Zabidin made acting Chief Judge of Malaya

 

Justice Zabidin Diah has been appointed acting Chief Judge of Malaya, temporarily filling a vacancy arising from the retirement of Azahar Mohamed. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Federal Court judge Zabidin Diah has been made acting Chief Judge of Malaya (CJM) following a vacancy which arose upon the retirement of Azahar Mohamed two weeks ago.

In a letter to all judges and senior court officials, Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said Zabidin will perform the duties and functions of that office until the position is permanently filled.

Tengku Maimun made the appointment in accordance with Section 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 which states that a Federal Court judge may exercise the duties of the CJM in the event of a vacancy.

Azahar, who was appointed CJM in 2019, retired on Oct 27.

When contacted by FMT, Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah confirmed the appointment, saying that she had received a copy of the Chief Justice’s letter earlier today.

“The letter states Zabidin’s appointment comes into effect from Monday (Nov 7),” she said.

Zabidin, 65, was elevated to the Federal Court earlier this year.

He was appointed a High Court judge on July 28, 2006, before being elevated to the Court of Appeal on Nov 26, 2018. - FMT