Chief Justice Pledges Faster Resolution For Commercial Cases

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh’s first 100 days has provided vital indications on how he intends to steer Malaysia's judiciary administration.

He shared his plans during a media interview at his office in the Palace of Justice, including the move to establish additional courts for the Commercial Court division in Kuala Lumpur to boost investor confidence and facilitate faster resolution of commercial cases.

"Independence of judiciary means confidence of investors, when they feel that the judiciary is independent, they are confident in investing in our country and that is the most important thing.

"We are going to enhance the Commercial Court by appointing more judges to clear disputes so that we can deliver decisions in commercial cases as quickly as possible," he said during the interview, held in conjunction with his 100 days in the office as Chief Justice.

In addition, there are plans of establishing a separate commercial court in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that commercial disputes are handled by specialised judges. 

"My hope is by next year, we are going to have at least eight to 10 commercial judges in the Kuala Lumpur High Court," he said.

Another area of concern for Justice Wan Ahmad Farid is the Family Cour, and the judiciary is exploring the possibility of allowing senior Sessions Court judges to hear additional family court matters beyond joint petitions.

Currently, there is only one family court in the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex that handles civil divorce matters, he noted.

"With this option in mind, Family Court judges at the High Court will have more room to handle complicated matters, thereby reducing the backlog of cases.

"We are thinking of giving more powers to selected senior Sessions Court judges to handle other matters, because Section 2 of the Law Reform Act (Marriage and Divorce) allows the Yang Dipertuan Agong, with the advice by the Chief Judge of Malaya and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak to empower Sessions Court judges to hear other matters, not just petitions," he said.

The top judge also revealed the judiciary's plan to establish a new courthouse in Shah Alam, Selangor and said a suitable location would be identified soon.

Justice Wan Ahmad Farid also gave journalists a tour of his chambers and work areas following the interview, which offered a glimpse into the inner workings and the daily operations of his office.

“Nobody can instruct me to do anything… not even the prime minister. Except the media," he quipped.

Justice Wan Ahmad Farid’s personal commitment to integrity in his daily work was perhaps best reflected in his simple reply to a question about what it was like to be enjoy the view of Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque from his office daily.

“"So my conscience is always clear," he said.

-- BERNAMA