Zaki Azmi’s previous role in Umno will not affect his ability to execute his duties as Court of Appeal president, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby today, he said Zaki ( right ) was appointed based on his past performance and character.

According to the minister, the new Court of Appeal president is a man of integrity.

Explaining further, he said Zaki did not hold any positions in Umno except for his role as the party's disciplinary committee chairperson and selection committee secretary.

"He's not an MP, assemblyman, division or even a branch head. The only reason we roped him in was due to his past performance and his character," he said.

He added that Zaki is known as a "straight fellow" in the legal fraternity and he should not be punished for his roles in Umno.

On Zaki’s speedy elevation in the judiciary, the minister said there is nothing wrong with that.

Three months ago, Zaki was the first lawyer to be directly appointed as a Federal Court judge. Yesterday, he was named Court of Appeal president.

"There is no law against the fast-track appointment of Zaki. We are not doing something unconstitutional or illegal," said Nazri.

‘Fight tooth and nail’

Explaining the current system of appointing and promoting judges, where the King will consent to the appointments of candidates recommended by the judiciary on the advice of the prime minister and Conference of Rulers, Nazri said:

"This (process) had been agreed 50 years ago after discussions with our Colonial masters, which we looked upon as having the best judiciary system."

"All along, judges were appointed based on this system," he said, adding that the Bar Council only has problems with individual judges.

The Bar had expressed concern over Zaki’s appointment due to his previous business interests and involvement in Umno.

The council was of the view that there were other suitable candidates for the post in terms of seniority and experience in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, Nazri also stressed that he will "fight tooth and nail" to ensure no amendments are made to the current process regarding the appointment and promotion of judges.