
The Bar Council further notes that there are vacancies in the Federal Court and the Court of Appeal that await appointments. The Bar Council trusts that these vacancies will be filled by the promotion of judges in a transparent and accountable manner, and in accordance with universally accepted principles and criteria. In the absence of exceptional and justifiable reasons that are capable of being objectively illustrated, such promotions must not be carried out in disregard of seniority and of the general morale of judges.
The longer-term approach should lie in the formation of a Commission to deal with matters relating to appointment and promotion of judges, as has been strongly advocated by the Bar. In the interim, and if public confidence is to be truly cherished, it is most crucial that the impending promotions are done in a manner that will instill rather than destroy confidence.
The future of the administration of justice in our country depends on no less.
2012 Bar Council Subscription Click the link above to download Circular 072/2012 pertaining to the 2012 Bar Council subscription, including the payment guide and a set of Frequently-Asked-Questions.
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International Malaysia Law Conference (26 to 28 Sept 2012) Hurry up! The countdown continues and the current promotion rate ends 30 June 2012. Don't miss what is going to be the best conference in the region! On top of that, if you sign up with 5 or more people from the same organisation, we will give you a 10% group discount. Click on the link above to register.
Dialogue with Criminal Law Practitioners (26 May 2012) Organised by Bar Council, this dialogue will take place at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Raja Aziz Addruse Auditorium, Bar Council, on 26 May 2012 (Saturday). Click on the link above for more details.
Conference on Competition Law (31 May 2012) Organised by Bar Council with the support of LexisNexis, this conference will take place at 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, on 31 May 2012 (Thursday). For more details or to register, please contact Vilashini Vijayan (03-2050 2095; vila@malaysianbar.org.my). Click on the link above for more details.
Talk on What Clients Want (7 June 2012) Organised by the KL Bar Practitioners' Affairs Committee, the talk, presented by Ong Eu Jin, will take place at 5:00 pm, at the KL Bar Auditorium, on 7 June 2012 (Thursday). Click on the link above for more details.
4th LAWASIA Family Law Conference, Penang (13 and 14 July 2012) Supported by Penang Bar Committee and the Malaysian Bar, this conference, themed “The New Global Family: Emerging Trends and Challenges to Family Practice”, will take place at Traders Hotel, Penang, on 13 and 14 July 2012 (Friday and Saturday). Click on the link above for more details.
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Circular No 110/2012: Seminar on Introduction to ICC Arbitration: An Insight into the 2012 ICC Rules
