100 days in office: Wan Ahmad Farid (right) addressing reporters at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh wants to leave a lasting legacy during his tenure as the country’s top judge.
“What I have in mind is to have a long-term policy like blueprints,” he said.
Wan Ahmad Farid, who met the media in an interview to mark his 100 days in office, however, stopped short of sharing details of the blueprint, saying that it will be revealed next year.
“I will speak more on this in my speech at the next Opening of the Legal Year,” he said, referring to the annual event in the legal calendar.
Since becoming Chief Justice in July, Wan Ahmad Farid has been busy.
On Nov 27, he announced measures to address case backlogs and enhance access to justice by appointing judicial commissioners and expanding mediation services.
He has also reactivated the Court of Appeal circuit sitting that would significantly expand public access to the justice system and bring major benefits to northern zone states.
Another concern he wishes to tackle is the backlog of cases at the family division of the High Court.
In Kuala Lumpur, there is currently only one family court that handles civil divorce matters.
Wan Ahmad Farid mooted the idea to give more authority to the Sessions Court judges to handle family court matters in order to relieve the caseload of the High Court.
Taking away some cases from the High Court gives it more room to hear more complicated matters, he noted.
He said becoming the Chief Justice was far from his mind, but he took on the responsibility when it came to him.
“It came as a surprise, even to my wife. I take it as a great honour,” he said.
The Terengganu native’s appointment did not come without criticism as many were sceptical due to his background in politics.
Wan Ahmad Farid, a former Umno member, announced his retirement from politics in 2013.
When asked whether he preferred to be a politician or a judge, he said with a chuckle: “A politician thinks after he makes a decision. A judge thinks before he makes a decision.”
Giving a glimpse into his life as the top judge, he said he continues working at home after office hours until late into the night.
To unwind, he watches Tom and Jerry or Yes, Prime Minister on Netflix. His favourite show is American crime thriller The Blacklist.
“It helps me achieve my ‘judicial wellness’,” he added.
Wan Ahmad Farid brought the media for a short tour into his office room, which overlooks the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, also known as the Iron Mosque, in Putrajaya.
“When I do my job, I am looking straight at (the direction of the) imam. It keeps my conscience clear,” he added.
Wan Ahmad Farid became the 17th Chief Justice on July 28.
