Which court level determines AG eligibility?

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The Federal Court qualification determines Attorney General eligibility.

The Attorney General (AG) must be qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court, as stipulated by Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution. This requirement has been in place since Malaysia's formation in 1963. The AG's eligibility is therefore linked to the qualifications necessary for appointment to the nation's highest court.
Federal Court Qualification Requirement

Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution mandates that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, upon the Prime Minister's advice, appoints an individual qualified to be a Federal Court judge as the Attorney General. This specific qualification for the AG has remained consistent since the Federation of Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963.
Evolution of Judicial Hierarchy

Initially, the Federal Court was the apex court, with the High Courts being the second highest. A Federal Court judge was typically a promoted High Court judge. However, the establishment of the Court of Appeal in 1994 introduced a three-tiered hierarchy of superior courts. Consequently, a judge of the Federal Court is now ordinarily a promoted Court of Appeal judge.
Seniority for AG Appointment

Given the current judicial structure, the AG must possess sufficient seniority to be eligible for appointment as a Federal Court judge. This ensures that the AG can hold a position of equivalent standing, as expressed by the Malay saying "berdiri sama tinggi, duduk sama rendah", or "sekufu", with the most senior judges in Malaysia.

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Which court level determines AG eligibility?

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