The opposition today submitted a motion to request the controversial extension of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat, said PKR whip Johari Abdul.

The opposition leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail yesterday wrote to speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia a letter with the signature of opposition MPs.

"We have obtained 60 signatures, including the signature from PAS lawmakers. This is to protest the extension of the chief justice," Johari told Malaysiakini.

The motion was tabled under Article 127 of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates that the House can only discuss the conduct of a judge if it obtains the support of at least one-fourth of the lawmakers.

"We are required to submit 55 or 56 signatures according to the constitution," Johari added.

"We wrote in yesterday and Pandikar has to reply latest by tomorrow. If he allows it, then the motion will be debated in the next session," said the Sungai Petani MP, adding that the motion was also submitted in accordance with Section 38 of the Standing Orders.

Johari hoped that the government will review the appointment after the matter is debated.

Last month, the Prime Minister's Office announced the extension of Justice Raus and Court of Appeal president Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin for a period of three and two years respectively.

The report further stated that Justice Raus would remain as chief justice and Justice Zulkefli as the number two.

Previously, various quarters including former CJ Abdul Hamid Mohamad, former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram and the Malaysian Bar, questioned the appointments.

On Aug 5, Justice was sworn in as the chief justice.