Though former law minister Zaid Ibrahim believes a further extension of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif’s tenure would be unconstitutional, he said it might still happen regardless.

“You know our country, we reinterpret, we do whatever is convenient.

“So this extension must be convenient to some people, and if they think it is convenient, they will find some justification for it.

“So I won’t be surprised if they will do that,” Zaid said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

Former chief justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad had on Tuesday argued that a further extension of Justice Md Raus’ tenure after 66 years and six months would be unconstitutional.

Zaid said he agreed with this as the constitution does not provide for any options or situations where the CJ’s tenure can be extended further than that.

“It is quite clear, my reading of it (the law). I agree with the former chief justice,” he said.

Even if there was a very good justification to extend Justice Md Raus’ tenure, he insisted the law does not provide for that, so "they still should not be able to do so".

He also warned that if the tenure was extended anyway, it would reinforce the public’s negative perception towards the independence of the judiciary.

“It’s always been the worry, how independent is our judiciary. By doing this, it would add another layer of doubt as to the independence of the judiciary,” he said.

There are other judges who are qualified and capable enough to be appointed as chief justice and extending Justice Md Raus’ tenure would make it seem like the other judges are not trusted enough, he said.

It was previously reported that Justice Md Raus’ tenure may be extended beyond the 66 years and six months.

Justice Md Raus turned 66 on Feb 4 and has now served five months into his extension.