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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 50773, member: 636"] The palace warned politicians to keep their hands off judge appointments after top court positions became empty. Istana Negara said the government must follow strict constitutional rules when picking new judges for Malaysia's highest courts. The King appoints Federal Court, Court of Appeal and High Court judges based on advice from the Prime Minister. The Conference of Rulers gets consulted before any final decisions get made. Palace officials stressed that nobody should turn these important appointments into political games. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong holds the power to name the country's top four judicial leaders plus other senior court judges. Article 122B of the Federal Constitution spells out exactly how the appointment process works. The Judicial Appointments Commission Act helps screen candidates but the Prime Minister still gives the final recommendation to the King. Government ministers must handle everything according to the law to protect the King from political attacks. The palace posted the warning on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page. Malaysia's two highest judicial posts sat empty after the previous office holders hit mandatory retirement age. Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim both retired at 66 on July 2 and July 3. Law Minister Azalina Othman Said told reporters that Cabinet members discussed filling the vacant Chief Justice and Court of Appeal President positions. The Conference of Rulers will meet from July 15 to 17 to handle the matter. Chief Judge Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim and Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof are temporarily doing the jobs. [/QUOTE]

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