Malanjum mum on chief justice post speculation

KUCHING: Chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum declines to comment on speculations that he has been nominated for the post of the country’s next Chief Justice.

“No lah, it is just ‘cerita dongeng’ (fairy tale),” he told reporters when asked if his name was proposed to replace current Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif.

Earlier, he led Sarawak High Court judges to pay a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly complex here, yesterday. The meeting last about an hour.

He declined to take further questions, as he and the delegates quickly walked away.

‘The Edge’ earlier reported that Malanjum was among candidates submitted by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the top four posts in the judiciary to the Conference of Rulers for their approval.

Quoting sources, it said Malanjum was nominated for the post of chief justice, Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop (president of the Court of Appeal), Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim (chief judge of the High Court of Malaya) and Datuk Stephen Chung Hian Guan (chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak).

Malanjum is tipped to take over the No 1 post, vacated by Tun Md Raus Sharif, who tendered his resignation on June 7. If appointed, he would be the country’s first chief justice from Sabah.

Malanjum, 65, has previously served as a Federal Court and Court of Appeal judge. He is the most senior Federal Court judge.

Sarawakians and Sabahans including political parties and NGOs had in recent weeks called for Malanjum to be appointed as the next chief justice based on his seniority and merit.

Md Raus will resign effective July 31.