KUALA LUMPUR (April 3): The Malaysian Bar has congratulated the five High Court judges who were recently elevated to the Court of Appeal: Datuk Ghazali Cha, Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Datuk Sri Mariana Yahya, Datuk See Mee Chun and Datuk Hashim Hamzah. 

In a statement today, Malaysian Bar president AG Kalidas also congratulated the nine recently appointed Judicial Commissioners: Amelati Parnell, Norliza Othman, Hasbullah Adam, Datuk Sri Shamsulbahri Ibrahim, Roslan Mat Noor, Julia Ibrahim, Datuk Mohd Arief Emran Arifin, Dr John Lee Kien How @ Mohd Johan Lee and Adlin Abdul Majid.

Kalidas also commended Chief Justice of Malaysia Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on her remarks delivered for the induction programme of the newly appointed Judicial Commissioners. 

“Her Ladyship’s message of judicial independence and impartiality is both invigorating and heartening in these times of precarity. 

“The doctrine of separation of powers is a cardinal requirement for a well-oiled democracy. 

“Our nation has not been spared from incursions thereto. We are hopeful that the Chief Justice’s message induces an institutional tabula rasa where necessary, and a reinforcement of our system of governmental checks and balances,” said Kalidas.

Kalidas added that the Malaysian Bar recorded its appreciation for the judiciary’s willingness to work with it on matters of mutual concern, and expressed hope that the collegial relationship will flourish for the well-being of the country and its citizenry. 

“We are very pleased with these appointments and also hope that more members of the Bar will be considered for the judiciary in the future as there are many highly-capable individuals in our midst. 

“We wish the appointees the very best in their new positions, and are confident that they will contribute their utmost to serve the judiciary and the administration of justice,” he said.