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. 16/2026: Confirmation of company shareholding for land transactions
May 5, 2026
We refer to the letter from Pejabat Tanah dan Galian (PTG) dated 16th April 2026 titled “Pengesahan Pegangan Saham Syarikat Bagi Urusan Tanah”. Company Shareholding Confirmation by company secretary is now a mandatory supporting document for all land registration and land dealings involving companies. Member are advised to take note
Circular No. 15/2026: MyBar Games 2026 @ Kelantan (12 & 13 June 2026)
April 22, 2026
Please be informed that this year’s MyBar Games 2026 will be hosted and organised by the Kelantan Bar Committee and will be held in Kelantan on 12 & 13 June 2026 (Friday and Saturday). The event, formerly known as the Interstate Bar Games, will feature a total of 15 games,
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