KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is under increasing pressure from within his own party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), over delays in appointing key judicial figures, sparking concerns of judicial interference and calls for an independent inquiry. On July 7, a group of nine PKR lawmakers led by former deputy president Rafizi Ramli issued a joint statement demanding a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the prolonged vacancies at the top levels of Malaysia’s judiciary, including the Chief Justice and Court of Appeal President roles.
“The controversy regarding the judiciary remains unanswered,” Rafizi said at a press conference. “As MPs, it is our duty to defend the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers.”
Among the nine signatories were prominent figures such as former environment minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, signaling serious internal unrest within PKR. The dissent, involving nearly 30% of PKR’s MPs, is seen by political analysts as a rare public rebuke of the prime minister, who is now midway through his five-year term. The criticism comes after Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat retired on July 2 at the age of 66, without receiving the six-month extension permitted under the Federal Constitution—a norm previously granted to other retiring judges. Amid the vacuum, Chief Judge of Malaya Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is currently serving as acting chief justice.
With nine Federal Court judges retiring between April and November 2025 and only two appointments made since late 2024, concerns are growing that the bench of Malaysia’s highest court may soon be critically understaffed. Speculation has intensified over reports that Tan Sri Terrirudin Salleh, a former attorney-general under Anwar, may be fast-tracked to the role of chief justice. His appointment to the Federal Court in November 2024—while still serving in his former role—has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.
Commenting on the issue, constitutional expert Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi explained that under Malaysian law, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) selects candidates and submits them to the prime minister, who may request additional names before advising the King on appointments.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers, responding on July 8, rejected calls for an RCI and insisted that the appointment process is being conducted in accordance with the Constitution. It added that the prime minister is not merely a rubber stamp, but holds a duty to ensure judicial integrity in advising the monarch.
However, criticism from within PKR continues to mount. Maverick MP Hassan Karim, while not a signatory to the statement, said the demands amounted to a “party revolt” and a clear indication that Rafizi and his allies had “lost trust” in Anwar.
“The issue raised is legitimate and meritorious,” Hassan posted on Facebook. “It has become the elephant in the room.”
The controversy has reverberated beyond PKR. Ms Teresa Kok, a senior MP from coalition ally Democratic Action Party (DAP), urged Anwar to hold a closed-door briefing for all government MPs. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Bar has announced a march on July 14 in Kuala Lumpur to defend the independence of the judiciary.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who appointed Tengku Maimun during his second term, weighed in on June 30: “If outsiders decide who becomes a judge, we will not get the best judges. That’s why we entrust the responsibility to the commission.”
The situation is being closely watched by civil society and political observers. Ms Ariel Tan, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, warned that any perception of compromised judicial independence could erode public trust.
“Anwar has already come under fire from reformist allies for slow political reforms and questionable decisions regarding political allies. But undermining judicial independence would be far more serious,” she told The Straits Times.
Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, added: “Mr Anwar must explain the delay to dispel public confusion. Without clarity, the public cannot give him the benefit of the doubt.”
Anwar, who has been on overseas visits to Italy, France and Brazil since last week, has yet to issue a statement on the matter.