Court of Appeal's circuit sitting strengthens legal access

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia’s judicial system took a step toward expanding the people’s access to justice today with thelaunch of the Court of Appeal’s circuit sitting in Penang.

The move is expected to ease longstanding logistical burdens and strengthen legal engagement across the northern region.

Chief Justice of Malaysia Datuk Seri Utama Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, who officiated the historic event, said the initiative fulfilled one of the judiciary’s key aspirations: Bringing justice closer to the people by ensuring that court processes are more accessible, responsive and reflective of the needs of litigants.

“For decades, lawyers and litigants from the northern states had no choice but to travel to Putrajaya to attend appeal hearings, often at great expense and difficulty.

“Today, we bring justice nearer to the people,” he said.

According to Wan Ahmad Farid, the circuit sitting is set to reduce delays in public service delivery and enhance the overall administration of justice.

“This initiative is not merely nostalgic but a meaningful effort to elevate legal standards and strengthen Malaysia’s rule of law,” he added.

The revival of the circuit-court concept — dormant for many years — also benefits young lawyers and pupil-in-chambers.

With appeal hearings now held in Penang, Wan Ahmad Farid said they would have more opportunities to observe high-level court proceedings, study effective advocacy techniques and better understand the preparation and implications of appeal documents.

He said the move is also expected to reduce risks and costs for the Prisons Department, which frequently transports inmates to Putrajaya for criminal appeals.

“Shorter travel distances will ease security pressures and improve operational efficiency,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the court would stand as a beacon of justice and a bridge connecting legal remedies to all Malaysians.

Earlier in his speech, Court of Appeal president Datuk Abu Bakar Jais said, since its establishment in 1994, the Court of Appeal has grown from a bench of 10 judges to 32, handling an increasing number of complex cases each year.

He said, serving as both the final appellate court for subordinate courts and the first appellate tier for High Court cases, the court played a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective administration of justice, with accessibility being a key factor.

“Historically, the Court of Appeal and Federal Court conducted circuit sittings across the country — from George Town to Johor Baru to Kota Bharu — bringing justice closer to the people.

“Over time, the exact history of these sittings became unclear, but the current initiative in Penang seeks to revive this practice, reaffirming the principle that the court should come to the people rather than the people going to the court.

“The initiative, directed by the Chief Justice, aims not only to enhance public access to the apex courts but also to serve as a platform for professional development for young lawyers,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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