KUALA LUMPUR: She was a woman of many firsts – she was the first female High Court Judge, Court of Appeal Judge and Federal Court Judge.
Then, she went on to become the first woman to be made Chief Judge of Malaya, serving from 2004 to 2006,
Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob (pic), who passed away yesterday, was also the first female judge from Malaysia to be appointed to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Court in 2008.
Her son Meor Amri Meor Ayob, 56, said his mother passed away at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital at 1.51pm yesterday while being treated for pneumonia, Bernama reported.
She was 85.
Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh was among those who extended their condolences to her family.
In a statement released through the Chief Registrar’s Office, he described Siti Norma as a great jurist who shattered multiple glass ceilings in the Malaysian judiciary.
“She set the foundation for future lady judges and was exemplary in proving that women can accede to high judicial office,” the statement said.
Siti Norma, who was born in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, on July 6, 1940, spent more than 40 years in the legal service and was notable for her landmark judgments and remarkable judicial temperament.
Former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, when contacted, said that Siti Norma broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women judges in the country.
“She is a respected jurist and administrator, not only in Malaysia but internationally.
“After retiring from the Malaysian Bench she was appointed as a judge at the Dubai International Financial Centre, reflecting the global respect for her experience, integrity and wisdom,” Md Raus said.
Meanwhile, senior lawyer Datuk Dr Baljit Singh Sidhu said Siti Norma was a “trailblazer” who will always be remembered as the first woman appointed to the Federal Court.
“Throughout her illustrious career, she served the nation with unwavering integrity, wisdom, and dedication to the rule of law. Her judgments and leadership on the Bench helped shape the development of Malaysian jurisprudence and strengthened public confidence in the administration of justice.
“Her passing is a profound loss not only to the judiciary and the legal profession, but to the nation as a whole. The contributions she made to the development of Malaysia’s legal system will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and judges,” Baljit said.
