The National Assembly esterday ratified the appointment of Mr Mumba Malila as Chief Justice and veteran lawyer, Mr Vincent Malambo as a member of the Judicial Complaints Commission.
The two were roundly supported with their appointments nodded by all parliamentarians in the House on the basis that they possessed requisite qualifications and experience.
Katombora MP Clement Andeleki moved the motion to adopt the report of the Parliamentary Select Committee to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Justice Malila to serve as Chief Justice and Mr. Malambo to serve as a member of the Judicial Complaints Commission.
Mr Andeleke said the committee noted with satisfaction that all the state security agencies did not find any adverse records against the appointees.
He said submissions from all corners of the society were allowed and that no one seemed to have a problem with the appointments.
In debating the motion, Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo said he expected the judiciary to be above board and treat matters fairly.
Mr Kampyongo also urged Mr Malambo to only tolerate complaints against judges which were worth deliberating upon.
He said there were individuals who were fond of dragging judges to the commission even when there was no issue to cry foul about.
“We want fairness, the judiciary must be above board,” Mr Kampyongo said.
And Feira MP Emmanuel Tembo called on Justice Malila to ensure that all courts deal with the backlog of cases.
Mr Tembo urged the new Chief Justice to ensure that he checks on the operations of all courts.
He also advised that interviews for a nominee to the position of Chief Justice be held in public in future.
Meanwhile, Zambezi East MP Brian Kambita said the overwhelming support the motion had received attested that Justice Malila and Mr Malambo were equal to the task.
“As you have witnessed, all MPs are in support of this motion, this is an indication these are men of integrity and are equal to the task,” he said.
Milanzi MP Melesiana Phiri who seconded the motion said the Parliamentary Select Committee was confident that the appointees were qualified and equal to the task because of their experience.
