OPPOSITION leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has criticised the government’s decision not to extend former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s tenure, saying it signals a lack of consideration for the future of the country’s legal system.
He warned that the move has raised public concerns over the judiciary’s independence, as reflected in social media reactions.
“Even government supporters wanted Tun Maimun to be given an extension of at least six months,” Hamzah said, questioning why the government ignored these calls.
“This shows that the current government does not consider the importance of the future in terms of the country’s legal system,” he added.
Hamzah, also Perikatan Nasional secretary-general, suggested the decision may have been deliberate: “I’m not trying to jump the gun, but it seems this is the speculation out there… that this was done deliberately. That is what we are questioning.”
Tengku Maimun ended her tenure on Wednesday (July 2) after six years, with Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim appointed as acting Chief Justice. — July 5, 2025
