Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said Wan Ahmad Farid’s past actions demonstrated his understanding of the judiciary’s role, recalling his decision to recuse himself in 2022 from a high-profile case involving former prime minister Najib Razak.
“He remarked that the ‘public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt’ and that it is not a ‘matter of trial and error’.
“He reminded all that an ‘independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society’. Once it is lost, anarchy reigns.
“These statements demonstrate a profound understanding of the judiciary’s sacred role in upholding the rule of law,” said Ezri.
Former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired on July 1, while former Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim retired on July 3.
Ezri congratulated Abu Bakar Jais on his appointment as Court of Appeal president and Azizah Nawawi as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak.
“We hope that under the stewardship of these new judicial office-bearers, the judiciary will continue to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity and service to the nation,” he said.
However, Ezri added that many “current critical vacancies remain unfilled across the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal and High Courts”.
“We remain hopeful these remaining vacancies will be filled promptly and transparently, in a manner that reinforces public confidence in the judiciary and strengthens the administration of justice,” he said.
Separately, MP Syahredzan Johan urged Wan Ahmad Farid to uphold judicial independence.
Noting his previous involvement in politics and his recusal from past cases involving potential conflicts of interest, Syahredzan said Malaysians would hold the new chief justice to his previous principles.
“They will expect the new chief justice to continue recusing himself from hearing cases that may create negative perceptions about the integrity of the judiciary.
“The people have high hopes that Wan Ahmad Farid will continue Tengku Maimun’s legacy in ensuring that the judiciary remains free from external interference,” he said.