PUTRAJAYA: Newly minted Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has vowed to safeguard the independence of the judiciary amidst criticism over his background in politics.
Referring to his time in the legislative, Wan Ahmad Farid recognised his "long and varied career" and described it as something that he could not erase.
"I have served in all three branches of the government. I cannot erase my history, political or otherwise.
"But as I assume this most solemn trust and for as long as I occupy this chair, I give you my unconditional pledge in the name of God that I will vigorously protect and relentlessly safeguard the independence of our branch of government with every fibre of my being," he said in his inaugural speech as the top judge at a ceremony honouring his appointment here on Wednesday (Aug 6).
He quoted French philosopher Montesquieu who said: "There is no liberty if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive."
Wan Ahmad Farid also called for fellow judges, judicial officers, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Malaysian Bar, the Sabah Law Society, the Advocates Association of Sarawak and other stakeholders to work together with him.
"I pledge to do my level best towards the betterment of the Malaysian judiciary and its independence.
"Let there be a strong message of the independence of the judiciary which shall continue to be loud and clear, echoing not just through the halls of the Palace of Justice and other courthouses but also through all corners of our society and all the corridors of power in our country," he said.
In his speech, Wan Ahmad Farid also said the adoption of technology in courtrooms would continue to enhance efficiency of the court system and allow better access to justice.
"The judiciary will closely follow technological developments and in particular, the impact of the evolution of artificial intelligence.
"We will ensure that our judges are sufficiently equipped not only to use technology in courts but also to manage issues relating to technology," he added.
On July 28, Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, took the oath of office as the 17th Chief Justice at Istana Negara here.
The former Court of Appeal judge was also given the instrument of appointment as a Federal Court judge during the ceremony.
His appointment came after weeks of speculation following the mandatory retirement of his predecessor Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on July 2.
Wan Ahmad Farid began his legal career as an advocate and solicitor with the firm Messrs Adnan & Wee in Kuala Terengganu between 1987 and 2003.
He was also the political secretary to the late prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi from 2003 to 2008, and had a short stint as deputy home minister from 2008 to 2009.
He returned to legal practice from 2011 to 2015 as a partner at Messrs Wan Farid & Surin in Kuala Lumpur before being appointed as a Judicial Commissioner, serving in the High Courts of Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Baru until 2019.
He was then elevated to High Court judge from 2019 to 2024, with postings in Kota Baru, Shah Alam (Special Powers Division) and Kuala Lumpur (Special Powers Division 3).
