PUTRAJAYA: Four individuals, including former Attorney General Tan Sri Idris Harun, have been appointed as members of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for a two-year term.
The appointments, which took effect yesterday, include former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Zainun Ali, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) law lecturer Prof Dr Hartini Saripan, who is serving a second term, and former Sabah State Attorney General Datuk Mariati Robert.
The JAC secretary’s office said in a statement yesterday that the appointments were made in accordance with subsection 5(1)(f) of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act.
“The appointments are for a two-year term, effective from Nov 1, 2026, to Oct 31, 2028,” it said, Bernama reported.
The JAC also expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Datuk Seri Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid for his service and contributions during his tenure as a commission member.
Meanwhile, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin described Mariati’s appointment as “a long-awaited step towards lasting change”.
He said Mariati, the first Sabahan to be appointed to the JAC, would bring extensive legal experience and a deep understanding of Sabah’s laws, institutions and communities to the commission’s deliberations.
“Sabah’s distinct legal heritage forms part of the foundations upon which Malaysia was established.
“Its legal experience deserves a sustained place in the institutions that shape the administration of justice throughout our Federation.
“That experience matters,” he said.
Mohamed Nazim said Mariati’s experience would enrich the commission’s deliberations, alongside the shared obligation of every member to uphold merit, integrity and judicial independence.
“SLS welcomes this development with hope and resolve.
“We look towards enduring institutional arrangements that ensure Sabah’s legal experience continues to inform the judicial appointments process across successive appointments and terms,” he added.
He also congratulated the rest on their appointments to the commission.
