Hasnah is now Acting Chief Justice

Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim is now Acting Chief Justice.

She fills the spot following the retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

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), said the Chief Registrar’s Office in a statement.

“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.

Article 131A of the FC stipulates that if the office of Chief Justice is vacant or the Chief Justice isn’t able to perform the functions of the office, the next most senior Federal Court judge shall assume the responsibilities until a new appointment or the Chief Justice resumes duty.

Sections 9(1)(b) and 9(3) of the CJA empower the most senior Federal Court judge to temporarily carry out the duties of the Chief Justice.

Hasnah was appointed as the 14th Chief Judge of Malaya on Nov 12 last year, becoming the third woman to hold the position after Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob and Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim.

Kelantan-born Tengku Maimun, who served as the 10th Chief Justice, retired upon turning 66 on July 2, the mandatory retirement age for judges.