KUALA LUMPUR: The 30% salary increment for judges would contribute to the independence of the judiciary and serves as an important safeguard to help shield judges from undue influence, says Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh.
He said the increment reflects a clear recognition of the demands placed upon judicial office and a meaningful commitment to strengthening the welfare of the judiciary in support of a resilient, credible, and high-performing administration of justice.
"The increment … contributes to promote the independence of the judiciary," he said in his speech at the opening of the Legal Year 2026 here on Monday (Jan 12).
He said the increment was both "timely and significant" as it was the first adjustment in a decade since the last revision.
"Judges do not receive annual increments and are precluded from holding other offices or engaging in business," he said.
Wan Ahmad Farid reminded his fellow judges that the enhanced remuneration must go hand in hand with heightened responsibility.
"Judicial office carries with it the expectation that judges will read extensively, remain abreast of legal and societal developments, equip themselves with new knowledge and never cease learning. In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, continuous learning is not a choice – it is a duty.
"Let me reiterate that a fairly compensated judiciary serves as an important safeguard—helping to shield judges from undue influence, encouraging capable legal minds to step forward in service and allowing those who sit on the Bench to discharge their duties without undue financial concern," Wan Ahmad Farid said.
When asked at a press conference later about graft cases within the judiciary, he said it existed but remain isolated incidents.
