PUTRAJAYA: Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat (pic) finished her last day at work with two major decisions – and without any regrets.
She presided over the case of the murder of former public prosecutor Kevin Morais and also made a ruling on the Peaceful Assembly Act, after which she said she had no regrets in her six-year tenure as the top judge in the country.
While there has been buzz among lawyers and other judges over why she was not given a six-month extension in her post, Tengku Maimun shrugged it off, saying she had no resentment that she had not received such an offer.
The outgoing Chief Justice, who is retiring, told press members that there was “no issue” that a six-month extension was not on the cards.
“All I can say is that 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 the six years,” she told the media at the Palace of Justice here.
At 5pm yesterday, Tengku Maimun ended her service as the nation’s 16th Chief Justice. She had made history as the first woman Chief Justice when she was appointed to the post in May 2019.
Tengku Maimun celebrates her 66th birthday tomorrow, therefore reaching the mandatory retirement age.
Her retirement has caused a stir and has become a subject of discussion as there has been no formal announcement of a successor, thus far.
Asked about her thoughts on the judiciary, Tengku Maimun hoped 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 those from 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.
The second most senior judge in the country, Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, will retire today unless a last-minute extension is announced.
Justice Abang Iskandar is the first judge from Sabah and Sarawak to hold the position.
