Latest news with #Terengganu-born
Focus Malaysia
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Political past, ‘past-midnight' announcement mar Wan Farid's appointment as new Chief Justice
THAT the Chief Justice post vacancy following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has finally been filled by Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh does not seem to augur well with some quarters. According to a statement from the Chief Registrar's Office, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to Wan Farid's appointment at the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in accordance with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution. The 62-yrear-old who was made a Court of Appeal Judge on Nov 12 last year had previously been appointment as a Hugh Court judge on Aug 8, 2019 and a judiciary commissioner 0n Dec 16, 2015. Also named in the statement are Datuk Abu Bakar Jais who would assume the post of Court of Appeal president and Datuk Azizah Nawawi who has been appointed as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. At a glance, the Terengganu-born Wan Farid has experience serving in all three main branches of the government, namely legislative, executive and judicial. This is given he had served ss a Dewan Negara senator (2005-2009) and deputy home minister (2008-2009) prior to being made a High Court judge in 2019. However, the sticking point is that he is seen by detractors as not being apolitical in that he was the Kuala Terengganu UMNO deputy chief in 2001 and had even contested in the Kuala Terengganu state by-election in 2009 but lost. In 2013, Wan Farid, announced that he was retiring from politics. Previous rulings Among his notable rulings was recusing himself from hearing an application to allow a Queen's Counsel (QC) from the UK to represent former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak in the appeal over the RM42 mil SRC International corruption case. Back then, Wan Farid cited a conflict of interest, noting that a family member was affiliated with Najib's political party. This has apparently given rise to concerns as to whether Wan Farid's past affiliation with UMNO would have bearing in his future judgment given the fact that 'tonnes of Najib cases are coming his way for final appeals' and if 'UMNO may have the upper hand here'. Elsewhere, former DAP Bukit Bintang MP-turned-Madani government critic Wee Choo Keong berated the 'past midnight' revelation of Wan Farid's appointment. 'The announcement was quietly slipped out after midnight at about 12:15am (July 18) on Instagram. In a few minutes it was removed! A few minutes later it was reposted!' he penned on X while praising Wan Farid for having 'a good judicial temperament & being a good judge'. YAA Datuk Wan Farid Bin Wan Salleh is now Chief Justice — but the announcement was quietly slipped out after midnight at about 12:15 am on Instagram. In a few minutes it was removed! A few minutes later it was reposted! This is a disgrace. A top judicial appointment deserves… — Wee Choo Keong (@weechookeong) July 17, 2025 'This is a disgrace. A top judicial appointment deserves transparency, not a stealth drop. Someone, somewhere is making a mockery of this crucial post!' Moving forward, the presentation of letters of appointment, oath-taking and signing of the oath of office and oath of allegiance ceremony before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be held on July 28 at Istana Negara. – July 18, 2025
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Hakim Danish dedicates Aragon win to all Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Motorcycle racer Hakim Danish Ramli is on track to becoming the first-ever Malaysian to win the Red Bull Rookies Cup title. With the season nearing the halfway mark, Hakim consolidated his position atop the championship standings after winning his first race of the season in Aragon, Spain (race two) yesterday (June 8). The 17-year-old now has 125 points to his name. Spanish duo Brian Uriarte (95 points) and Benat Fernandez (63 points) are second and third in the championship. Hakim dedicated his victory in Aragon, Spain to all Malaysians. Uriarte (+0.188s) and David Gonzalez (+0.195s) finished second and third in race two. "Obviously I'm really happy to win the race as it was quite challenging," said Hakim. "My tyre grip was fading so I had to manage it carefully and try my best to remain patient while staying with the lead group. "On the second last lap I made a mistake and forgot to downshift one more gear. I got overtaken and went down to seventh position. "I quickly focused on catching up and during the last corner was able to get on the throttle earlier and hit the line first. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me, this win is for all Malaysians." With four rounds and eight races remaining this season, the championship fight is far from over though Hakim's consistent performances this season will put pressure on his rivals. The Terengganu-born finished second in all his first five races of the season before winning yesterday. The Red Bull Rookies Cup is one of the key feeder series for the Moto3 World Championship. Former champions in the series who have gone on to shine include Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta, among others Last month Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif disclosed that Hakim essentially has a seat waiting for him in Moto3 next season but must first prove himself worthy of the slot. Hakim is a product of SIC's two-wheel talent development programme which is run by ZK Racing. Mugello will host the next round of the Red Bull Rookies Cup on June 21-22.
