Latest news with #ChiefRegistrar'sOffice
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Of CJ and other judges
There was a palpable sigh of relief when on Thursday night the Chief Registrar's Office announced the appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new chief justice, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais as the new Court of Appeal president and Datuk Azizah Nawawi as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak. The sigh of relief is understandable. For months, unease had grown across many segments of society over who would fill the big shoes of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. The big shoes were not due to her being the first woman to occupy the seat, but because she was a judge extraordinaire and later, chief justice extraordinaire. On July 2, when she retired, she left behind a legacy of judicial independence that is hard to beat. An extension of the service of a judge of such a calibre would have pleased the country immensely, but it didn't happen. Wishes aren't horses. For avoidance of doubt, the unease — there was even a walk for justice organised by the Malaysian Bar — wasn't about the extension of Tengku Maimun's service, but about perception of all things to do with the judiciary. Perception of justice is a good cause to fight for, but those given to wild allegations, which at places became venomous, made the national unease worse. When it comes to the judiciary, perception ranks high. England's chief justice Lord Hewart gave perception of justice its noble place as long ago as Nov 9, 1923, when he spelt out his dictum in Rex v Sussex Justices: "It is not merely of some importance but of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly be and undoubtedly be seen to be done." As Malaysians "manifestly" and "undoubtedly" saw justice being done during Tengku Maimun's stewardship of the judiciary, they will now expect the same under the leadership of Wan Ahmad Farid as chief justice. It is clear that he has big shoes to fill. However, he has shown that he has just the "feet" for them as early as 2022, when he recused himself from hearing a matter concerning the admission of Queen's Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw to represent former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He did that to avoid any perception that might undermine confidence in the judiciary's independence. Before being appointed a judge, he had been actively involved in politics, even serving as a senator. Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab praised the new chief justice for recusing himself: "In doing so, he made several significant statements on the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, stating that the perception of judicial independence must not be placed in doubt and that it is not a matter of trial and error." An independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society, and once it is lost, anarchy reigns, wrote Wan Ahmad Farid as a High Court judge when recusing himself on June 16, 2022. We hope the judiciary under the new chief justice's stewardship will do everything necessary to prevent the precious gift from being lost.
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Wan Ahmad Farid named new Chief Justice
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has been appointed the new chief justice of Malaysia, succeeding Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2. According to a statement from the Chief Registrar's Office, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the appointment, as per Clause (1), Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been named as the President of the Court of Appeal, while Datuk Azizah Nawawi has been appointed as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak.
The Star
05-07-2025
- The Star
QuickCheck: Is there a false arrest warrant floating around social media?
Getting on the wrong side of the law can be stressful. Whether it is being stopped for speeding or being wanted for something much more serious, it can make some people's cortisol levels shoot up. Now imagine seeing your name on an arrest warrant being circulated on social media when you know you've done nothing wrong. A viral message on social media is falsely claiming that a person is wanted for violating the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613). Is this true? VERDICT: TRUE According to the Chief Registrar's Office, such a message has been floating online with a screenshot of a fake warrant titled "NOTIS PEMBERITAHUAN, WARAN TANGKAP NO:77/0093-05/2025." "This is a fake warrant and was not issued by this Office," it said on Facebook, Saturday (July 5). It urged the public to be wary when receiving such documents from non-official channels. "Any inquiries can be forwarded to komunikasikorporat@ it said.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
BTH: Acting Chief Justice named — but who's the successor? [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show examines the scrutiny facing the country's judiciary following the retirement of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, with questions mounting over the delay in naming her successor. On July 1, Tengku Maimun officially stepped down after reaching the constitutional retirement age of 66, leaving a leadership gap at the top of the country's judicial system. In an unprecedented move, the post of Chief Justice stood vacant—albeit temporarily—raising concerns within legal circles and civil society over the apparent lack of clarity and urgency in the succession process. The Malaysian Bar has described the situation as a "dangerous vacuum", warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice. Amid growing speculation, the Judiciary announced early Thursday that Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim had been appointed acting Chief Justice. In a statement, the Chief Registrar's Office said Hasnah, in her capacity as Chief Judge of Malaya, would exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Chief Justice until the position is formally filled. Joining hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan in the discussion are constitutional law expert Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi and senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jaharbedeen Mohd Yunoos. Watch the full episode on NST's YouTube channel, @NSTOnline.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'I can now breathe a sigh of relief', says Tengku Maimun
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said she can now breathe a sigh of relief, as she no longer bears the heavy responsibility of upholding judicial independence and integrity. Speaking at the launch of her book Behind the Gavel, Tengku Maimun reflected on her time at the helm of the judiciary, noting that she and her colleagues had worked tirelessly to restore public confidence in the institution. The Kelantan-born judge reiterated that she had never aspired to the top judicial post. "As I have said before, I never sought the position of Chief Justice. It was never in my wildest dreams to imagine that someone like me would be selected to hold the position. "I accepted the job as a test from Allah, to measure my commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the Islamic faith, such as honesty and integrity. "I still find it hard to fathom that I spent six years of my life as Chief Justice, and that I am now retired after a lifetime of service. "I am happy to reach the time when I must finally hang up my judicial robe. From the book, I hope it is clear that I have done my part for the country and the rule of law," she said. Chief Justice of Singapore, Sundaresh Menon, was also present at the event and officiated the launch of the book. Tengku Maimun said public attention, including her own, is now on the government and the incoming Chief Justice. "It is about how they uphold the standards of judicial independence and integrity," she said. Tengku Maimun retired upon turning 66 on July 2, the mandatory retirement age for judges. Earlier, the Chief Registrar's Office announced that Chief Judge of Malaya, Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, has assumed the role and is carrying out the duties of Chief Justice following Tengku Maimun's retirement. The Chief Registrar's Office said the appointment was made in accordance with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution and Sections 9(1)(b) and 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act.
