PUTRAJAYA (Nov 19): Former attorney general (AG) Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh has been appointed as the eighth member of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), a body responsible for recommending and advising on judicial appointments to the courts.
According to a government gazette, Ahmad Terrirudin, appointed as a Federal Court judge last November, will serve as a JAC member for a two-year term, from Nov 15 this year to Nov 14, 2027.
Ahmad Terrirudin’s post is likely to fill the vacancy left by former Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof who retired last month.
There is another JAC vacancy to be filled in the nine-member commission, following the compulsory retirement of Chief Judge of Malaya (CJM) Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim on Nov 14. Her post as the CJM and at the JAC has yet to be filled.
Earlier this month, The Edge reported that Ahmad Terrirudin’s name is one of two names shortlisted to be the next CJM by the JAC, the other being Court of Appeal judge Datuk Hashim Hamzah.
Ahmad Terrirudin, 57, was previously a Federal Court registrar before assuming the post as the solicitor general and then the AG at the Attorney General's Chambers replacing Tan Sri Idrus Harun. Idrus is also a member of the JAC.
The Edge also reported that the executive had requested two other names besides Ahmad Terrirudin and Hamzah to replace Hasnah.
It is still unclear if Ahmad Terrirudin joining the JAC will lead to him becoming the next CJM.
The appointment requires the prime minister’s decision and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s approval, with the consent of the Rulers’ Council.
On Tuesday, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said the JAC is not at full strength because the CJM is still interim and a senior Federal Court seat is vacant. This could slow its decision-making, and filling these roles promptly is important for the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
“Addressing these vacancies without delay will affirm Malaysia’s commitment to a stable, independent and effective judicial system. It will also assure the public, the legal profession and all branches of government that the administration of justice remains anchored in certainty, principle and respect for the constitutional framework,” he added.