Newly minted Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has vowed to safeguard the independence of the judiciary amidst criticism over his background in politics.
Referring to his time in the legislative, Wan Ahmad Farid recognised his "long and varied career" and described it as something that he could not erase.
00:00Finally, there is a more urgent need than ever for judges to embrace past-paced technological developments, which is the epicenter of the human experience today.
00:17COVID-19 has accelerated the use of technology in businesses in our daily lives and consequently in courts around the world. The adoption of technology in our courts will continue as it enhances the efficiency of the court system and allows better access to justice.
00:34The judiciary will closely follow technological developments and, in particular, the impact of the evolution of artificial intelligence. We will ensure that our judges are sufficiently equipped not only to use technology in courts but also to manage issues relating to technology.
00:52Ladies and gentlemen, one final word. One of the most influential contributors to the principle that power must not be concentrated in one person or institution but rather divided among different branches of government to prevent tyranny and protect liberty of the French philosopher Montesquieu.
01:11In L'Esprit de Loire, the spirit of the laws, he wrote, and I quote, there is no liberty if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive, unquote.
01:23I have had a long and varied career. I have served in all three branches of the government. I cannot erase my history, political or otherwise.
01:33But as I assume this most solemn, and for as long as I occupy this chair, I give you my unconditional pledge in the name of my creator, Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, that I will vigorously protect and relentlessly still guard the independence of a branch of government with every fibre of my being.
01:55And now let us look forward to the future of our judiciary, one that is independent, resilient, efficient, learned, and future-proof.
02:04Let us do this for our beloved country. To my fellow brother and sister judges, to the judicial officers throughout the country, to Tan Sri Ahtoni and his able officers in the AGC, the Malaysian Bar, the Sabah Law Society, the Advocates Association of Sarawak, and other stakeholders,
02:21let us chart this future together by working with me.
02:26I pledge to do my level best towards the betterment of the Malaysian judiciary and its independence,
02:32that there be a strong message of the independence of judiciary, which shall continue to be loud and clear,
02:39echoing not just through the halls of the Palace of Justice and other courthouses,
02:43but also through all corners of our society and all the corridors of power in our country.
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