Hasnah Mohammed Hashim

by FARAH SOLHI

CHIEF Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim (picture) will temporarily assume Chief Justice position until the position is filled, says the Chief Registrar’s Office.

The office said Hasnah’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice is in accordance with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution (FC), as well as under Section 9(1)(b) and Section 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act (CJA).

Hasnah shall exercise the powers or perform functions under the Chief Justice’s jurisdiction.

“The Malaysian Judiciary remains steadfast in carrying out its responsibility as the guardian of justice and will continue to serve the people and the nation with utmost dedication,” the office said in a statement today.

Article 131A of the Constitution provides that if the office of the Chief Justice is vacant, or if the Chief Justice is unable to perform the functions of the office, the next most senior Federal Court judge shall assume those responsibilities until a new appointment is made or the Chief Justice resumes duty.

While Sections 9(1)(b) and 9(3) of the Courts Judicature Act empower the most senior Federal Court judge to temporarily carry out the duties of the Chief Justice when the position is vacant or the officeholder is unable to perform their functions.

Hasnah’s appointment today follows former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s retirement.

Hasnah began her career as a legal officer at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, after graduating with an LL.B (Hons) from University of Malaya in 1983.

She was appointed as the Federal Court’s chief registrar in 2009, and elevated as judicial commissioner in May 2010, High Court judge in 2012 and Court of Appeal Judge in 2016.

She was later elevated to Federal Court judge in 2019 and appointed as the 14th Chief Judge of Malaya on November 12, 2024.