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The Malaysian Bar welcomes the recent appointments of four distinguished individuals to the Judicial Appointments Commission (“JAC”), as well as the appointments of the Chief Judge of Malaya (“CJM”) and the Attorney General of Malaysia. These appointments mark significant developments for the Malaysian judiciary and legal system, and we congratulate the appointees on their esteemed roles.
The appointments to the JAC include:
- Former Attorney General, Tan Sri Idrus Harun;
- Retired Federal Court Judge, Tan Sri Datuk Zainun Ali;
- Former Sarawak Attorney-General, Dato Sri Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid; and
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (“UiTM”) Legal Adviser, Associate Professor Dr Hartini Saripan.
The expertise and experience of these eminent persons will undoubtedly enhance the JAC’s role in selecting candidates for judicial appointments with integrity and independence. Their appointments also restore the JAC’s ability to convene after a quorum issue rendered it inoperative since September 2024.
The Malaysian Bar also celebrates the appointment of YAA Dato’ Sri Hasnah Dato’ Mohammed Hashim as the new CJM, the third-highest position in the Judiciary. Her appointment is a testament to her exemplary judicial career and dedication to upholding the rule of law. As the third female CJM in Malaysia’s history, she will bring invaluable experience and perspective to the Judiciary.
Additionally, we commend the appointment of Dato’ Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar as the new Attorney General. Dato’ Mohd Dusuki, who was the Head of the Appellate and Trial Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers (“AGC”), succeeds Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, who has been elevated to the Federal Court. Dato’ Mohd Dusuki’s extensive public service experience and leadership within the AGC position him well to navigate the legal and constitutional challenges ahead.
These appointments come at a crucial time and reaffirm the importance of a transparent, merit-based process in selecting leaders for key legal and judicial institutions. The Malaysian Bar acknowledges the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Government of Malaysia for expediting these appointments, thus ensuring continuity and stability in the administration of justice.
We look forward to continued progress in strengthening the independence, accountability, and effectiveness of our legal system, which are foundational to the rule of law and public confidence in the Malaysian judicial system.
Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab
President
Malaysian Bar
12 November 2024