Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has proposed former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as Malaysia’s next prime minister, describing her as a leader of rare courage and integrity who outshines the political class.
“Why Tengku Maimun? Integrity and independence,” Zaid said in a social media post. “As chief justice, she displayed uncommon courage, most notably in upholding the principle that no one, not even powerful politicians, is above the law. That independence is exactly what Malaysia’s political system is starving for.”
He highlighted her clean image, noting that she is untainted by scandals, cronyism, or political baggage. “A prime minister who doesn’t carry the weight of deals, debts, or dynasties would be a reset button for governance,” he added.
Zaid argued that if Malaysia’s first woman chief justice were to become its first woman prime minister, it would send a powerful message of reform, inclusivity, and moral authority both domestically and abroad. He urged the opposition to rally behind her as a “unity candidate”, saying it would counter the perception that there is no credible alternative to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
While conceding that PAS might prefer its own leaders, Zaid said Tengku Maimun’s credentials as a Malay-Muslim woman of integrity could make her an acceptable compromise. He suggested Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional might adopt her as a credible face of leadership, while other blocs such as MCA, MIC, GPS, GRS and Warisan could also support her, as she is not tied to any political faction.
“With Tengku Maimun, the opposition can claim to have someone better than Anwar,” Zaid said. “A courageous former chief justice who served with dignity, applied the law without fear or favour, and is untainted by the toxic culture of money politics. Tengku Maimun represents the kind of leader Malaysia deserves.”
Her candidacy, he added, could galvanise disillusioned voters who want integrity over rhetoric.
Tengku Maimun’s tenure ended on 2 July after six years in office. She was appointed in 2019 under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pakatan Harapan government. Her final months were marked by controversy, including the government’s refusal to extend her tenure, her overseas speech opposing prime ministerial influence in judicial appointments, and the leak of Judicial Appointments Committee minutes which placed a senior judge in the spotlight.