Federal Court judge Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah has yet to receive his appointment letter from the government, according to an official from his office when contacted by malaysiakini today.

However, the official said that Dzaiddin has been asked to collect his surat watikah (royal letter of appointment) from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the morning of Dec 20, which will officially make him the next Chief Justice of Malaysia

The official added that Dzaiddin has been asked by palace officials to be present at the Istana Negara to collect the letter and then proceed to take his oath at the Federal Court complex.

He will take over from Eusoff Chin, whose term expires on Dec 19.

Dzaiddin's status as the new Chief Justice has been clouded in uncertainty since it was announced by the 187th Conference of Rulers on Nov 9, this in itself a departure from convention.

Normally, such appointments would be made by the Yang di Pertuan Agong upon advice by the prime minister. The appointment would then be announced by the government.

Scandalous

The uncertainty over Dzaiddin's appointment was further compounded yesterday when prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that he had not received any news on the appointment of the Chief Justice, although he had attended the 187th meeting of the Conference of Rulers.

Yesterday after a function in Shah Alam, when asked on confirmation of Dzaiddin's appointment, Mahathir said, "I don't know. I haven't received any news yet."[#1](Mahathir evasive on status of new Chief Justice,[/#]Dec 5)

Mahathir also stated that he did not know as to who will replace Attorney-General Mohtar Abdullah whose contract expires on Dec 31 this year.

"I don't know. There is still a long way to go," said Mahathir.

When malaysiakini contacted AG Chambers today on this matter, an official close to Mohtar said, "If prime minister can't reply, who are we to say anything?"

Commenting on the matter, PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali told malaysiakini that Mahathir must concede to the appointment of Dzaiddin as the new Chief Justice and any reservations over this matter was "scandalous".

Preemptive strike

He said that Mahathir should confirm Dzaiddin's appointment as the Conference of Rulers had selected him as the new Chief Justice more than three weeks ago.

Syed Husin added that Mahathir's hesitation on the appointment of Dzaiddin showed that "he is always creating a situation regarding the appointment and functioning of the Chief Justice." He said that it was only wise that Mahathir agree to the Dzaiddin's appointment by the Conference of Rulers.

Syed Husin also said that Mahathir was also "dilly-dallying" over the appointment of the new Attorney-General to replace Mohtar whose contract expires on Dec 31.

"Maybe Mahathir wanted Mohtar to be the next Chief Justice but the Conference of Rulers made a preemptive strike by appointing Dzaiddin," said Syed Husin.