Bar Council president Ezri Abdul Wahab questioned the delay in filling the senior post, saying it could undermine the perception of stability within the judiciary.

While Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim is performing the CJM’s duties and functions pending a permanent appointment, Ezri said the two posts were distinct and had their own sets of responsibilities involving different tiers in the court system.

“The role of the CJM is not merely symbolic but is essential in overseeing the judiciary, ensuring the smooth administration of justice and safeguarding the independence of the courts.

“Moreover, we firmly believe that the Malaysian judiciary is composed of capable, experienced and highly qualified judges who are more than prepared to assume the role of CJM.

“Without a doubt, our judges would have spent years in the legal profession and on the bench developing both the legal and managerial acumen necessary to lead the judiciary.

“Hence, there seems to be no good reason for the delay in appointing a new CJM,” he said in a statement.

The Bar chief said the CJM, holding the third highest post in the judiciary, had a whole range of responsibilities, from advising on the appointments of High Court judges in Peninsular Malaysia to delegating cases among the judges.

Ezri also said the prolonged delay in appointing the new CJM would hinder the career progression of other judges in the system, adding that this was a disservice to the judiciary as a whole and was not good for the justice system.

“Aside from delaying the progression of judges up the ranks, this stagnancy could also prevent the appointment of new judicial commissioners from either the Bar or the judicial and legal services.

“Delays in appointing new judicial commissioners would result in frustration and may even deter some from applying to join the judiciary. Such a situation would be to the detriment of our justice system,” he said.

The previous CJM, Zabidin Diah, went on mandatory retirement on Feb 29, with Abang Iskandar performing the duties and functions of the CJM on an interim basis since then.

In June, a source told FMT that the authorities were toying with the idea of appointing an “outsider” as a Federal Court judge and to fill the vacant position of CJM.

Attorney-General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh was said to be one candidate being considered.

However, this was opposed by former deputy law and institutional reform minister Ramkarpal Singh.

Nine former Bar presidents also opposed the idea and urged for the CJM to be appointed from within the judiciary.