Not Giving Extension To Chief Justice Coa President Sets Dangerous Precedent That Threatens Public Trust

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(TE) – WITH the retirements of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, Malaysia marks the close of an extraordinary era in its judicial history.
The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) expresses its profound disappointment and disapproval that the government has chosen not to extend the tenures of these two distinguished jurists, despite extending the terms of other Federal Court judges. This selective and unexplained treatment raises troubling questions about the government’s commitment to judicial independence and undermines the principles of Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution.
This unequal approach, granting customary six-month extensions to some judges but not to the Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal, sets a dangerous precedent that threatens public trust in the integrity and impartiality of Malaysia’s courts. This decision risks undoing the hard-won trust and credibility rebuilt through the judicial revival led by Tengku Maimun and Abang Iskandar.
While we disapprove of the government’s selective treatment, Hakam honours the unparalleled contributions of Tengku Maimun and Abang Iskandar, whose combined leadership ushered in a modern judicial rebirth that restored public confidence in Malaysia’s courts.
As Malaysia’s first female Chief Justice and the first Sarawakian to head the Court of Appeal, they brought representation, balance, and renewed public trust to the nation’s apex courts. Together, they defended judicial independence under four different prime ministers, refusing to bow to political pressure and demonstrating that the highest judicial offices must always serve the people and the Federal Constitution, above all else.
Their tenure has been marked by transformative judgements, landmark rulings, greater access to justice, digital modernisation, and an unwavering defence of constitutional principles, transforming Malaysia’s courts into institutions that better serve all Malaysians.
Tengku Maimun and Abang Iskandar have set a benchmark for how judges must serve in a constitutional democracy:
– True judicial independence demands personal courage: To deliver legally sound but unpopular decisions and to stand firm against political or public pressure;
– Principled decision-making must rise above politics: The Federal Constitution, not expedience, must guide every ruling;
– Institutional integrity must be protected: They defended Malaysia’s judiciary not in words alone, but through decisive action that strengthened the courts’ credibility.
Hakam calls on all sitting and future judges, from the Magistrate’s Courts to the Federal Court, to continue and honour this judicial renaissance of fearless, principled service to defend the Federal Constitution courageously, resist interference that would undermine the oath, and ultimately, whatever happens, remain steadfast, without compromise.
At this pivotal moment, Hakam:
– Disapproves of the selective and unexplained failure to extend the tenures of Tengku Maimun and Abang Iskandar;
– Demands full transparency and clear, objective criteria for all future judicial appointments;
– Honours their leadership and the modern judicial renaissance they championed;
– Warns that any erosion of judicial independence through opaque decisions must be firmly resisted;
– Calls for all reforms advanced under their stewardship to be safeguarded and strengthened;
Urges every judge, present and future, to defend this legacy of courage, fidelity to the Constitution, and unwavering service to the people.
Datuk Seri M Ramachelvam is the president of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) and is writing on behalf of the Hakam Executive Committee.
Source : TheEdge
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