The appointment of judges should be based o­n capability, integrity and patience, said DAP national deputy chairperson Karpal Singh.

In welcoming the appointment of Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim ( photo ) as the new chief justice, he said merit-based appointments should be the first priority as it would ensure an efficient judicial system.

"These qualities (capability, integrity and patience) are indispensable for judicial appointment. Judges should not demand respect. They should earn it by displaying these qualities o­n the bench which will endear them to the public," he said in a press statement today.

Kapral also urged Ahmad Fairuz to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is "perpetuated and nurtured so that justice is dispensed without fear or favour".