KUALA LUMPUR (July 3): Two days after stepping down from her distinguished six-year tenure as Malaysia's chief justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat delivered a pointed message to the government: the eyes of the people, and hers, will remain fixed on the future of the country's judicial independence.

Speaking at the launch of her book 'Behind the Gavel', the former top judge who retired on Tuesday, said she would now set aside her judicial robes and be out of the picture.

"I have done my part to ensure judicial independence. However, the eyes of the people, including mine, are on the current and future chief justices and the government, to ensure continuous judicial independence and justice.

"I can only breathe some relief that I no longer have to bear that responsibility (of ensuring judicial independence and rule of law)," she said.

The launch of the book — a collection of her selected judgements and speeches over the years — was officiated by Singapore Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon on Thursday.

Also present at the launch was her former second-in-command, former Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who retired on Wednesday; her predecessor and fellow former chief justice Tun Md Raus Sharif; retired Federal Court judge Tan Sri Zainun Ali; and current Federal Court and Court of Appeal judges.

Tengku Maimun reiterated that she never harboured any hope of becoming Malaysia’s 16th chief justice.

“Never in my wildest dream did I imagine that someone like me would hold the top post in the august office. I took the job as a test from Allah in this world to show my commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the Islamic faith, such as honesty and integrity, which are one of the highest forms in fighting evil and injustice,” she said.

She ascended to the post in May 2019, succeeding Tun Richard Malanjum, and led the judiciary under four prime ministers: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Sundaresh, speaking at the book launch, praised Tengku Maimun as a highly respected figure in the region when it comes to judicial independence. For this reason, Singapore has invited her to give a talk on this issue next week, together with other justices. Tengku Maimun is set to speak on the topic of "Justice for all: Advancing Gender Equality in the Law".

Sundaresh also commended Tengku Maimun and Malanjum’s idea of introducing the mobile court system to increase access to justice for the public. While Malanjum conceived of and implemented the idea, Tengku Maimun enhanced the system, which is seen as widening access to justice for more people. This mobile court system is now widely implemented in Sabah and Sarawak and rural Malaysia.

The Singapore chief justice also credited Tengku Maimun for the digitalisation of court technology, including applications like e-jamin, which helped improve the bail-posting process.

Zainun, who was also present, described Tengku Maimun as the best chief justice Malaysia has ever had, saying she had elevated the judiciary to an unprecedented level.

“Tengku Maimun gives justice not only as an intellectual exercise but as a human endeavour. She has a deep understanding of the human condition, and that sets her apart.

“She approached cases with an open mind, and invited debates and discussions on the most difficult issues at hand with colleagues. Her voice shaped the powers and contours of jurisprudence, which is phenomenal. We are still taking in so many of her landmark judgements,” Zainun said.

She also revealed that Tengku Maimun had once served under her as a deputy registrar, when Zainun was a judicial commissioner, and described that connection as her "claim to fame", drawing laughter from the crowd. Both had previously served as registrars under former Court of Appeal judge Datuk VC George.

The nation remains "enthralled and intrigued" by Tengku Maimun's ascent to the top of the judiciary and her "six years of spectacular leadership", Zainun said.

“Obviously intellect and integrity does not choose gender. Thus for the past few months, weeks, days and hours, the entire legal fraternity and the nation stood still, fraught with anticipation and hope.

“Perhaps these imperfect times are a testament to her ladyship's matchless vision, skill, and wisdom in the task of judging,” Zainun said, referring to the tumultuous uncertainty surrounding Tengku Maimun’s six-month extension, which was not granted.

Zainun concluded that the judicial annals are filled with Tengku Maimun’s judgements, which stand as a clear indication of her judicial wisdom and underscore her achievements and leadership in helming the country as Malaysia’s first female chief justice.