Next CJ? Malanjum's presence at Istana sets tongues wagging

History will be created at the end of this month if the next chief justice hails from the Borneo states.

It is not certain, but the presence of Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum at the Istana Negara today at the swearing-in ceremony of 13 new ministers has set the tongues wagging on such possibility.

Justice Richard was on hand to witness the ministers and deputy ministers sign the oath of office and loyalty, and the instrument of appointment.

When the first 13 ministers were appointed on May 21, Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif witnessed the ceremony.

However, Justice Raus and Court of Appeal president Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin had tendered their resignations which will take effect on July 31. 

When met at the sidelines of the swearing in ceremony today, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told reporters that Justice Rauf was "on leave" and hence, Malanjum was acting on his behalf.

He said his government already has a replacement in mind.

Out of all the judges in the Federal Court, Justice Malanjum is the most senior.

However, in his present position, he is considered the fourth senior judge in the country after the chief justice, Court of Appeal president and the Chief Judge of Malaya, Justice Ahmad Ma'arop.

Justice Malanjum, who graduated from UiTM, completed his Barrister-at-Law in 1976 and was admitted to the English Bar, the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn in London.

He then continued his service as a deputy public prosecutor and senior legal counsel in Sabah. He later left to join the private practice in 1981.

In 1992, he was appointed a judicial commissioner and was confirmed a judge of the High Court in 1993.

In 2002, he was elevated to the Court Of Appeal and at the age of 52, and in 2005, he became the youngest judge of the Federal Court.

On July 26, 2006, Justice Malanjum was appointed the fourth Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, the first from the Kadazandusun community to be appointed to the post.

He played a pivotal role towards the formation of Native Court and is also a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission.

Justice Malanjum turns 66 this October and could be given a six-month extension as per stated in the Federal Constitution. - Mkini