PETALING JAYA: Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has urged all parties against speculating on the top judicial appointments to be made soon.
The sultan said the main items on the agenda for the 269th Conference of Rulers meeting included negotiating the appointment of the new chief justice, Court of Appeal president, chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as other superior court judges.
He voiced his support for Istana Negara’s statement last week reiterating that the constitution provides for the king to make appointments to these key roles in the judiciary on the advice of the prime minister and after consulting the rulers.
“The process that has been provided for under the Federal Constitution must be carried out transparently and carefully to preserve the rule of law and uphold the principle of justice, which is a core pillar of this nation.
“Therefore, all parties are urged to refrain from speculating and making negative accusations without first obtaining the complete and legitimate facts of a matter,” he said in a statement.
The government came under criticism over delays in the appointment of senior judges following the retirement of the chief justice and Court of Appeal president, and impending vacancies in the superior courts.
Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim is serving as acting chief justice following the retirement of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, while Federal Court judge Zabariah Yusof became acting Court of Appeal president after Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired.
Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli is set to retire this month.
