CJ tells judges who can't handle backlog to make 'dignified exit'

 

Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has expressed concern over delays in the delivery of written High Court judgments, stressing that justice must be dispensed in a timely manner.

Speaking during the 2026 Legal Year Opening at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Wan Ahmad Farid said he is aware of the prevalence of delays in written judgments.

Therefore, he announced that the Judicial Academy will adopt a supportive approach to better understand the challenges faced by the judges.

However, he stressed that this approach does not absolve judges of their responsibility, adding that those who are unable to cope with the demands of the bench should consider making an honourable exit while they still can.

“For the sake of the public who await our decisions, we cannot allow the machinery of justice to be clogged.

“To put it bluntly, and I really mean this, the kitchen is open, but the service must be timely. If the kitchen is no longer to your liking, the exit remains a dignified option,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Farid added that a judge carrying a backlog of 10 or more outstanding grounds of judgment bears a heavy burden, not only on the judicial system, but also on their own conscience.

He emphasised that delays in written judgments stall the administration of justice, as the Court of Appeal cannot proceed without written grounds provided by the High Court.

“The bench is a place for those who can stand the heat of the fire. I have to be fair to the litigants and to the Court of Appeal judges who cannot proceed with an appeal simply because the High Court’s grounds are not available,” he added.

Last December, the chief justice pledged to expedite the judiciary’s case backlog.

Wan Ahmad Farid planned several initiatives beyond the courtroom during his tenure, including plans to expand Court of Appeal and Federal Court sittings outside Putrajaya to strengthen legal advocacy.

In addition to bolstering circuit sittings, the 17th chief justice has also committed to tackling case backlogs with the aid of artificial intelligence, while ensuring judicial workload balance and wellness among judges. - Mkini