Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul said Article 127 of the Federal Constitution provides that the conduct of federal judges shall not be questioned, except with support of at least a quarter of MPs.
“We will submit a motion to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia to vehemently object to the government’s move in extending the tenure of the CJ.
“We will collect signatures to voice our objections. We will continue to push the government to think this matter over.
“We have submitted a memorandum to the palace but that does not mean we will stop there.
“We are of the view that the move is wrong and you do not do as you like,” he said at a press conference today.
Johari said he would also approach Barisan Nasional MPs to take part, on the basis that this was a constitutional matter and not a party matter.
DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said they hoped to get the signatures of at least a quarter of the MPs and submit the motion tomorrow.
“I hope it will be debated on Thursday, in keeping with the seriousness and gravity of the issue.”
Raus was appointed chief justice on April 1 and retired on Aug 3. However, he was appointed an additional judge and his tenure as chief justice was extended for three years.
The appointment of Raus has been mired in controversy following protests from the legal fraternity, which said no Federal Court judge can remain in his administrative post after reaching 66 years and six months of age.
The Malaysian Bar has announced it will file a suit to challenge the appointments of the chief justice and Court of Appeal president Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin as additional judges to remain in their posts.
Raus has defended his reappointment as the country’s top judge, questioning why he should decline the position.
He said although the move was unprecedented, everything was done according to due process of law as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the power to appoint judges under the Federal Constitution.