KUALA LUMPUR: Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim has been appointed acting chief judge of Malaya (CJM) following the retirement of Zabidin Diah last week.
In a letter dated March 1 sighted by FMT, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said Abang Iskandar would perform the duties and functions of that office until the position is permanently filled.
It said a copy of the letter was also emailed to all judges and senior court officials on Monday (March 4).
Tengku Maimun made the appointment under Section 9(3)(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, which states that a Federal Court judge may exercise the duties of the CJM in the event of a vacancy.
As Court of Appeal president, Abang Iskandar is also a Federal Court judge.
It was also reported that the appointment of a CJM to replace Zabidin was not on the agenda when the Conference of Rulers met two weeks ago.