Govt looking into extensions for senior judges, says PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is 'looking at' extending the tenures of three senior judges, including Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.
KUALA LUMPUR : The government is mulling extending the tenures of three senior judges, including Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Questioned after an event here today, Anwar said briefly: 'We're looking at it.'
Earlier today, the National Human Rights Society of Malaysia (Hakam) expressed concern that the three judges have not received the customary six-month extension offers despite their imminent retirement dates.
Besides Tengku Maimun, they are Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and senior Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan.
Hakam noted that extensions have been granted to five other senior judges, including Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli.
Separately, Anwar said the government is also studying a proposal by law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said to raise the retirement age to 65.
'It has not been brought to the Cabinet. Let them study its implications first in terms of the cost involved and the population. There are many implications.
'It is a good proposal that deserves attention and consideration,' he said.
On Tuesday, Azalina said it was her personal opinion that many people remain active and capable well into their 60s, based on her observation and current social trends.
'Some of the officers we have met are still very young and active even though they are already 60 years old.
'It would be a waste (to let them go). They can still do the work.'
She said the number of Malaysians aged over 60 is increasing, and many of them still appear youthful and energetic.
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