(Petaling Jaya, Tuesday): The statement by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad today as reported by Malaysiakini that he has yet to receive news regarding the status of the new Chief Justice, Tan Sri Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah is most extraordinary and ominous, raising the question whether the country is heading towards a mega constitutional and judicial crisis.
Malaysiakini reported that when asked by the press in Shah Alam today if the government has confirmed the appointment of Dzaiddin as the new Chief Justice, replacing Tun Eusoff Chin whose extended term expires on Dec 20, Mahathir said, "I don't know. I haven't received any news yet."
This is a most extraordinary comment from the Prime Minister, as Eusuff is to retire in two weeks’ time while three weeks ago, the appointment of Dzaiddin as the new Chief Justice was made after the Conference of Rulers - which was publicly welcomed by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department specifically responsible for law and justice, Datuk Dr. Rais Yatim.
The country can ill afford another mega constitutional and judicial
crisis.
(5/12/2000)