Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that the recent appointment of the Chief Justice was submitted and approved by the King ahead of time, contrary to claims suggesting last-minute changes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar labeled the allegations as unfounded, asserting they aim to politicize the matter and create public confusion about the nation’s judicial system. He explained that the government faced criticism over the past week, but he refrained from responding as the judicial appointment process was still underway.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the Chief Justice’s appointment must adhere to Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, necessitating a recommendation from the Prime Minister, the King’s approval, and consultation with the Conference of Rulers. This clarification was made during a meeting with the Prime Minister’s Department staff, attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Anwar further explained that the candidates for Chief Justice and other judicial appointments had been proposed earlier, with the process awaiting finalization post the Conference of Rulers’ meeting on July 15 and 16. He reiterated that no one could bypass the Conference of Rulers’ deliberations and the King’s consent.

The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court announced on July 17 that Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has been appointed as the 17th Chief Justice, effective July 28, following Clause (1) of Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. The appointment was made after the King’s consent, based on the Prime Minister’s advice and consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

In addition, Federal Court Judge Datuk Abu Bakar Jais was named President of the Court of Appeal, while Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi was appointed to succeed the retiring Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak. These appointments follow the retirements of previous officeholders, with Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, succeeding Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat who retired on July 2, and Abu Bakar, 63, taking over from Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim who retired on July 3. Azizah, 63, will replace Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli upon his retirement on July 25.

Anwar concluded by urging civil servants to comprehend the judicial appointment process and not be swayed by political allegations, affirming that the process was executed properly.