PUTRAJAYA, January 22 – As her tenure concludes in July, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has called for unwavering adherence to constitutional duties in judicial appointments. Speaking at the Opening of the Legal Year 2025, Tengku Maimun emphasized that public confidence in the judiciary hinges on transparent, unbiased appointments, warning against decisions perceived as favouritism.
Tengku Maimun reminded those responsible for judicial appointments to respect the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act, which mandates independence in selecting candidates. She highlighted Section 34 of the Act, noting that interference with JAC’s functions constitutes a punishable offense. Recalling the 2008 VK Lingam Tapes scandal, she urged continued vigilance against executive influence, expressing confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would uphold judicial independence.
This year’s address underscores the critical role of integrity in maintaining trust in Malaysia’s judicial system, as Tengku Maimun’s leadership draws to a close amid calls for safeguarding judicial impartiality.
