The new Chief Justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah's integrity is beyond reproach and he is eminently suited for the post, Malaysian Bar president Sulaiman Abdullah said today.

Sulaiman said that unlike his immediate predecessors, Dzaiddin was in no way linked to the events culminating to the judicial crisis of 1988.

"He has no controversies about him and he comes in with a clean slate," Sulaiman told malaysiakini .

Sulaiman added that Dzaiddin's appointment has cleared the way for the "healing process" to begin for a commitment from all parties towards the cause of justice and rule of law.

"We expect the relationship between the Bar and the judiciary to be excellent now. He has assured us that he will try to bring things back as they were in the old days by restoring traditions and practices," he said.

Sulaiman added that he expected the judges too to take their cue from their leader and mend their relationships with the Bar.

Refurbishing image

"Dzaiddin is committed and keen to refurbish the image of the judiciary.

"We at the Bar have known him as a private lawyer in practice and take immeasurable pride in the fact that finally a practising lawyer has risen to the highest judicial post.

"There is no question whatsoever about his other judicial qualities as well as his abilities as a leader and an administrator," Sulaiman said.

He added that Dzaiddin was the longest serving Federal judge prior to his appointment today and that he enjoyed a good relationship with other judges, the Bar and the legal service.

Sulaiman said the Bar hoped that under Dzaiddin's capable judicial leadership, Malaysia's commitment to the values enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the supremacy of justice and the rule of law would be strengthened.

He also thanked Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Conference of Rulers for appointing "an outstanding head of the Malaysian judiciary".