Anwar Denies Judicial Interference Amid New Chief Justice Appointment

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed claims of interfering in Malaysia’s judiciary following the appointment of Wan Farid Wan Salleh as Chief Justice and Abu Bakar Jais as President of the Court of Appeal. Addressing speculation that former attorney general Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh was considered, Anwar said such rumours were baseless and spread by lawyers “politicking”. He emphasised that Terrirudin’s name was never proposed or discussed by him or the Conference of Rulers. Anwar, facing public pressure over alleged judicial appointments interference, reiterated he never removed judges or issued orders to them, unlike past administrations, stressing judicial independence must be upheld. He said delays were due to the lengthy appointment process. Malaysia’s King Sultan Iskandar officially consented to the promotions, ending speculation over a perceived judicial crisis.