The Yang di-Pertuan Agong today appointed justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim as the new chief justice, replacing justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah who retires o­n Saturday.

According to a national news agency Bernama report, the king, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra, today had consented to the appointment o­n the advice of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad after conferring with the Conference of Rulers.

The appointment was discussed at the meeting of the Council of Rulers which ended today.

Ahmad Fairuz, 62, will take over at the helm of the judiciary after receiving his letter of appointment o­n Monday.

Ahmad Fairuz's appointment is not surprising as he was the most likely candidate to replace Dzaiddin, largely due to his position as the second man in command of the judiciary - he is currently the Court of Appeal president.