Malaysia’s Chief Justice, Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, has stressed that public trust remains the judiciary’s most valuable asset and must be earned through integrity, accountability and consistent conduct at every level of the justice system.
Speaking at the inaugural lecture series honouring former Chief Justice Zaki Azmi on leadership and stewardship at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Wan Farid said confidence in the courts cannot be taken for granted.
He noted that trust in the judiciary is built gradually through the actions of judges and the quality of judicial decisions delivered over time.
“Public trust is not inherited and it is not automatically granted. It must be earned through integrity, consistency and the outcomes delivered in courtrooms across the country every single day,” he said.
Wan Farid praised Zaki for his efforts to rebuild public confidence in the judiciary during a period when the institution faced scrutiny over issues relating to independence and credibility.
According to him, Zaki assumed leadership of the judiciary at a challenging time when many Malaysians questioned whether the courts remained impartial and trustworthy.
“He took charge when difficult questions were being asked about the judiciary. Questions surrounding independence, credibility and whether the public could continue to place their trust in the institution,” he said.
The Chief Justice said Zaki confronted those concerns directly and was willing to make difficult decisions if they were necessary to strengthen the judicial system.
“He was prepared to be unpopular if it meant getting the job done,” Wan Farid remarked.
He also highlighted Zaki’s hands-on leadership style, revealing that the former Chief Justice frequently visited courts without prior notice to assess operations firsthand.
According to Wan Farid, Zaki would personally question judges and court officers about delayed cases and inefficiencies that hindered the delivery of justice.
“He did not tolerate inefficiency or empty excuses. He went directly to the courts, met officers and judges, and asked why cases were being delayed and why justice was being made to wait,” he said.
Wan Farid said those efforts played a significant role in improving the efficiency of the courts and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
He added that Zaki left behind a stronger judiciary and a legacy of reform that helped reinforce trust in one of the nation’s most important institutions.
“He earned that trust, protected it and ultimately left the judiciary in a better position than when he first took office,” Wan Farid said.
