The "unusual" extension of services for two of the country's top judges is a move that will further undermine public confidence in the judiciary, said former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

"It is not as if there are no other candidates.

"It (the extension) has all the earmarks of favouritism... of special favour by the government," said Mahathir who referred to the appointment of Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif and Court of Appeal president Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin as additional judges in order to extend their tenures...