KUALA LUMPUR: The government is carrying out an evidence-based comparative study of judicial appointment models in countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and India as part of ongoing institutional reforms, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) was responding to Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang), who asked whether the government intends to amend the Federal Constitution to reform the appointment process for the Chief Justice and senior judges.
Azalina stressed that the Madani administration remains committed to safeguarding the independence, credibility and integrity of the judiciary.
"The government, through the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), is conducting an evidence-based comparative study on judicial appointment models in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and India," she said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Nov 19).
She added that the review is being undertaken inclusively, involving engagement sessions with the judiciary, the Malaysian Bar, MPs from both the government and opposition, academics, constitutional experts, civil society groups and members of the public.
"This approach aims to ensure that judicial appointments are carried out in a more transparent and independent manner, and in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution," she said.
Azalina also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the doctrine of separation of powers.
"As a government that consistently respects the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judiciary, we remain committed to ensuring that appointments to key national positions, including judges of the superior courts, are made based on the Federal Constitution and existing laws," she said.
Hassan had asked the question in reference to the dispute surrounding the appointment of the Chief Justice in July 2025.
