Judiciary of Malaysia

The current Chief Justice of the Federal Court effective 2 May 2019 is Yang Amat Arif Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, the President of the Court of Appeal is Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abang Iskandar bin Abang Hashim, and the Chief Judge of Malaya is Tan Sri Dato' Mohamad Zabidin bin Mohd Diah.

The current Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak is Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Rahman bin Sebli.

Somewhat like the former Quarter Sessions in England, but does not exceed RM1,000,000 as per ss 65(1)(b), 73(b), 93(1) of the Subordinate Courts Act 1948 (SCA).

The exception however is in matters relating to motor vehicle accidents, landlord and tenant and distress, where the Sessions Courts have unlimited jurisdiction pursuant to s 65(1)(a)SCA.

The Penghulu Court's criminal jurisdiction is limited to offences of a minor nature charged against a person of Asian race which is specially enumerated in his warrant, which can be punished with a fine not exceeding RM25.

The Special Court was established in 1993 to hear cases of offences or wrongdoings made by a Ruler.

[3] Faridah Begum bte Abdullah v Ahmad Shah was the first case to be heard in this court.

The Syariah Courts have jurisdiction only over matters involving Muslims, and can generally only pass sentences of not more than three years imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, and/or up to six strokes of the cane.

The appointment of the Chief Justice is governed by Article 122B of the Constitution of Malaysia whereby the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the Prime Minister of Malaysia after consulting the Conference of Rulers.

Section 78 of the Subordinate Courts Act 1948 provides that the appointment of magistrates are done by the respective state government upon the advice of the respective Chief Judges, except for magistrates in the Federal Territory, where they are appointed by the —Yang di-Pertuan Agong upon the advice of the Chief Judge.