PUTRAJAYA – Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, who is the chief judge of Malaya, has been appointed acting chief justice following Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat’s end of tenure.
Hasnah will carry out the powers and duties of the chief justice until the post is officially filled.
The appointment, effective today, was made in accordance with Article 131A of the Federal Constitution and Sections 9(1)(b) and 9(3) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, according to a statement from the Chief Registrar’s Office.
“The Malaysian judiciary remains steadfast in upholding its responsibility as the guardian of justice and will continue to serve the people and the nation with dedication,” the statement said.
The Federal Constitution provides that when the office of the chief justice is vacant, or that the CJ is unable to perform their functions, the next most senior Federal Court judge shall assume the role until a new appointment is made or the Chief Justice resumes duty.
Hasnah, born in Kuantan, Pahang, holds an LL.B (Hons) from Universiti Malaya. She began her career in 1983 at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and has since held several senior judicial roles, including chief registrar of the Federal Court in 2009. She was appointed a judicial commissioner in 2010, high court judge in 2012, Court of Appeal judge in 2016, and a Federal Court judge in 2019.
On November 12, 2024, she was appointed as the 14th chief judge of Malaya – the third woman to hold the post after Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob and Tan Sri Zaharah Ibrahim.
Tengku Maimun, Malaysia’s first woman chief justice, served in the role from May 2, 2019, until her mandatory retirement on July 2, 2025, upon reaching the age of 66. – July 3, 2025