APPOINTMENTS to key government posts are based on merit and not gender, colour or race, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said this when asked to comment on the appointment of Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who made history by becoming the first woman to hold the post.

“We go on merit, not on sex, colour or race. If you have the ability I think you deserve to be appointed.

“Apparently, not many people have condemned her appointment,” he said.

Tengku Maimun replaced Richard Malanjum, who retired on April 12.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah this morning presented the instrument of office to Tengku Maimun at Istana Negara.

Tengku Maimun, a former federal court judge, is the first woman to be made chief justice. Her appointment is effective May 2. – May 6, 2019.