[Tee tiong huat]

Summary: Name of Justice Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, who is currently with the Court of Appeal, has surfaced as most likely to become the next chief justice. PM Anwar has met lawmakers from his ruling coalition to clear the air over vacant Federal Court positions, amid concerns over interference in judicial independence. Calls for inquiry and transparency over judicial appointments have arisen from MPs, the Malaysian Bar, and even within PM Anwar's PKR party. 

KUALA LUMPUR – Former deputy minister turned judge Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has emerged as the surprise front runner to become Malaysia’s next chief justice, after weeks of controversy over the post, legal sources say.

Justice Wan Ahmad Farid, 62, is currently a judge of the Court of Appeal, the second-highest court after the Federal Court.

Shamsul Iskandar Akin, political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has dismissed the upcoming “Turun Anwar” protest as a political ploy by a “small group” seeking to maintain relevance...


He asserted that the demonstration, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on July 26, is not a genuine expression of public discontent as claimed by its organisers.