Standards set by former judicial leaders remain, says chief justice

Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has stated that the core principles established by Malaysia's former top judicial leaders must continue to guide present-day judges. Speaking at a memorial for three former chief justices and a former chief judge of Malaya, Wan Ahmad Farid emphasized that the strength of the judiciary lies in the character and conduct of its members, not in its grand buildings or titles.

The four former leaders whose standards are to be upheld include former chief justices Eusoff Chin (1994-2000), Dzaiddin Abdullah (2002-2003), Abdul Hamid Mohamad (2007-2008), and former chief judge of Malaya Siti Norma Yaakob (2005-2007). In his remarks, Wan Ahmad Farid highlighted the significant contributions each of these individuals made to the judiciary.

Eusoff Chin, who served the longest tenure as chief justice, left behind a culture of discipline, particularly in ensuring judges arrived on time for their duties. Judicial time, according to Wan Ahmad Farid, belongs to the litigant waiting for their day in court, not the judge.

Dzaiddin Abdullah, the first chief justice appointed from the Bar, inherited a judiciary facing complaints about courtesy, restraint, and propriety. His mission was to restore public confidence in the system. Dzaiddin taught the judiciary to listen and embraced technology, paving the way for developments like online hearings.

Hamid Mohamad, known for his strong belief in judicial restraint and the limits of judicial power, emphasized in his book Hakim Bukan Parlimen (Judges Are Not Parliament) that judges interpret the law, not create it. He also advocated for simply "doing the work."

Norma Yaakob, hailed as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession, possessed the qualities of patience and incorruptibility. Incorruptibility, Wan Ahmad Farid noted, goes beyond financial considerations and requires judges to be immune to pressure, flattery, and favoritism. A litigant should leave a court feeling confident that the judge listened, considered the matter fairly, and made a decision without bias.

Wan Ahmad Farid summarized the legacy of these four leaders, stating that Eusoff provided discipline, Dzaiddin restored trust, Hamid expressed enduring principles and restraint, and Norma broadened the pool of potential judges. While each contribution is important, their collective impact is crucial. The responsibility now falls on present and future judges to carry forward the work initiated by these four distinguished individuals, ensuring the public's trust is upheld in every case.