7 confirmed as High Court judges amid virus restraints

The top four judicial administrators with the seven judges during the closed-door ceremony today.

PUTRAJAYA: Seven judicial commissioners on probation were confirmed as High Court judges today in a brief ceremony held behind closed doors due to the movement control order to check the Covid-19 outbreak.

According to a statement from the Federal Court chief registrar’s office, the seven were Rohani Ismail, Anslem Charles Fernandis, Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin, Mohd Radzi Harun, Aliza Sulaiman, Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid and Lim Hock Leng.

Lim took his oath of office before Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and the rest before Chief Judge of Malaya Azahar Mohamed.

Also present at the event were Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal president Rohana Yusuf.

A source told FMT the event had to be expedited as the contract of five judges will expire on March 31.

“The usual practice of receiving their letters of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was also done away with,” the source added.

It said no High Court, Court of Appeal or Federal Court judges were present to witness the event while only the spouses of the seven judges were allowed to attend the function.

There was also no speech from the chief justice although a photo session was held with the seven judges after the ceremony. - FMT