He said to ensure this, the process of the appointment of judges must be insulated from the influence of the executive arm of the government, The Edge reported.

“I have, on prior occasions, spoken of the urgent need to reform the JAC. Just yesterday, I was alerted to an appointment with a new member.

“The Bar Council has strenuously objected to this recent appointment.

“There needs to be a reasoned response to the objection raised,” he was quoted as saying at the Negeri Sembilan Bar’s 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday.

Although he did not name the individual, his remarks were widely understood to refer to Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, a former attorney-general who is currently a Federal Court judge. He was appointed to the JAC to replace Zabariah Yusof, who retired last month.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made the appointment pursuant to Section 5(1)(e) of the JAC Act 2009, which states that the appointment of a fifth Federal Court judge to the nine-member commission was the sole prerogative of the prime minister.

Tuanku Muhriz also reminded judges to avoid prejudice and base their decisions solely on facts and law.

“To achieve this, the role of lawyers is crucial.

“The judiciary cannot exercise its function effectively without the assistance of the Bar. Thus, a competent and principled Bar is equally vital,” he added.

The Malaysian Bar had last week demanded that the government be transparent about the considerations behind Terrirudin’s appointment to the JAC.

Malaysian Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said the lack of transparency surrounding the appointment process was troubling and could erode public confidence in the judiciary.