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Malaysian Bar: Increase retirement age of judges to 70

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Bar is mooting for the government to increase the retirement age of judges to 70 instead of the current age of 65.

Its president Karen Cheah said in some countries, there are proposals for the retirement age to be increased to 75 or even 80.

"The judges' current retirement age stands at 64 under the Article 125 of the Federal Constitution.

"We urge the government to make constitutional amendments to give effect to this important reform.

"This is to strengthen the Judiciary and retain the nation's talent," she said in her speech at the Opening of Legal Year 2023 today.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat in a press conference later said the Judicial Department has not discussed the issue collectively.

"There is no discussion on the retirement age, but I suppose there is no harm in exploring the matter," she said.

In a separate matter, Karen also suggested the introduction of a new regime in the way judges were being remunerated.

She said there was a pressing need to establish a Judges Remuneration Tribunal to make revisions to the salaries and allowances of judges.

She said the current structure was not ideal since it was at the will of the Executive and Legislature.

"Setting the right levels of salaries will ensure that the bench attracts and retains the very best of the nation's latent as well as the independence of the judiciary.

"It is therefore hoped that the government will address this serious issue urgently," she added.

She said the Malaysian Bar remains steadfast in its role as a guardian of the administration of justice and would not be muzzled, especially when vocalising the truth and upholding the cause of justice.

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