KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's judiciary has turned a historic page with the appointment of Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the 17th Chief Justice of the Federal Court.
The prolonged speculation over the appointment concluded on July 18, when the Office of the Chief Registrar formally announced the elevation of Court of Appeal Judge Wan Ahmad Farid to the apex role.
A native of Kuala Terengganu, the 63-year-old jurist, who was appointed to the Court of Appeal just last November, now succeeds the 16th Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who retired on July 2.
His previous positions include serving as political secretary to former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi from 2003 to 2008, and as Deputy Home Minister from 2008 to 2009.
The appointment was executed in accordance with Article 122B(1) of the Federal Constitution, having received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, following consultations with the Conference of Rulers, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The culmination of this process was a solemn investiture ceremony at the Palace of Justice on Aug 6, where Wan Ahmad Farid took his oath of office.
He vowed to be an unwavering guardian of judicial independence and committed himself to the ongoing advancement and strengthening of the institution.
"Let the message of judicial independence resonate loudly and clearly. It must echo beyond the halls of the Palace of Justice and other courtrooms to reach every layer of society and every corner of power in our nation,” he declared.
Reflecting on his first 100 days at the helm of the judiciary, the Chief Justice also announced concrete steps to tackle case backlogs and improve access to justice, which include appointing additional judicial commissioners and expanding mediation services.
During an interview with the media to mark the occasion, Wan Ahmad Farid outlined his plans to establish a new Commercial Court division in Kuala Lumpur, to strengthen investor confidence and facilitate swifter resolution of commercial disputes.
Following the formal session, he extended a personal invitation for the journalists to tour his private chambers and office, providing a rare glimpse into the daily workings and inner sanctum of the nation's top judicial office.
He lightened the mood by sharing a humorous moment with members of the press during the interview.
"Nobody can instruct me to do anything… not even the prime minister. Except the media," he said, triggering laughter as photographers requested him to pose next to his desk.
He was relaxed, approachable, and joked with the media, displaying a different, more personable side compared to his firm demeanour when presiding over the Federal Court panel.
Striking a more serious note later, Wan Ahmad Farid asserted that judges should be evaluated strictly on judicial conduct: the calibre of their rulings, their demeanour in court, and their equitable treatment of all parties, rather than on any external considerations or private background.
He also emphasised that judicial rulings must be based solely on facts and the law, free from external influence, and that judges must appropriately consider all mitigating aspects when passing sentence.
Advancing this vision, Wan Ahmad Farid has reactivated the Court of Appeal Circuit sessions in Penang to provide easier access for the northern states.
This measure is also expected to improve efficiency by reducing delays in appeal proceedings, as lawyers and affected parties from the northern states no longer need to travel to Putrajaya for hearings. - Bernama
