East Malaysia leaders hope to see the first ever Chief Justice appointed from their region following the impending departure of Md Raus Sharif from the position and Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin as the Court of Appeal president.

One such leader is Sarawak-based United People's Party (UPP) George Lo, who believes current Chief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, Richard Malanjum, should be considered for the position of Chief Justice.