Standards set by former judicial leaders remain, says chief justice

Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh emphasized that the judiciary's strength lies in the character and conduct of its members, rather than in its grand buildings or titles. In a reference to four former top judicial leaders, he stated that their standards should continue to guide current judges. These leaders included former chief justices Eusoff Chin, Dzaiddin Abdullah, and Abdul Hamid Mohamad, as well as former chief judge of Malaya, Siti Norma Yaakob.

The chief justice highlighted that the judiciary must uphold these principles to maintain public confidence. Eusoff, known for his disciplinary approach, ensured judges arrived on time. Dzaiddin, the first chief justice from the Bar, focused on restoring public confidence and embracing technology. Hamid advocated for judicial restraint and the interpretation of law, not creation.

Norma broke barriers for women in the legal profession and possessed qualities like patience and incorruptibility. The chief justice concluded by stating that the legacy of these four leaders is a combination of discipline, trust, principle, restraint, and broadened representation. Their work, he said, is incomplete, and it now falls to the current judiciary to carry on their legacy in serving those who come after.