Hasnah Mohammed Hashim steps up as acting Chief Justice
The post has been left vacant without any announcement of a successor following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on Wednesday (July 2).
In a statement, the Chief Registrar Office said the appointment was made in accordance with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution (FC) as well as the provisions under Section 9(1)(b) and Section 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act (CJA).
"The Chief Judge of Malaya shall exercise the powers or perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice until the position is filled.
"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,' it said on Thursday (July 3).
Article 131A of the FC stated 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.
Section 9(1)(b) and Section 9(3) of the CJA 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.
Justice Hasnah was elevated to the Federal Court in December 2019.
She was appointed as the 14th Chief Judge of Malaya on Nov 12 last year, making her the third woman to hold the position after Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob and Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim.
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