Legal milestone: New appointments sees women in top roles in judiciary

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has once again made history with the appointments of Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim as Acting Chief Justice and Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof as Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

For the second time in our nation’s history, women now lead the top two positions in the judiciary.

Wanita MCA offers our heartfelt congratulations to both appointees and hopes they continue to serve as role models for current and future generations.

This is not only a historic moment, but one that inspires pride, confidence, and admiration across the country.

This milestone follows the ground-breaking appointment of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as Chief Justice in 2018, a moment that signalled the growing recognition of women’s leadership in the judiciary. In 2025, with both roles now held by women, albeit in an acting capacity, we urge that these appointments be made permanent.

Their service reflects deep legal knowledge, sound judgement, and integrity; qualities that merit full and formal recognition.

The presence of women in leadership roles within the legal profession is no longer an exception. These appointments reinforce what many already know: women are more than capable of excelling in law, both in practice and on the bench.

Their rise is not the result of tokenism, but the outcome of hard work, competence, and perseverance.

The Malaysian Bar has rightly voiced concern about the "dangerous vacuum" left by the retirement of Tengku Maimun.

This highlights the need to ensure continuity and stability in judicial leadership.

In the absence of permanent appointments, uncertainty may undermine public confidence.

The government must prioritise the confirmation of capable candidates, uphold transparency in the selection process, and ensure that leadership transitions do not hinder the administration of justice.

Wanita MCA encourages Malaysian women, especially those considering careers in law, to see these appointments as a clear sign that the profession welcomes their talent and ambition.

Let this serve as motivation to pursue legal education and leadership roles without hesitation.

These appointments are a proud reflection of how far we have come and a reminder of how much more we can achieve by recognising and supporting talent regardless of gender.

However, more can and should be done.

Malaysia must continue to strive towards genuine gender equality, where the contributions of both men and women are measured by merit, not shaped or limited by outdated expectations or traditional gender roles.

CHAN QUIN ER

MCA Information Chief, Wanita MCA Secretary General