00:01The Malaysian Bar says it is deeply concerned over the lack of clarity on the impending retirement of the Chief Justice of Malaysia, which is now just a day away.
00:11In a statement, Malaysian Bar President Ezri Abdul Wahab said there had been no formal announcement of a successor or any indication of whether an extension would be granted to Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.
00:22Tengku Maimun reaches the mandatory retirement age of 66 on Wednesday and tomorrow will be her last day in office.
00:29Ezri said the Bar had consistently refrained from advocating for or against the appointment or extension of any individual judge.
00:37He added that the Bar's call for clarity on the impending transition was made in good faith and in line with its duty to uphold institutional continuity and public confidence in the administration of justice.
00:49Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said there appeared to be a campaign to pressure the government to either extend or end specific tenures,
00:57which he warned could politicize institutions meant to remain independent.
01:02Anwar said that extending the service of civil servants, including top judges, was not automatic and must follow the procedures set out in the federal constitution.
