Malaysian Judicial and Legal Services – Johore Bar Committee

MALAYSIAN JUDICIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES

The Malaysian judiciary is structured with the Chief Justice at its head, overseeing various courts including the Federal Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts. The process of appointing judges involves multiple consultations and recommendations, primarily involving the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King). Judges retire at 65, but provisions exist for their resignation or removal under specific conditions.

JUDICIARY STRUCTURE

The Chief Justice heads the judiciary
The President heads the Court of Appeal
Two Chief Judges head the High Courts in Malaya and Sabah and Sarawak
These officials also sit in the Federal Court, the highest court in Malaysia

QUALIFICATIONS FOR JUDGES

Must be a citizen
Must have 10 years of experience as an advocate or in judicial/legal service

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

Made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the Prime Minister’s advice
Consultation with the Conference of Rulers is required
Additional consultations for appointing judges other than the Chief Justice
Chief Justice advises on the order of precedence among judges

ADDITIONAL JUDGES

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can appoint additional judges to the Federal Court on the Chief Justice’s advice

RETIREMENT AND RESIGNATION

Judges retire at 65
Judges can resign by writing to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Actions by a judge are not invalidated by their reaching the retirement age

REMOVAL OF JUDGES

Based on breaches of the code of ethics or inability to perform duties
Requires a tribunal appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
The judge can be suspended pending investigation

The Attorney General

The Attorney General in Malaysia is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Attorney General provides legal advice to the government, has the power to manage legal proceedings, and holds office at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

APPOINTMENT

Appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the Prime Minister’s advice
Must be qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court

DUTIES

Advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet, or any Minister on legal matters
Perform other legal duties assigned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Cabinet
Discharge functions conferred by the Constitution or other laws

POWERS

Discretionary power to institute, conduct, or discontinue legal proceedings (excluding Syariah courts, native courts, or courts-martial)
Right of audience and precedence in any court or tribunal in the Federation

TERM AND RESIGNATION

Holds office at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Can resign at any time
Receives remuneration determined by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong unless a Cabinet member

Latest News & Events

Circular No. 48/2026: Feedback Forms: Call for Member Input for Upcoming CPD Seminar and Webinar Topics

July 22, 2026

Dear Members and Pupils, The Professional Development & Education Sub-Committee is committed to delivering professional development programs that offer genuine value, address critical legal developments, and respect the value of your billable hours. Let’s be direct: if you find yourself reading our CPD event circulars and thinking, “Not this topic

Circular No. 47/2026: Forum on Court Matters

July 20, 2026

Kindly be informed that an online forum in respect of court matters will be held on Friday, 31st July 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The forum is intended to get members’ feedback on issues that they may face in Court and to provide suggestions for improvements. The issues and suggestions will

Circular No. 46/2026: Townhall Session on Small Firms Practice (29 July 2026)

July 16, 2026

The Professional Development & Education Sub-Committee is organising a Townhall Session on Small Firms Practice. A ‘small firm’ is generally defined as a law firm comprising not more than five lawyers. Small firms make up about 80% of the firms at the Malaysian Bar. This session aims to provide an

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