Malaysia names Wan Ahmad Farid as new chief justice

Malaysia names Wan Ahmad Farid as new chief justice

Malaysia has appointed Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new Chief Justice of the Federal Court, following a series of high-level judicial appointments. The appointments were made in accordance with Clause (1) of Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, following the advice of the Prime Minister and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers [1]. The official swearing-in and presentation of the appointment letters will take place on July 28 at Istana Negara, before the King.

Wan Ahmad Farid, a 62-year-old former deputy home minister and Court of Appeal judge, was appointed to the Court of Appeal on Nov 12, 2024. He has previously presided over significant cases, including the application for a judicial review by the parents of Teoh Beng Hock against the police and Tun Daim Zainuddin's challenge against his probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. His appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and the temporary assumption of the role of Chief Justice by Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim [1].

The appointments of Wan Ahmad Farid as the new Chief Justice and Datuk Abu Bakar Jais as the President of the Court of Appeal, along with Datuk Azizah Nawawi as the Chief Judge of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, aim to address the leadership vacuum in the judiciary. The appointments were made following mounting public criticism over alleged executive interference in the selection of judges and the need for a clear announcement from the Conference of Rulers [2]. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier stated that the country’s rulers were expected to make a “clear announcement” on the appointment of a new chief justice on Wednesday, after the second day of the Conference of Rulers’ three-day meeting [2].

The appointment of Wan Ahmad Farid, who was previously a front-runner for the Chief Justice post, comes as a significant development in the Malaysian judiciary. His background in politics and judicial experience may bring a unique perspective to the role. The appointment also aligns with the government's stance on maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary, as emphasized by BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi [3].

The appointment of Wan Ahmad Farid as the new Chief Justice follows a period of uncertainty in the judiciary, with the post remaining vacant following Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's mandatory retirement on July 2. The temporary assumption of the role by Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim has helped maintain continuity in the judicial system during this period [1].

The appointment of Wan Ahmad Farid as the new Chief Justice is a significant step in ensuring the continuity and stability of the Malaysian judiciary. The appointments aim to address the leadership vacuum and restore public trust in the country’s legal system [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/18/king-appoints-wan-ahmad-farid-as-new-chief-justice
[2] https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3318488/no-rush-judge-malaysia-rulers-leave-out-naming-new-justices
[3] https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/13/zahid-says-anwar-addressed-judicial-appointment-issues-with-bn-mps/183784