KUCHING: The state Democratic Action Party (DAP) has slammed the extension of Chief Justice Tan Sri Datuk Seri Md Raus Sharif’s term for another three years from this Friday.
In a statement yesterday, state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said based on Federal Constitutional provisions, Md Raus should be retiring tomorrow (Aug 3) “having reached the age of 66 years old plus six months”.
“By right, upon his retirement, the most senior Federal Court judge stands a good chance to be promoted to the post of Chief Justice,” said Chong.
According to Chong, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Panglima Richard Malanjum is the most senior Federal Court Judge and now holds the fourth highest post in the judiciary.
He called Md Raus’ extension an act “unprecedented in the history of Malaysia. By extending his term for another three years, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) is literally side-lining and depriving Malanjum the prospect of being promoted to the highest post in the judiciary”.
Chong pointed out that since the formation of Malaysia in 1963, there has never been a judge from Sabah or Sarawak appointed as Chief Justice.
“Such a track record runs counter to the spirit of equal partnership in the formation of Malaysia by the three regions, ie the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak, and renders the judiciary of Sabah and Sarawak regions as subordinate to its counterpart in Peninsular Malaysia,” he claimed.
According to him, this blatantly disregarded the provision of the Federal Constitution and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and discriminates against Sabah and Sarawak.