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FORMER law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has questioned whether PKR leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar are truly satisfied with the exclusion of Federal Court judge Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh from the shortlist of candidates for Chief Justice.
In a post on social media platform X, Zaid challenged both figures to acknowledge that the issue at hand extends beyond the omission of one name and touches on broader allegations of interference in the judicial appointment process.
“Are you both now satisfied simply because Ahmad Terrirudin’s name is not on the current list? Or do you agree that this does not resolve the core issue, which is the allegation of interference in judicial appointments?” he wrote.
Zaid also reminded Rafizi and Nurul Izzah that they had previously likened the matter to the VK Lingam video scandal from two decades ago — in which a businessman and political figures were alleged to have influenced judicial appointments.
“If that comparison is valid, then shouldn’t the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) investigate more than just ‘one senior judge’?” he asked.
He added that an inquiry should determine whether Ahmad Terrirudin was part of a broader conspiracy or merely following instructions from higher authorities.
Zaid did not dismiss the possibility of a deeper scheme than currently discussed publicly and cautioned against prematurely closing the investigation.
“We cannot leave this issue halfway. The people want to know the full truth and who is responsible,” he said.
“Either we stand for truth and accountability, or we continue the culture of selective amnesia.”
His remarks follow recent reports that Ahmad Terrirudin’s name was not included in the list of judicial candidates submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for upcoming vacancies, according to a Member of Parliament present at a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. - July 16, 2025