Negeri Sembilan ruler calls for ‘reasoned response’ to objections to Terrirudin’s appointment to JAC
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| The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir The Edge File Picture by Shahrill Basri |
The Edge reported yesterday, Monday 24 November 2025, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has reiterated concerns and has called for an immediate response to objections to Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh’s appointment as the eighth member of the Judicial Appointment Commission (JAC).
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| Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh |
Tuanku Muhriz, who attended the Negeri Sembilan Bar’s 60th anniversary celebration on Saturday, 22 November, said it is vital that the judiciary is independent of external pressures.
He said to ensure this, the process of the appointment of judges must be insulated from the influence of the executive arm of the government.
“I have, on prior occasions, spoken of the urgent need to reform the JAC. Just yesterday (Friday, 21 November), I was alerted to an appointment of a new member of the JAC.
“The Bar Council has strenuously objected to this recent appointment. There needs to be a reasoned response to the objection raised by the Bar Council,” he added.
Tuanku Muhriz, who had practised law before becoming a ruler, reminded judges not to be prejudicial.
“They (judges) must judge the case before them solely on the facts and the law. To achieve this, the role of lawyers is crucial. The judiciary cannot exercise its function effectively without the assistance of the Bar. Thus, a competent and principled Bar is equally vital.”
Although Tuanku Muhriz did not name the individual appointed, he was in all likelihood referring to Ahmad Terrirudin, who replaces retired Federal Court judge Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof despite there being several other Federal Court judges who are senior to him.
The Malaysian Bar had last week warned that the appointment to the JAC of Ahmad Terrirudin, who is the immediate-past attorney general and a current Federal Court judge, could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
"While the power of appointment lies with the prime minister, the lack of transparency surrounding the process, including the considerations applied, is troubling," Malaysian Bar president Encik Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab had said.
Prior to this, the Negeri Sembilan ruler had in October observed that the JAC needed urgent reforms, as he views that excessive executive influence risks undermining the judiciary’s independence.
He added that the current provisions governing the JAC, which was originally created to safeguard impartiality, may not be adequate.
“In particular, the commission's mechanism to pick its permanent members needs to be reworked,” he noted.
“Immediate reforms need to be considered to strengthen the independence of the Commission and ultimately, the Judiciary,” Tuanku Muhriz said.
“There is a need for a diverse and independent mechanism when it comes to the selection of the five eminent persons on the Commission.”
Sentinels of justice
Tuanku Muhriz described lawyers as sentinels of justice and reminded them of their duty to speak the truth, even when truth is uncomfortable, and to defend the defenceless, even when defence is unpopular.
The Negeri Sembilan ruler also recognised the increasing competition and economics of modern legal practice, but reminded lawyers to continue the pursuit of justice.
“Integrity cannot be legislated. It cannot be enforced by committees or coaxed by regulation. Integrity must live within the conscience of each and every lawyer.
“When you stand before the court, you carry more than a client’s file. You bear the honour of your profession, the dignity of the Bar, and the moral expectations of society. Honesty, candour, and ethical conduct are the true currency of your calling. Guard them jealously,” he reminded.
Also in attendance at the celebration were Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri, his vice-president Anand Raj, and Negeri Sembilan Bar chairman S Karthigesan.
Karthigesan in his speech also asserted that integrity and honesty are vital among lawyers.
“These values are essential not only to uphold the Rule of Law but to maintain public trust. Integrity ensures that we act ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, while honesty guarantees that all communications with the courts and colleagues are transparent.
“Without this unwavering commitment, the legitimacy of legal outcomes is compromised. National order is predicated on our professional integrity,” he said.
For judges, Karthigesan said they are seen as the last bastion of justice.
“When the noise of politics becomes deafening, it is the quiet stroke of a judge’s pen that restores order. We ask for your courage. We ask that you continue to strike down excess, interpret the constitution with a generous heart, and remind the powerful that they are not absolute,” he added.
Uploaded and adapted from the news report published by The Edge Malaysia, dated Monday, 24 November 2025.
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