Kuala lumpur: The government has emphasized that the vacancies for the positions of Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal will be filled in strict adherence to the Federal Constitution and relevant laws. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said confirmed that these appointments would be made according to Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, which mandates that the appointments be executed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the Prime Minister’s advice, following consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted that this procedure aligns with the Federal Constitution, regarded as the supreme law of the country, and emphasized the importance of maintaining the principle of constitutional monarchy, which is fundamental to the nation’s governance. The Conference of Rulers is set to hold its 269th meeting from July 15 to 17 to address these appointments.
During its meeting today, the Ca
binet discussed the vacancies and acknowledged public concerns on the issue. Azalina assured that the government is aware of the public’s interest in preserving the continuity and integrity of the judiciary, which is crucial to upholding the rule of law.
She reiterated that the MADANI Government is dedicated to bolstering public trust in the judicial system through long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing its transparency and independence. Azalina urged all parties to allow the constitutional process to proceed smoothly, in the interest of national stability, the rule of law, and institutional integrity.
In the interim, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is performing the duties of the Chief Justice, as stipulated by Article 131A of the Federal Constitution and relevant sections of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, to ensure the continuous administration of justice.
The Chief Justice position was left vacant following the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, the first woma
n to serve in the role, on July 2, and Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim’s retirement as President of the Court of Appeal on July 3.