Former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat has disclosed that near the end of her tenure, attempts were made to influence judicial matters, something she had not experienced during her earlier years on the bench. Speaking at the Allianz Centre for Governance’s Distinguished Speaker Series in Kuala Lumpur, she reflected on the challenges faced by the judiciary and emphasized that political interference poses the most serious danger to judicial integrity.
She explained that throughout her service in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court, the judiciary had been free from such disruptions. It was only towards the final stretch of her leadership as Chief Justice that external pressure was felt. Despite these attempts, she insisted that the resilience of the institution depends largely on the moral strength and integrity of judges themselves.
Tengku Maimun highlighted that outside forces could always attempt to intervene, yet the survival of judicial independence rests on whether judges remain steadfast in their duty. According to her, ignoring interference efforts ensures that the system remains intact and continues to safeguard its impartiality. She underscored that politicians, in her personal assessment, represent the largest threat to the judicial institution.
Her remarks carried weight not only because of her position but also due to her historic role as Malaysia’s first female Chief Justice. She was appointed to the post in May 2019, succeeding Tan Sri Richard Malanjum, and concluded her service in July 2025. Over her career, she became a symbol of perseverance within the judiciary, championing judicial independence while navigating the complexities of Malaysia’s legal and political environment.
Tengku Maimun’s journey in the legal profession began in 1982 as a Legal Officer with the Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR). Two years later, she joined the Seremban Municipal Council in Negeri Sembilan before entering the Judicial and Legal Service in 1986 as an Assistant Legislative Draftsman at the Attorney General’s Chambers. Her decades of experience across various legal institutions eventually led her to the highest judicial office in the nation.
As she reflected on her tenure, she reminded Malaysians that a strong and independent judiciary is the backbone of national governance. For her, the integrity of judges will always be the decisive factor in resisting political influence and ensuring that justice remains impartial, regardless of external pressures.
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