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".

Daunting task

The opposition politician, who is also a prominent lawyer, believes that Ahmad Fairuz has a daunting task ahead of him which is to ensure that public confidence in the judiciary is maintained.

He also welcomed the chief justice's commitment to remove any corrupt judge as reported in the media today.

"There is no doubt corruption afflicts even the judiciary , although the affliction is not widespread," said Karpal.

Yesterday, Ahmad Fairuz told the press that judges who are found to be dishonest and "work for their own self benefits" would be removed.

Ahmad Fairuz replaced Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, who retired o­n Saturday after serving two-and-half years as the top judge.