Md Raus is new Chief Justice of Malaysia

Interview with President of Court of Appeal Tan Sri Raus Sharif at Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.

KUALA LUMPUR: Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif (pic) has been appointed the new Chief Justice of Malaysia.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Yang di-Per­tuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V consented to the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.

The statement said Sultan Muhammad V also consented to the appointment of Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin as Court of Appeal president, replacing Md Raus.

It added that Federal Court judge Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop was appointed Chief Judge of Malaya, succeeding Zulkefli. All the appointments were effective April 1.

“On behalf of the Government, I wish to record my highest appreciation and gratitude to Tun Arifin Zakaria for his service while in office as the Chief Justice,” the Prime Minister said in the statement.

Arifin retired after reaching the age of 66 years and six months.

The statement said Sultan Muhammad V had also given his consent for the ceremony to present the letters of appointment to the respective justices to be held at Istana Negara at 11am tomorrow.

Thanking the Government, Md Raus said he would continue the efforts by his predecessor in ensuring that the judiciary system continued to excel. — Bernama