Latest news with #TengkuMaimun
Free Malaysia Today
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Top courts in ‘slow mode' with heads' tenures ending soon, say sources
Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal President Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Justice Nallini Pathmanathan are waiting to hear if their tenures will be extended. PETALING JAYA : The pace of administrative functions in the Federal Court and Court of Appeal appears to have slowed down as speculation intensifies about whether the tenures of the nation's two top judges will be extended, sources said. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat will go on mandatory retirement on July 1, while Court of Appeal President Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, leaves office a day earlier, as both reach the mandatory retirement age of 66. Sources said that, except in respect of the hearing and disposal of cases, the uncertainty has hampered Tengku Maimun and Abang Iskandar in the performance of their duties. As head of their respective courts, they are tasked with empanelling judges to hear appeals, leave and other applications, which are done in advance. They are also required to respond to correspondence. 'Now it appears to be done on an urgent need-to-do basis as it is anyone's guess whether the two judges will get the six-month extension,' one source added. Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir said even the Judicial Appointments Commission's monthly meetings could come to a grinding halt as the chief justice is its chairman, while the Court of Appeal president acts in her absence. 'Any vacuum and uncertainty surrounding the extensions of these two critical judicial positions will impede the commission from executing legally mandated duties,' he said. On May 20, Tengku Maimun told the media the judiciary was still awaiting formal confirmation as to whether the her tenure as well as that of Abang Iskandar and senior Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan would be extended. Nallini will go on mandatory retirement on Aug 22. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had said the government is mulling extending their tenures after the National Human Rights Society of Malaysia (Hakam) expressed concern over the delay. On Thursday, Malaysian Bar vice-president B Anand Raj said it was also troubled by the current state of affairs, claiming it was unusual for the chief justice, the Court of Appeal president and senior Federal Court judges not to be granted the extension. Article 125 of the Federal Constitution states that superior court judges shall hold office until age 66, but their tenure can be extended for up to six months by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Earlier this year, the king granted extensions to five judges of the apex court, including Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Hashim and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abdul Rahman Sebli. A retired apex court judge, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was no fixed time frame for when judges would be informed about whether their tenures would be extended, but said it usually takes place two months before their mandatory retirement date. Lawyer Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar said the overall workings of the constitutional scheme points to the prime minister who advises the king on appointments, promotions and extensions. 'Granting extensions does not come as part of the constitutional monarch's discretion like appointing the prime minister or withholding consent or request for the dissolution of Parliament,' he said. Syed Iskandar expressed hope that the top judges would be given extensions or that the positions would be filled expeditiously. 'The position of the Chief Judge of Malaya was left vacant for nine months last year, with the Court of Appeal president performing the duties and functions of the role on an interim basis. There should not be a repeat for the top two positions,' he said. Lawyer A Srimurugan said Tengku Maimun, the first woman to be appointed as chief justice, had toiled hard to put the Malaysian judiciary on a positive note, especially in delivering groundbreaking and progressive judgments over the last six years. 'The government must ensure the public perception of judicial integrity and competence of judges is not compromised,' he added.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Laos President commends Malaysian Chief Justice's visit to deepen judicial ties
- Photo: Laos News Agency VIENTIANE: (Bernama-KPL) President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, on Wednesday (June 4) expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in visiting Laos, underscoring the visit's significance in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the judicial sector. According to the Laos News Agency (KPL), Tengku Maimun is on an official visit to the country from Tuesday (June 3) until Friday (June 6). Thongloun noted that this exchange contributes meaningfully to strengthening ties between the two nations and fosters long-term support, mutual assistance, and the sharing of judicial experiences. The President also voiced strong support for ongoing collaboration between the judicial bodies of Laos and Malaysia and emphasised the Laos' commitment to nurturing its longstanding relations with Malaysia, an important Asean partner with a shared history of cooperation. He highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tengku Maimun thanked President Thongloun for the warm welcome and outlined the objectives of her visit. She said the trip aims to enhance judicial cooperation among Asean countries and to support Laos in its preparations to establish the Laos Lawyers' Association, which is a step towards seeking membership in the Asean Law Association. - Bernama-KPL
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hakam urges government to extend CJ Tengku Maimun, senior judges' term to uphold judicial reforms
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The National Human Rights Society of Malaysia (Hakam) has called for transparency and equal treatment in the extension of judicial tenures, expressing concern over reports of selective practices in granting extensions to senior Federal Court judges. In a statement, Hakam highlighted that Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, and Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan have not received the customary six-month extensions under Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution despite their upcoming retirements. 'This is in stark contrast to extensions granted to Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, and Federal Court judges Tan Sri Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal, Datuk Zabariah Mohamad Yusof, and Datuk Hanipah Farikullah,' Hakam said. The group raised concerns about what it described as a selective and opaque approach to judicial extensions, which it said undermines public confidence in the judiciary and threatens its independence. 'Malaysia's judiciary is at a pivotal juncture with nine Federal Court judges set to retire this year. The leadership of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun, who has been instrumental in restoring public confidence in the judiciary, is essential during this critical period,' Hakam said. Tengku Maimun, Malaysia's first female Chief Justice, has been lauded for her commitment to judicial independence and for presiding over landmark cases with integrity during her tenure under four prime ministers. Hakam also praised her efforts in advocating for judicial reforms to reduce executive influence in judicial appointments. Similarly, Hakam commended Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar and Justice Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan for their exceptional jurisprudence, independence, and adherence to constitutional principles. The group urged the government to ensure consistency and transparency in judicial extensions, calling for clear criteria based on merit and experience rather than political considerations. 'Hakam calls upon the government to extend the tenures of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun, Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar, and Justice Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan under Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution,' the statement read. It also demanded transparency in the decision-making process for judicial appointments and extensions, emphasising that an independent judiciary is vital for democracy and human rights protection. 'The stability of our judiciary and public confidence in Malaysia's legal system depend on the fair and equal treatment of our most senior judges,' Hakam added. The society said it would continue monitoring the situation and advocating for judicial independence as a fundamental pillar of Malaysia's constitutional democracy.
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
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.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Govt considering extending Tengku Maimun's tenure as chief justice
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The government is considering extending the tenure of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. Tengku Maimun, the first woman to serve as the country's chief justice, is set to retire on June 30 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 66. When asked whether an extension would be granted to Tengku Maimun, Anwar briefly responded: 'Well, we are looking into it.' Anwar made the announcement after launching the Hadiah Bahasa 2025, which is making a comeback after 27 years at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, here, today. On Tuesday, Tengku Maimun reportedly said that she as well as the President of the Court of Appeal Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan are still waiting on the offer for the extension of their tenure. Abang Iskandar is due to retire on July 1, while Nallini Pathmanathan is due to retire on Aug 21, as they have both reached the mandatory retirement age. Under Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution, Federal Court judges may serve until age 66, with the possibility of a six-month extension subject to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's approval.
