Malaysia’s Judicial Shake‑Up
When Judges Pack Their Bags
In a drama seasoned with politics and a dash of satire, Malaysia’s top law bosses – Chief Justice Raus Sharif and Court of Appeal President Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin – have decided to hit the exit button on their positions. Their resignations are set to take effect on July 31st, according to a statement from the federal court’s chief registrar.
This move comes as part of a broader cleanse orchestrated by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is sweeping away officials who were reportedly cozy with the former administration.
Why the Exit?
The king signed off on the resignations on June 8th, confirming the transition. However, the legal community wasn’t thrilled: they had argued that both Raus and Zulkefli had already hit the retirement age, putting their leadership role into question.
New Faces in Power
Last week, the government swapped the attorney‑general. Tommy Thomas stepped into the role, promising “no cover‑ups” and vowing to dig into the graft mess that shook the state fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). It’s a fresh face against any earlier clearance granted by the former attorney‑general, Mohamed Apandi Ali, who backed Najib in 2016.
Meanwhile, after just two years into a five‑year term, the central bank chief, Mohammad Ibrahim, also resigned. The move is linked to the 1MDB debacle, as officials alleged that $500 million from a land sale was used to settle the fund’s debts.
Spotting the Bigger Picture
- Mahathir’s coalition won a landslide on May 9, triggering a wave of high‑level changes.
- The former prime minister Najib Razak continues to deny any role in the 1MDB scandal.
- Legal circles have questioned appointments that may have overstepped retirement limits.
All in One Go!
With a busy run‑through of reshuffles—judges, the attorney‑general, central bank chief—it’s like Malaysia is clearing out the old deck to make room for a new one. Critics argue that the changes are less about renewal and more about tightening the ranks around the Prime Minister’s allies. Stay tuned for the next act.
