'That's a fairy tale', says Malanjum on being named new chief justice

KUCHING: Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum has brushed off speculation that he has been named for the post of chief justice.

"No, no, no, itu cerita dongeng (that's a fairy tale)," he said when asked if his name was proposed to replace current Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif.

Malanjum was met by reporters after leading Sarawak High Court judges to pay a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex here on Wednesday (July 11).

He declined to take further questions, walking quickly to the lift.

The Malaysian Insight reported earlier on Wednesday that Malanjum was nominated to become chief justice in a list submitted by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the Conference of Rulers.

Citing sources, the portal also reported that other nominees for the top judiciary posts were Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop for Court of Appeal president, Federal Court judge Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim for Chief Judge of Malaya and Court of Appeal judge Datuk Stephen Chung for Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak.

Malanjum, 65, is the most senior Federal Court judge.

In recent weeks, Sarawakians and Sabahans had called for Malanjum to be appointed as the next chief justice based on his seniority and merit.

Md Raus and current Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin will resign effective July 31.