PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 — Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said today she firmly believed the Judiciary under her tenure has made correct decisions on the law and facts regardless of the heated political overtones and undertones that clothed some of these cases before the court in recent years.
She noted that her six-year tenure from 2019 to present day is the first time in the country’s history where a Chief Justice’s service has coincided with four different prime ministers from different political affiliations.
“That alone should dispel any baseless notion that I have ever been partial to any particular prime minister or any political party,” she said.
Following her appointment as Malaysia’s first female Chief Justice, Tengku Maimun said she has always intended on fulfilling her Oath of Office especially in ensuring the Federal Constitution reigns supreme.
As Chief Justice, she added she was guided by no other considerations than the law and the facts of any case within the bounds of judicially established principles.
“I am here to do my job. I never coveted it, but by the Grace of Allah SWT, I was entrusted to lead the Judiciary.
“It is an extremely intimidating position to hold, but upon accepting the appointment, I am fully committed to doing it properly.
“I will not bend or bow to any person no matter how high and mighty, to do what he or she demands of me. My only master is Allah SWT,” she said.
Tengku Maimun is expected to retire in July this year, when she attains the mandatory retirement age of 66, unless her tenure is extended for six months by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In her last Opening of the Legal Year speech as Chief Justice, she also expressed optimism that her successor will be fully compliant with all aspects of the law while considering the need to keep the Judiciary independent in view of the unfortunate and blemishing events of history.
“The law too has developed in a positive manner where fundamental rights and liberties are given their utmost interpretation and enforced to their maximum potential.
“The role of an independent judiciary has been restored and the public is confident in us,” she said.
Ahead of her upcoming retirement, Tengku Maimun expressed her hope to be allowed to retire gracefully and happily, confident that the institution is in a much better state than it was before.
“We should gladly sit from afar and beam proudly at its growth rather than viewing it with concern that the judicial institution will turn into nothing but a mere shell of its former glory,” she said.
