Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the recent appointment of Malaysia’s new Chief Justice has cleared him of allegations that he sought to appoint former Attorney General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh to the role.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Al-Istiqlal in Precinct 14, Anwar dismissed the speculation as baseless, attributing it to politically motivated segments of the legal community. “For weeks, I faced criticism, slander, and accusations. The facts now clearly prove these claims were unfounded,” he said.
Anwar clarified that Ahmad Terrirudin, a distinguished Federal Court judge with years of service ahead, was never proposed for the position. “His name was neither put forward by me nor discussed by the Conference of Rulers,” he added, urging the public to question the motives behind such rumors.
Expressing hope that the controversy would now subside, Anwar reaffirmed his commitment to judicial independence. “Let me be clear: I have not dismissed or arbitrarily transferred any judges, nor have I interfered in judicial decisions. Unlike past practices, no instructions were issued to the Chief Justice or Court of Appeal judges under my administration. We steadfastly uphold the judiciary’s integrity and independence.”
On July 28, Court of Appeal judge Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh will be sworn in as Malaysia’s 17th Chief Justice, succeeding Tengku Maimun, who retired on July 2. Abu Bakar Jais has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal, and Azizah Nawawi named Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. The appointments, endorsed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and advised by the Conference of Rulers, will be formalized at Istana Negara.
Najib’s House Arrest Addendum
On a separate issue, Anwar expressed openness to discussing with UMNO leaders a royal addendum allowing former party president Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. Noting recent concerns raised by UMNO division leaders, he said, “I am ready to meet them, offer clarifications if needed, or take steps to promote social harmony.”
The Attorney General, Dusuki Mokhtar, is appealing a January 6 Court of Appeal decision (2-1) that permitted Najib to introduce new evidence related to the addendum and ordered a High Court judicial review. UMNO division leaders have urged the Attorney General to honor the addendum’s contents, emphasizing “justice,” and called on Anwar to implement the directive promptly.
Call to End Speculation
Anwar reiterated his hope that allegations of judicial interference would cease following the King’s endorsement of the new appointments. “Weeks of attacks and slander against me have been proven baseless,” he said. “With these transparent decisions, backed by the Conference of Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I hope this matter can be laid to rest.”
A statement from the Office of the Chief Registrar confirmed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has approved the appointments of Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as Chief Justice, Abu Bakar Jais as President of the Court of Appeal, and Azizah Nawawi as Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. They will be sworn in and receive their letters of appointment at Istana Negara on July 28.
