DATUK Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat was appointed Malaysia’s first-ever woman chief justice.
Her appointment is a milestone for the Malaysian judiciary and for the Asean region.
The Prime Minister’s Office, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers have made a good decision in the appointment of Tengku Maimun as the new chief justice.
The contribution of Tan Sri Richard Malanjum as the previous chief justice is duly recognised.
There are not many women chief justices.
Helen Winkelmann is chief justice of New Zealand and Meaza Ashenafi is Ethiopia’s new judicial head.
Throughout Tengku Maimun’s case law decision, it can be noted that her judgment is always based on strong “ratio decidendi” (reason for the decision) with a mixture of legal innovation to create a balanced approach in the development of Asean common law.
She has no qualms about dissenting if justice so requires. This indicates her unwavering commitment and true courage in upholding justice without fear or favour.
She will spearhead a new genesis of judicial independence and rule of law under the people’s mandate in the administration of justice for the poor, downtrodden, helpless and ease of doing business in the new Asean Economic Community.
JEONG CHUN PHUOC
Shah Alam, Selangor