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PUTRAJAYA, July 1 – Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Malaysia's first female Chief Justice, has officially retired after a distinguished six-year tenure, expressing “no regrets” about her time leading the nation's judiciary. In a statement released today, she addressed the end of her term and clarified that she had no intention of seeking an extension.

Tengku Maimun’s appointment in 2018 marked a historic moment for Malaysia, shattering a long-standing tradition and paving the way for greater diversity within the legal profession. Her leadership has been widely praised for its commitment to judicial independence, integrity, and accessibility.

“Throughout my six years as Chief Justice, I have strived to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality in the administration of justice,” she stated. “I am proud of the progress we have made in modernizing the courts and ensuring access to justice for all Malaysians.”

The Chief Justice’s retirement comes at a time of significant change and challenges for the Malaysian legal system. The judiciary has faced increased scrutiny and public interest in its decisions, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Tengku Maimun has consistently emphasized the importance of judicial independence and the need for the courts to be free from external influence.

Reflecting on her time in office, Tengku Maimun highlighted several key achievements, including the implementation of e-filing systems, the establishment of specialist courts, and efforts to reduce case backlogs. She also emphasized the importance of continuing to improve the training and development of judges and court staff.

“The judiciary is a vital pillar of democracy, and it is essential that we continue to strengthen its capacity to serve the people of Malaysia,” she said. “I am confident that the incoming Chief Justice will continue to build on the foundations that have been laid and lead the judiciary towards a brighter future.”

When questioned about not seeking an extension to her term, Tengku Maimun stated matter-of-factly that it was not an issue. “My term was always defined, and I have always been prepared to hand over the reins to the next generation of judicial leaders,” she explained.

Her departure marks the end of an era for the Malaysian judiciary, but her legacy of integrity, dedication, and commitment to justice will undoubtedly endure. The nation now looks forward to the appointment of a successor who will carry on her important work and uphold the highest standards of judicial excellence.

The appointment of the new Chief Justice is expected to be announced shortly. The process will involve consultations with the Prime Minister and the Conference of Rulers.