Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Appointed as New Chief Justice of Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – In a significant development for the nation’s judiciary, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has consented to the appointment of Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh as the new Chief Justice of Malaysia. Wan Ahmad Farid, who previously served as a Court of Appeal judge, will now hold the highest judicial office in the country.

The appointment was made based on the advice of the Prime Minister, following due consultation with the Conference of Rulers, in accordance with constitutional provisions. The announcement was issued by the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, which confirmed that the royal appointment had been formalised with the necessary constitutional procedures.

Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid’s appointment comes in the wake of the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on July 2, 2025. Tun Tengku Maimun made history in 2019 as the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice in Malaysia and is widely respected for her commitment to judicial independence and reform. Her departure marks the end of a distinguished tenure and ushers in a new chapter for the Malaysian judiciary.

In the same announcement, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais has been appointed as the new President of the Court of Appeal, while Datuk Azizah Nawawi will assume the role of Chief Judge of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak. These key appointments reflect the continuity and strength of leadership within Malaysia’s legal system and are expected to bring a renewed focus on efficiency and integrity across all levels of the judiciary.

The official swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed judges will take place on July 28, 2025, at Istana Negara, where they will take the oath of office and oath of loyalty in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The ceremony will be a formal affirmation of their roles in upholding the Federal Constitution, ensuring justice, and protecting the rule of law.

Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid, who has a background in law and public service, brings with him a wealth of experience and is expected to steer the judiciary through a period marked by increasing public interest in legal accountability, transparency, and reform. His leadership will be closely watched as the judiciary continues to play a central role in Malaysia’s democratic framework.

The legal community and stakeholders across the country have expressed anticipation over the new appointments, hoping they will contribute positively toward strengthening public trust and ensuring the independence of the judiciary is preserved and enhanced in the years to come.