Judiciary’s credibility restored under the leadership of Tengku Maimun.
Several leading lawyers paid tribute to Chief Justice (CJ) Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim in an impromptu farewell at the Federal Court, ahead of their impending retirements.
The tribute followed the conclusion of a court hearing chaired by Tengku Maimun, who led a five-judge panel that included Abang Iskandar. Today marks her final working day, with her 66th birthday—and mandatory retirement—falling tomorrow. Abang Iskandar retires on July 2, ahead of his birthday on July 3.
Speaking on behalf of the Malaysian Bar, vice-president Anand Raj expressed deep appreciation for Tengku Maimun’s leadership since her appointment in May 2019.
“As Yang Amat Arif steps down, you leave behind a judiciary that is more accessible, efficient and technologically advanced. Most importantly, you have provided principled leadership that has strengthened public confidence in the judicial system,” he said.
Anand highlighted her remarkable caseload—859 decisions during her tenure, including 93 in the Federal Court. He praised her as a mentor, pioneer, and inspiration to lawyers, law students, and judges alike.
He credited Tengku Maimun for steering the judiciary through the COVID-19 pandemic and embracing digital transformation. “Today, our courts are among the most technologically advanced, enhancing access to justice for all Malaysians.”
He added that her grace and integrity during constitutional crises proved the judiciary’s ability to uphold independence under pressure. “While lawyers may not win every case, we walk away knowing we were given a fair hearing.”
Anand also acknowledged that Tengku Maimun was the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice and that Abang Iskandar was the first judge from Sabah and Sarawak to serve as Court of Appeal President.
Senior lawyer Datuk Dr Gurdial Singh Nijar said the judiciary’s credibility had been restored under their leadership. “It is now on par with the best in the Commonwealth. Calls to extend your tenure were genuine and not political, as some have claimed.”
Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet said both judges had inspired young lawyers and civil society. “Your fidelity to the Federal Constitution, rule of law, and judicial independence has sparked a renaissance in Malaysian jurisprudence.”
Lawyer Raja Eileen Soraya stood in court and said: “Please leave your offices with your heads held high because you have certainly allowed us to hold our heads high.”
Speaking on behalf of both herself and Abang Iskandar, Tengku Maimun thanked the Bar and legal fraternity for their steadfast support. “We appreciate the support given during challenging times. The Bar and other bodies stood by us when the judiciary came under attack. We are most grateful.”
Later, four more lawyers gave brief tributes.
Datuk N Sivananthan said it was an honour to practise under her stewardship. “It’s made me proud to be a lawyer, proud of the judiciary, and proud of the quality of our judges and judgments.”
Datuk Amer Hamzah Arshad thanked both CJ and PCA for their “exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication to justice, and steadfast commitment to uphold the Constitution and rule of law.”
Kitson Foong called the moment “bittersweet” and praised the CJ’s commitment to upholding justice and restoring public trust. “Your judgments have shaped jurisprudence and embodied fairness, compassion, and equity.”
Foong specifically credited Tengku Maimun for overseeing the Federal Court’s swift review of more than 800 death sentences after Malaysia’s 2023 abolition of mandatory death penalties. “No one else could have done it. Thank you for giving those ‘banduan’ (convicts) a second chance at life.”
He also lauded Abang Iskandar’s sharp legal mind and principled leadership. “You both exemplify what it means to be true custodians of justice—firm yet kind, intelligent yet humble.”
Lawyer Afifuddin Ahmad Hafifi closed by thanking them for “raising the bar in upholding judicial independence and integrity,” saying their service had transformed global perceptions of Malaysia’s judiciary and aligned it with the Commonwealth’s finest.