According to a copy of the circular posted on X today by lawyer Lim Wei Jiet, the EGM will also “if deemed fit, pass one or more resolutions with regard to vacancies in the judiciary, its office bearer positions, the appointment process and the independence of the judiciary, in general”.

The announcement comes as outgoing Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat reaches the mandatory retirement age of 66 tomorrow, with today being her last day in office.

Her expected successor, Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, is due to retire just a day later, while Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan will retire in August.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Bar said it was deeply concerned over the lack of clarity on Tengku Maimun’s impending retirement, with its president Ezri Abdul Wahab saying there had been no formal announcement of a successor.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also said yesterday that extensions to the service of civil servants, including top judges, were not automatic and must follow the procedures set out in the Federal Constitution.

Anwar said he found it puzzling that retirements, whether of civil servants, judges or other officers, had come into question.

He said the apparent campaign to pressure the government to either extend or end specific tenures could politicise institutions meant to remain independent.