Have some cake...

Technorati tags: Judiciary, Chief Justice, Tenure, Law, Politics

Yesterday, myAsylum hinted at the possibility that the position of Chief Justice might be discussed by the Conference of Rulers. That, apparently, did not happen, as reported by Bernama late yesterday evening.

The highlight of the report, for Walski, was the last paragraph (emphasis by myAsylum).

The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Engku Tan Sri Ibrahim Engku Ngah in a statement said the meeting discussed matters on defence, security, the current economic situation and education.

At the end of the meeting, Abdullah was presented a cake to mark his fourth anniversary as Prime Minister.
(source: Bernama)

The report, however, declined to mentioned if Pak Lah ate it, too. Nor did it mention the variety, or if it came with candles. Oh well, at least he got his cake.

What is more interesting surrounding the cake-related news, is that the CJ's 6-month customary extension of tenure was not granted. Instead, the recenty promoted Court of Appeal President, Abdul Hamid Mohamed, will be acting CJ with immediate effect, until a suitable appointment is made. This was reported by Bernama just before 9pm yesterday, and picked up by Malaysiakini shortly after.

CJ's 6-month extension not granted (via Malaysiakini)

Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, therefore, is out, as correctly predicted.
(resignation amidst controversy, and more, in the full post)

The Malaysiakini report also added that not being granted the extension is a rarity.

However, the latest development today makes it plain that Ahmad Fairuz would be one of the few CJs in the history of Malaysian judiciary not to be given an extension.

It is a known practice for retiring CJs to apply for a six months' extension.
(source: Malaysiakini)

Earlier, The People's Parliament communicated some grapevine rumblings about the extension not being granted. One can speculate between the lines - did this decision have anything to do with the royal petition that was handed just days before? While it would be nice to think so, it would, of course, be mere speculation.

In any case, Walski sees this as a positive - for whatever reason behind it. Having someone in that position retained while a controversy surrounding him remains is definitely a lot less healthier.

Sometimes, it's better to just accept a positive outcome, and not wonder why it went that way. What's more important, in this case after all, is the outcome.

As Rocky has been quick to remind us, our new acting CJ is someone whom at least had the tenacity to do right by the law... and therefore, someone definitely fit to hold such an austere position in the judiciary.