KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 -- Former law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz has reportedly criticised Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's recent call to remove the prime minister's role in judicial appointments, describing her remarks as improper.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Nazri defended the current system, saying it follows long-established British conventions and was enhanced with the 2009 creation of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), which he tabled in Parliament.

"If Anwar interfered, Najib wouldn't be in jail. The court sentenced him. The pardons board reviewed his case. Where is the interference?" he was quoted as saying, seemingly referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minis...