Abdul Hamid named acting chief justice
Recently promoted Court of Appeal president Abdul Hamid Mohamad was today appointed as the acting chief justice with immediate effect, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced today.
Recently promoted Court of Appeal president Abdul Hamid Mohamad was today appointed as the acting chief justice with immediate effect, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced today.
He will be replacing Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim who retired as the top judge yesterday when he turned 66, the mandatory retirement age for judges.
Ahmad Fairuz retired from the top post under a cloud of controversy after he was implicated in a video clip talking to senior lawyer VK Lingam on appointing 'friendly' judges to the higher courts.
According to media reports, Ahmad Fairuz had applied to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in July for a six-month extension.
However, the latest development today makes it plain that Ahmad Fairuz would be one of the few CJs in the history of Malaysian judiciary not to be given an extension.
It is a known practice for retiring CJs to apply for a six months' extension.
Abdullah said that Abdul Hamid, 65, will be assuming the chief justice's post until a permanent appointment is made.
The premier also said that the 1964 Courts of Judicature Act allows the Court of Appeal president - the second most senior person on the judicial ladder - to assume the functions and role of the chief justice.
"The proper appointment for the post would be done as soon as possible," he added through a statement which was posted at the PM's Office's website this evening.
The premier also thanked Ahmad Fairuz for his contributions.
Appointed No 2 two months ago
Penang-born Abdul Hamid was just recently appointed as the head of the appellate court on Sept 5.
He had joined the legal service in 1969.
Abdul Hamid was appointed as a judicial commissioner of High Court Malaya in 1990 and two years later as a High Court judge.
He was appointed to the Court of Appeal in September 2000 and in August 2003 was elevated to the Federal Court.
He has one more year to go to reach his compulsory retirement age.
In a related development, the Council of Rulers did not discuss the issue of Ahmad Fairuz and his reported request for an extension as CJ.
A spokesperson for the council, which has been meeting at the Istana Negara, told Bernama that the matter was not on the agenda.
The meeting, chaired by Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, ended today with the presentation of a cake to Abdullah for his fourth anniversary as prime minister.
Abdullah became prime minister on Nov 1, 2003.
