PUTRAJAYA: Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has no regrets over her tenure as the top judge in the country nor does she have any resentment over the lack of extension offered to her.
The outgoing Chief Justice, who is retiring on Wednesday (July 2), told the media that there was "no issue" that a six-month extension was not on the cards for her.
"All I can say is I have served for six years in good health and I think that in itself is a blessing.
"And no regrets, because I have completed my term as the Chief Justice, so the fact that I have not been extended for another six months, that's no issue at all.
"Six months is not significant compared to six years," she said when met by the press at Palace of Justice here on Tuesday (July 1).
At 5pm on Tuesday, Tengku Maimun ended her service as the 16th Chief Justice. She created history as the first woman Chief Justice when she was appointed to the post in May 2019.
Tengku Maimun celebrates her 66th birthday on Wednesday and therefore reaching the mandatory retirement age.
Her retirement has caused a stir and became a subject of discussion as there is no formal announcement of a successor, thus far.
When asked about her hope on the judiciary, Tengku Maimun hoped that her legacy would be continued by whoever succeeds her.
"I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Malaysian Bar and of course, generally all the lawyers, including Sabah and Sarawak, for giving me strong support. I think they understand that the strength of the judiciary depends very much on the strength of the Bar.
"I am truly appreciative," she added.
