Who are the leading candidates for the Federal Court positions?

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Leading Candidates Identified for Federal Court Vacancies

Approximately twelve Court of Appeal judges are considered frontrunners to fill four existing vacancies on the Federal Court bench. These candidates are being considered following recent retirements and upcoming departures of senior judges. The selection process involves the Judicial Appointments Commission proposing a list of names to the Prime Minister's Office.
Seniority-Based Frontrunners Named

Based on their order of seniority, the twelve Court of Appeal judges identified as leading candidates include Datuk Yaacob Md Sam, Datuk Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil, Datuk Suraya Othman, Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, Datuk Seri Kamaludin Md Said, Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin, Datuk Has Zanah Mehat, Datuk Lee Swee Seng, Datuk Azizah Nawawi, Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, and Datuk M Nantha Balan. These judges are positioned to potentially ascend to the highest court in Malaysia.
Multiple Vacancies to Be Filled

The current situation presents an opportunity for four new Federal Court judges to be appointed. This number accounts for the recent retirement of Datuk Seri Zawawi Salleh, who was the most senior judge on the Federal Court, and the earlier retirement of Datuk Zaleha Yusof in May. Additionally, two more vacancies will arise later this year with the retirements of Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed in October and Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Rohana Yusuf in November.
Judicial Appointments Commission's Role

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), chaired by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, is responsible for proposing suitable candidates for judicial appointments. The commission will convene to deliberate and compile a list of recommendations. This list will then be forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office for further consideration as part of the formal appointment process.
Constitutional Appointment Process

The appointment of judges to the Federal Court follows a constitutional framework outlined in Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong makes the appointments based on the advice of the prime minister. This process requires consultation with the Conference of Rulers, ensuring a structured and deliberative approach to filling these critical judicial positions.

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Who are the leading candidates for the Federal Court positions?

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