PUTRAJAYA – Outgoing Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has expressed gratitude for her six-year tenure, saying she holds no resentment over the decision not to extend her service by six months.
Speaking to reporters at the Palace of Justice on Tuesday (July 1), Tengku Maimun said she regarded her time in office as a privilege and felt it had been a fulfilling chapter in her career.
“All I can say is I have served for six years in good health and I think that in itself is a blessing.
“And no regrets, because I have completed my term as the Chief Justice, so the fact that I have not been extended for another six months, that's no issue at all.
“Six months is not significant compared to six years,” she said, as quoted by The Star.
Her tenure formally came to a close at 5pm on Tuesday. Appointed in May 2019, she made history as Malaysia’s first woman Chief Justice. She turns 66 on Wednesday (July 2), reaching the mandatory retirement age for the judiciary.
Her retirement has sparked widespread discussion, particularly as no successor has been formally named thus far.
Tengku Maimun said she hoped her successor would continue upholding the independence of the judiciary.
“I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Malaysian Bar and of course, generally all the lawyers, including Sabah and Sarawak, for giving me strong support. I think they understand that the strength of the judiciary depends very much on the strength of the Bar.
“I am truly appreciative,” she added.
Earlier in the Federal Court, what began as routine proceedings turned into a heartfelt farewell. Several lawyers stood to pay tribute to Tengku Maimun and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who is also due for retirement on Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the Malaysian Bar, lawyer Anand Raj described the occasion as a moment to honour Tengku Maimun’s “extraordinary leadership”.
“Today we are not only witnessing the retirement of a Chief Justice, but also celebrating an exceptional legacy that has transformed Malaysia’s judiciary.
“Tun (Tengku Maimun) was not only the first woman to hold the post but also played a key role in restoring the judiciary’s dignity after the 1988 judicial crisis.
“Her leadership revived public confidence in the institution and raised its standing to be on par with the best in the Commonwealth,” said Anand, who is also the Bar Council’s deputy president.
Senior lawyer Datuk Gurdial Singh Nijar said she had fiercely defended judicial independence, particularly during recent periods of institutional pressure.
“The suggestion to extend her tenure was not about politicising the judiciary, but rather a mark of respect for the quality of her judgments, which meet international standards,” he said.
Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet called Tengku Maimun an inspiration for the younger generation of legal practitioners.
“Tun’s loyalty to the Federal Constitution, rule of law, and doctrine of separation of powers has reignited the spirit of legalism in this country,” he said.
From the public gallery, lawyer Raja Eileen Soraya Raja Aman rose to her feet and spoke with emotion.
“Please leave office with your heads held high, because you have allowed us to hold ours high with pride,” she said.
In a brief reply on behalf of herself and Abang Iskandar, Tengku Maimun thanked the Malaysian Bar for its steadfast support throughout the years.
“I would like to thank you for your kind words. The Malaysian Bar has always stood behind us and we truly appreciate your support.
“All the support given by you during difficult times, when the judiciary came under attack… we can say we were defended by the Bar and some other bodies and individuals.
“For that, I am grateful. Thank you for all the kind words. We wish the Bar all the best in your future endeavours.
“Thank you, court is adjourned,” she said, drawing the proceedings to a close. - July 1, 2025
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