SABAHANS have welcomed the appointment of Richard Malanjum as the chief justice of the Federal Court, as well as David Wong as the chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak.

Both Malanjum and Wong are Sabahans, with the former being the first Borneon to be appointed to the top judicial post in the country.  

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau said Malanjum would serve well in his new position because of his experience within the legal and judiciary fraternity.

“Throughout his career, Malanjum has come to be recognised and respected for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the constitution,” he said.

The Sabah Law Society, the legal body in Sabah, also noted that the appointments of Malanjum and Wong are a testament to the recognition of both judges’ sterling calibre. 

“Both were private practitioners in Sabah before being elevated to the bench.

“They will have the opportunity to create a positive and lasting impact in the Malaysian justice system and doing so, will help promote the cause of justice, uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of the public,” said its president, Brendon Keith Soh. 

Malanjum, 65, was sworn in as the new chief justice yesterday, replacing Mohd Raus Sharif, whose resignation becomes effective July 31.

Malanjum received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V yesterday.

Critics have said naming Malanjum as the new chief justice was Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s way to please Sabahans and make up for his past mistakes.

Dr Mahathir had been accused of flooding Sabah with illegal immigrants and for bringing in Umno to the state.

But most Sabahans were quick to brush off the allegations of political manoeuvring aside, saying that the recognition of the two judges’ qualifications is long overdue.

“It is high time for a Sabahan to helm the top position in the country’s judiciary system. Talks about his appointment being politically motivated could be just coincidence,” said PBS secretary-general Johnny Mositun.

“Let’s not forget that Richard deserves this appointment, as he is the most senior judge I’ve known.” – July 12, 2018.