Mohd Zawawi made acting CJM?

Mohd Zawawi made acting CJM?

Appointment is said to have been made after incumbent Azhar Mohamed fell ill and was admitted to the Sungai Buloh hospital last week.

Mohd Zawawi Salleh (left) has been appointed acting CJM in place of Azahar Mohamed, who has been admitted to Sungai Buloh Hospital, say sources.
PUTRAJAYA:
The most senior Federal Judge Mohd Zawawi Salleh has been appointed acting Chief Judge of Malaya (CJM) because the incumbent Azahar Mohamed is “indisposed”, sources said.

The source said Azahar had been admitted to the Sungai Buloh hospital last week upon his return from duty abroad.

Chief Justice (CJ) Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat made the appointment last week in accordance with Section 9(1B) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.

The provision states whenever, during any period, owing to illness or absence from Malaysia or any other cause, the CJM is unable to exercise the powers or perform the duties of his office, the CJ could appoint a Federal Court judge for that purpose.

The CJM’s post is the third highest in the judicial ladder after the position of CJ and Court of Appeal President.

Azahar was appointed the 12th CJM on Aug 8, 2019, a post left vacant following the retirement of Zaharah Ibrahim.

Both Zawawi and Azahar are scheduled to retire next year upon reaching the age of 66.

Meanwhile a text message, purportedly from Zawawi, has been going around calling on the judicial and legal fraternity to pray for the speedy recovery of Azahar.

FMT has also reached out to Chief Registrar of the Federal Court Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh for a response.

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