logo
Zabariah assumes duties as Court of Appeal president

Zabariah assumes duties as Court of Appeal president

The Sun04-07-2025
PUTRAJAYA: Federal Court Judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof will assume the powers and responsibilities of the Court of Appeal president following Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim's retirement yesterday.
In a letter dated yesterday, Chief Justice of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, who is assuming the powers and duties of the Chief Justice, said Zabariah's appointment, effective yesterday, is made under Section 9 (3) (a) of the Court of Judicature Act 1964.
According to the letter, she is to exercise the powers and duties of the Court of Appeal president until the position is permanently filled.
A copy of the letter was also sent to the Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, Federal Court Chief Registrar Datuk Zamri Bakar and Court of Appeal Registrar Jumirah Marjuki.
Zabariah was appointed as a Judicial Commissioner and later served at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on January 5, 2009.
She was confirmed as a High Court judge on Aug 9, 2010, and on Jan 2, 2013, was assigned to the Seremban High Court. In 2016, she returned to serve as a High Court judge at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.
Zabariah was appointed as a Court of Appeal Judge on March 21, 2016, and as a Federal Court judge on Dec 5, 2019. She turned 66 last April 10, but was given a six-month extension.
In March, Zabariah was appointed as a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).
The President of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia is the second-highest position in the Malaysian judiciary after the Chief Justice.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

M'sia proposes general border committee to resolve Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Tok Mat
M'sia proposes general border committee to resolve Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Tok Mat

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

M'sia proposes general border committee to resolve Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Tok Mat

JERTIH: Malaysia has proposed that Thailand and Cambodia use the General Border Committee as a mechanism to resolve diplomatic disputes between the two countries, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister said that if the proposal is agreed upon during negotiations, leaders of the two countries should then welcome the proposals put forward by the committee. "This is because both Thailand and Cambodia want the other side to apologise first. I suggest they use the General Border Committee mechanism because each has its strength, and they just don't want to give in," he told reporters after officiating at the Besut Umno meeting on Saturday (July 26). Mohamad said he had been and would continue to be in contact with his counterparts, Maris Sangiampongsa of Thailand and Prak Sokhonn of Cambodia, to ask for the dispute to stop. "I have asked them to stand down so that a ceasefire can be held as soon as possible, because the two countries are friends, neighbours, and have long-standing family ties. We need to find a solution together through dialogue and diplomatic channels. "So, Insya-Allah, I will try to contact them again and also some friends there (in Thailand and Cambodia) who have influence," he said. Meanwhile, Mohamad mentioned that Wisma Putra had already issued a ban on Malaysians in both countries from going to or approaching the troubled areas. He said the Malaysian embassies in Bangkok, Thailand, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, were always open for Malaysians to report any problems, including those related to the conflict. Media previously reported that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed last Thursday (July 24) in a disputed border area, with both sides pointing fingers at each other over who was considered to be the initiator of the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area that killed a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have been in conflict over the 817-kilometre border issue that has not been resolved for several decades, which continues to affect their diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday to express Malaysia's concerns over the escalating tensions. – Bernama

Expert: House arrest can ease prison crowding, but must include safeguards
Expert: House arrest can ease prison crowding, but must include safeguards

New Straits Times

time6 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Expert: House arrest can ease prison crowding, but must include safeguards

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to introduce house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment has been welcomed as a timely measure to reduce prison overcrowding. However, an expert says its implementation must come with clear guidelines, targeted eligibility, and strong monitoring systems to ensure its effectiveness. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) former Commissioner and academic Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said the initiative reflects a progressive step towards reforming the penal system, especially for low-risk and remand detainees. "I certainly welcome the government's intention to implement home arrest. "As a former Suhakam commissioner, I have been involved in efforts to address prison congestion and overcrowding. "Home arrest will definitely reduce the number of detainees. More importantly, it would allow individuals to continue working and supporting their families while serving their sentence at home under certain conditions," she told the New Straits Times. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently announced that the ministry is in the final phase of finalising a bill on house arrest. The proposal has already received policy approval and is aimed at curbing overcrowding in Malaysian prisons. Noor Aziah said that while house arrest offers a practical solution, it should be one of several alternatives in a broader reform framework. "It's definitely an effective measure, but just one option. We must also ensure that it applies to remand prisoners, who currently make up nearly one-third of the prison population." She proposed that the policy focus on specific categories of offenders to maximise its impact, especially those who pose minimal public safety risks. "We hope house arrest will apply to groups such as senior citizens (65 and above), women, and those with chronic illnesses." On enforcement, she expressed confidence in the Prisons Department, citing their existing systems for monitoring individuals on parole and those released with licence conditions. "I am sure the government is studying models from other countries that have successfully implemented home arrest," she added.

Sabahans demand autonomy, equitable wealth sharing and respect
Sabahans demand autonomy, equitable wealth sharing and respect

Borneo Post

time7 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Sabahans demand autonomy, equitable wealth sharing and respect

To the esteemed federal leaders in the Peninsular, this open letter addresses the persistent and unacceptable disparity in development between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as your condescending attitude towards us. For decades, Sabah has contributed significantly to the nation's wealth, yet its people continue to experience a stark imbalance in access to essential resources and opportunities. We, the citizens of Sabah, implore you to acknowledge this injustice and commit to a transformative and equitable partnership, grounded in the principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The time for superficial gestures and unfulfilled promises has ended. We demand concrete action, demonstrably reflecting a genuine commitment to Sabah's rightful place within the Malaysian federation, as enshrined in the MA63. This requires a paradigm shift, recognizing Sabah not merely as a source of revenue, but as an equal partner in nation-building, deserving of respect, autonomy, and equitable resource allocation. The full and immediate implementation of the MA63 is paramount. Our demands are not unreasonable, but rather essential for the well-being of our people and the integrity of the Malaysian nation. We specifically call for: Full Implementation of MA63: The immediate and complete fulfillment of all outstanding provisions within the Malaysia Agreement 1963, addressing all outstanding issues of autonomy and self-governance. 40% Revenue Share: The immediate implementation of the 40% revenue share for Sabah, as rightfully stipulated within the spirit and intent of the MA63. This is not a request, but a right that must be honoured. Equitable Revenue Sharing beyond 40%: A transparent and just system for the distribution of revenue generated from Sabah's natural resources, ensuring a substantial portion remains within the state for its development and the benefit of its citizens, exceeding the 40% minimum. Independent auditing and public accountability are non-negotiable. Substantive Devolution of Power: A significant transfer of authority to Sabah, empowering local governance and decision-making on matters critical to our economic, social and cultural development. This encompasses resource management, infrastructure development, and educational policies, in accordance with the MA63. Strategic Infrastructure Investment: Massive and sustained investment in critical infrastructure — roads, electricity grids, water management systems, and high-speed internet access — to eliminate the infrastructure deficit that hinders Sabah's progress. This investment must be commensurate with the state's contribution to the national economy. Enhanced Education and Healthcare: A substantial increase in funding for quality education and healthcare, ensuring Sabahans have access to the same standards of service as their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. This includes addressing the shortage of qualified professionals and improving healthcare facilities. Respect for Sabah's Cultural Heritage: Full recognition and respect for Sabah's unique cultural identity and the rights of its indigenous communities. This necessitates meaningful consultation and collaboration with local communities in all development initiatives, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are protected. Furthermore, we urge federal leaders to abandon the arrogant and condescending tone often employed during speeches and visits to Sabah. Such patronizing rhetoric is deeply offensive and undermines any genuine attempt at building trust and fostering a productive relationship. Respectful dialogue and genuine engagement are essential for meaningful progress. We urge the National Unity Department to pull up their socks and live to its stated objective of uniting the nation. One step towards this is for the department to wake up from its very disappointing decades-long failure and to start promoting clear pictures of Sabah's social and cultural heritage and image in order for Peninsular Malaysians to understand us as a people far different in culture and history compared to those of theirs. The ignorance is this area is appalling with assumptions of us being uncivilised and living on trees, not having car-hailing services, mistaking Kota Kinabalu as located in Sarawak, having a different currency note or going around in loinclothes! The future of Sabah is inextricably linked to the future of Malaysia. We urge you to act decisively and demonstrate your commitment to a truly united and equitable nation through tangible, measurable progress. Failure to address these critical issues will not only exacerbate existing inequalities but will also severely undermine the unity and stability of the Malaysian federation. We expect further reflections of this failure during the forthcoming campaign for the PRN17 with speeches marked with listen-to-us arrogance and condescension. Note wisely that such an approach to appealing for our support is long outdated, suitable perhaps for the time when we were still awe struck by your presence and assumed superiority. No more, please, of the insulting description of us as 'Paloi' (stupid) or 'screaming and cursing'. Failure on your part to change this attitude to one that is sincere and brotherly will only invite more distaste and backlash from us. Continued neglect will inevitably lead to a deepening sense of alienation and disillusionment among Sabahans, potentially resulting in increased social unrest, political instability, and a significant erosion of public trust in the federal government. The people of Sabah deserve justice, and we will not stand idly by while our rights are ignored. We urge you to consider the serious ramifications of continued inaction and neglect.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store