Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated that he has never proposed candidates perceived as “compromises” for senior judicial positions to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Internationalaverage Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025, he revealed that he held extensive discussions with the Conference of Rulers this morning, with an announcement on senior judicial appointments expected as early as tomorrow.
Anwar emphasized that the forthcoming announcement would dispel negative perceptions surrounding the judicial appointment process. “The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Azalina Othman Said, and the Chief Secretary to the Government, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, can confirm that no compromised candidates have ever been presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Conference of Rulers,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the appointments would demonstrate the government’s commitment to institutional reform and upholding judicial independence.
Under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of senior judges—including the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, the President of the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Judge of Malaya—is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister, following consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
Earlier this week, Azalina clarified that the appointment of a new Chief Justice would be finalized only after the next Conference of Rulers meeting. She also noted that recommendations from the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) are not binding.
The delay in appointing senior judges, following the retirement of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, as well as upcoming vacancies in superior courts, has drawn public scrutiny. Currently, Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim serves as Acting Chief Justice, while Federal Court Judge Zabariah Yusof acts as Court of Appeal President.
Recently, a document purportedly containing excerpts from a May JAC meeting went viral, alleging that Tengku Maimun had raised concerns about a candidate’s integrity for a judicial administrative role. The document claimed the candidate had attempted to influence a case outcome in favor of a specific party and sought the transfer of another judge due to differing views. Police are investigating the alleged leak under the Official Secrets Act 1972 and related laws.
Azalina Addresses Speculation on Terrirudin’s Nomination
Separately, Azalina downplayed speculation that Federal Court Judge Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh was a candidate for a senior judicial administrative position. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference, she stated, “I am not involved in the appointment process and have not seen any documents confirming such claims, so I cannot verify them.”
Azalina reiterated that the final decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, based on the Prime Minister’s advice and consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
