KUALA LUMPUR: Former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, who died last night, was a luminary of the legal fraternity who rose from humble beginnings.
Lawyer Nizam Bashir said Dzaiddin left an indelible mark in the legal fraternity.
"He rose from the ranks as an ordinary member of the Malaysian Bar to a judge of the High Court and finally as Chief Justice.
"As a judge, he delivered a number of landmark judgments," he told the New Straits Times, today.
Nizam said Dzaiddin not only contributed to the legal fraternity when he was on the bench but even after retirement.
"He took a keen interest in perpetuating the good name of legal giants who came before him such as Tun Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Hashim, and he (Dzaiddin) had also served as the first chairman of Yayasan Tun Suffian," he said.
Nizam also highlighted some of the late Dzaiddin's notable contributions.
"Let's not forget Allahyarham's contributions as chairman of the Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of the police and the proposals which followed thereafter."
He said Dzaiddin will be missed by his friends and family as well as those who knew and loved him.
"May the Almighty forgive his sins and elevate his status in the Hereafter. Al-Fatihah," he said.
Datuk Dr Baljit Singh Sidhu, who is a commissioner in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the issues in the handling of the territorial case involving Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and the South Ledge, said Dzaiddin was a very strict judge, but he possessed a remarkably good temperament.
"His profound impact on the legal landscape of Malaysia will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable career.
"His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our professional endeavors," he said, while conveying his deepest condolences to Dzaiddin's family.
Dzaiddin died last night at the Prince Court Hospital due to heart complications. He was 86.
Dzaiddin was born on Sept 16, 1937 in Arau, Perlis and completed his primary education there before attending Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Setar, Kedah.
He was laid to rest today at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery at 10.30am.