PM Anwar Faces Flak Over Leadership Vacuum in Malaysia's Judiciary

Non-extension of chief justice's tenure sparks allegations of political interference

- Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's judiciary is leaderless after its highly regarded top judge retired on July 1 amid stinging criticism, including from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's allies, over the government's failure to extend her tenure and allegations of interference in the judiciary.

As she left the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat confirmed that her tenure was not extended by six months - an option allowed under the law.

During Federal Court proceedings on the same day, senior lawyers including Malaysian Bar vice-president Anand Raj and former law professor Gurdial Singh Nijar praised Tun Maimun for her integrity and defence of judicial independence.

"Under your leadership, the judiciary's credibility was restored and reached a level on a par with the best in the Commonwealth," said Datuk Gurdial.

For weeks prior to Madam Maimun's retirement, questions had arisen among legal practitioners and politicians over the lack of an extension for her and an announcement of a successor.

Madam Maimun is one of nine members of the apex court - including the second- and third-highest ranked judges - who have left or are due to retire in the seven months from April to November.

With only two new appointments to the Bench since November 2024, the Federal Court could soon be left with just six judges - most of whom joined recently. Only Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang has served on the apex court Bench since before 2023.

This has fuelled speculation that former attorney-general Terrirudin Salleh, who was appointed directly to the apex court in November while still serving as attorney-general, is set to be fast-tracked to lead the judiciary.