Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh was appointed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for a two-year term starting November 15, 2025, through November 14, 2027. The appointment was officially gazetted on November 18, 2025 [1, 2, 3, 4].
The Malaysian Bar filed a judicial review application on February 12, 2026, seeking to quash Terrirudin’s appointment. The Bar argued that the appointment violated the JAC Act, raising concerns about the commission’s composition, statutory powers, and unresolved allegations against Terrirudin. It requested additional remedies, including a call for a royal commission of inquiry [1].
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), represented at the High Court hearing today by Senior Federal Counsel Shamsul Bolhassan, countered that the appointment fully complied with Section 5(1)(e) of the JAC Act. Bolhassan said, "Section 5(1)(e) of the JAC Act required only that an appointee be a Federal Court judge and be appointed by the prime minister." He emphasized that the JAC "is only to make recommendations and not to appoint judges. The appointment of judges remains under the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advice of the prime minister." [1]
The AGC also noted that Terrirudin is one member among several on the multi-member commission and "does not possess unilateral authority over judicial appointments." [4] The AGC argued the JAC’s powers and the role of its members do not violate the Act.
During the hearing today, Counsel Steven Thiru for the Malaysian Bar argued the challenge has merit, stating, "There is a prima facie case and warrants consideration by this court." [1]
The High Court heard submissions from both parties on June 9, 2026. It is scheduled to deliver its decision on whether to grant leave to proceed with the judicial review on October 5, 2026 [1, 2].
