THE appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as Malaysia’s new Chief Justice has ended weeks of speculation over alleged executive interference in the judiciary, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar confirmed that the appointments were made in full accordance with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution and had received the formal consent of the Conference of Rulers.
"With this clarification, and with the consent of the Conference of Rulers as presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, let us put an end to the slander, suspicion, and unrest that have persisted over recent weeks," he said.
He added that the appointment should lay to rest the wave of politically driven narratives that had sought to undermine confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
Royal Addendum Issue
Separately, Anwar said he is ready to meet with UMNO leaders, including party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to explain the ongoing Royal Addendum proceedings which have been the subject of heightened political attention.
The addendum reportedly concerns a directive allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
“Yesterday, many UMNO division chiefs raised the issue of the Addendum and requested a meeting with me, urging the implementation of the Royal Decree,” said Anwar.
“I have made it clear – the matter is still under judicial consideration and I cannot pre-empt the court’s process. However, I told the UMNO president, deputy president and leadership that I am ready to hold discussions with them if necessary, to offer explanations or take steps that would help preserve harmony.”
He was speaking after attending Friday prayers with more than 1,000 congregants at Surau Al-Istiqlal in Precinct 14, Putrajaya.
Last night, 160 UMNO divisions reportedly called on the government to act on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree relating to Najib’s case.
UMNO Wangsa Maju division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Abdullah urged the government not to delay implementing the decree.
Najib is currently serving a six-year sentence in Kajang Prison after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International.
Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim has said that the Malaysian government will give due consideration to the proposed appointment of conservative commentator and author Nick Adams as the next United States ambassador to Malaysia, but emphasised that it is premature to make a formal decision.
“It is still too early to decide, but the government will consider the matter accordingly while safeguarding good relations between Malaysia and the US,” Anwar told reporters.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Malaysia remains committed to observing proper diplomatic channels and procedures in its dealings with Washington.
The nomination was first announced by US President Donald Trump on 11 July, pending the usual vetting and confirmation processes in the United States.
Adams, an Australian-born American known for his outspoken conservative views and media commentary, has been a prominent supporter of Trump and has authored several political books.
His proposed appointment comes amid evolving global dynamics and a continued emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties between Kuala Lumpur and Washington. - July 18, 2025
