PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has commended the announcement of Court of Appeal judge Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new Chief Justice, highlighting his commitment to judicial independence.

Bar president Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab(pic) recalled a 2022 case where Justice Wan Ahmad Farid recused himself from a high-profile matter involving the admission of Queen’s Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw in a case concerning former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. In June 2022, Justice Wan Ahmad Farid stepped down from hearing the application by Laidlaw, who intended to represent Najib in his final appeal regarding the misappropriation of RM42mil belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.

Justice Wan Ahmad Farid had recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest, as a family member was an active politician in the same party as Najib. He emphasised the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, stating, “The public perception of the independence of the judiciary should not be put in doubt,” and reminded all that “an independent judiciary is a precious gift to any society.”

Mohamad Ezri noted that these statements reflect a deep understanding of the judiciary’s sacred role in upholding the rule of law. “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, reaching greater heights,” he said.

The Bar also congratulated Justice Datuk Abu Bakar Jais on his appointment as the Court of Appeal president and Justice Datuk Azizah Nawawi as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak. Despite welcoming these appointments, Mohamad Ezri expressed concern over ongoing vacancies in the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, urging for them to be filled promptly and transparently.

Veteran lawyer Datuk Baljit Singh Sidhu described Justice Wan Ahmad Farid’s appointment as “unprecedented” in Malaysia’s judiciary, noting his experience in the High Court and Appellate Court.

“Interesting times,” Baljit remarked, hinting at the challenges and opportunities ahead for the new Chief Justice.

The Federal Court Chief Registrar’s Office confirmed on Friday (July 18) that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has approved the three judicial appointments, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 28.