MP backs Malanjum as new Chief Justice, says no one else more capable
KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has proposed for Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum to be appointed as the new Chief Justice following the resignation of Tun Md Raus Sharif.
He said the appointment of the Chief Justice is governed by Article 122B of the Constitution of Malaysia whereby the Yang di- Pertuan Agong appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the prime minister.
“This stand is consistent with the stand by Pakatan Harapan ( PH) leaders from both Sarawak and Sabah even before the general election.
“Such appointment is not without merits as Tan Sri Richard is currently the most senior Federal Court judge with much judicial experience, even more than Tun Md Raus,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The chief registrar of the Federal Court in a press statement yesterday said Md Raus and Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin had submitted their letters of resignation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 7.
Their resignations will take effect on July 31.
Dr Yii said Malanjum has brought in a lot of improvements and good initiatives including the initiation of the computerisation of the courts in Sabah and Sarawak in 2006, soon upon his appointment as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak.
“This has benefitted many people including members of the judiciary – the bar, parties in trials and the public as well. His close involvement in the development and implementation of the project led to the creation of the Integrated Court Solution ( ICS), which won the United Nations World Summit Award 2009 in the ‘ E- Government and Institutions Category’.
“We are confident that Malanjum will indeed carry out the duties of his office without fear or favour and will uphold the principles of justice unconditionally. There is no question about his capability to head the Malaysian judiciary.”
Dr Yii also noted that for the past 55 years since the formation of Malaysia, no Sarawakian or Sabahan judge had held this position.
“Now that there are different and growing constitutional arguments regarding our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63), I believe the time is ripe for an appointment of a Chief Justice from the Borneo states.”