ATTORNEY General Tan Sri Ahmad Terriruddin Mohd Salleh is not among the candidates nominated for the post of Chief Justice, nor any other senior judicial role, a Pakatan Harapan (PH) MP has revealed following a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Ahmad Terriruddin’s name is not there — not for Chief Justice, not for Court of Appeal President, not for Chief Judge of Malaya or Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak,” said the MP, speaking on condition of anonymity to Utusan Malaysia.
The clarification comes amid public unease and political speculation over the vacancy for the judiciary’s top post, following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Malaysia’s first female Chief Justice.
It also follows the circulation of a purported leaked document — allegedly minutes from a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting — that appeared to suggest Ahmad Terriruddin’s name had been shortlisted for Chief Justice, despite lingering misconduct allegations linked to his tenure as Attorney General.
While declining to comment on the authenticity of the leaked material, the PH MP confirmed that judicial appointments were a key agenda item during Monday's meeting at Kompleks Seri Perdana.
Constitutional provisions discussed with lawmakers
The meeting was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who briefed MPs on constitutional provisions relating to judicial appointments, especially Article 125 of the Federal Constitution.
“Azalina was present to explain matters related to the Constitution, especially Article 125. It also covered the formation of tribunals involving judges and other related issues,” said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also PKR communications director and MP for Lembah Pantai.
Article 125 governs the appointment, tenure, and removal of Federal Court judges, including the Chief Justice.
Fahmi confirmed that the briefing was well-received by the attending MPs. “We believe what was shared by the PM was well-received by all PH MPs,” he said.
Prime Minister Anwar, when briefly approached by the media as he departed the venue, said only, “It was very good. I’m heading to Shah Alam,” without divulging further details of the one-and-a-half-hour meeting.
Political pressure and speculation
The Prime Minister has faced increased pressure from both within the coalition and civil society over the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the selection process for top judicial roles.
Critics have called for a firm commitment to merit-based appointments and judicial independence, especially following concerns that executive influence could erode public trust in the judiciary.
Further clarification on the matter is expected at the post-Cabinet press conference scheduled for later today. - July 16, 2025
