Ramkarpal joins chorus urging govt to retain Tengku Maimun as CJ

Ramkarpal joins chorus urging govt to retain Tengku Maimun as CJ


Published: Jun 29, 2025 5:46 PM
Updated: 8:15 PM


Former deputy law minister Ramkarpal Singh has joined the chorus of those urging the government to extend the tenure of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as chief justice.

In a statement today, Ramkarpal (above) said the government should also extend the tenures of Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim and senior Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan.

"The government has stated on many occasions that institutional reform remains one of its top priorities, and it is difficult to comprehend why the tenure extension of the said judges does not align with such an agenda, particularly at a time when many Federal Court judges have retired or are due to retire.

"In the circumstances, it is imperative to allow for a continuation of the status quo of the current administration of the judiciary to ensure a smooth transition when the new batch of Federal Court judges takes over," the DAP lawmaker said.

Tengku Maimun will reach the mandatory age of retirement for judges, 66, on Tuesday, July 1, with Abang Iskandar hitting the milestone the very next day. Nallini's 66th birthday will be on Aug 22.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tengku Mat


The Federal Constitution allows retired judges to continue serving for an additional six months, with consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Ramkarpal said if the government chooses not to extend their tenures, it must explain why.