KUCHING, March 6: Sarawakian Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim will take the helm as the acting Chief Judge of Malaya (CJM), filling the vacancy left by Dato Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah’s recent retirement last week.
The appointment of the 64-year-old would signify the inaugural occasion where a Sarawakian assumes the position of CJM.
According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) yesterday (March 5), the Conference of Rulers did not have the appointment of a CJM to succeed Mohamad Zabidin on its agenda during a meeting two weeks ago following the latter’s retirement on Feb 29.
Abang Iskandar’s appointment was made by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as outlined in Section 9(3)(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, permitting a Federal Court judge to assume the responsibilities of the CJM in the case of a vacancy.
The report further said FMT sighted a letter dated March 1 in which Tengku Maimun said that Abang Iskandar will assume the duties and functions of the office until a permanent replacement is appointed
Copies of the letter were distributed via email to all judges and senior court officials on March 4.
Apart from his role as the president of the Court of Appeal, Abang Iskandar also holds the position of a Federal Court judge. — DayakDaily
