The Malaysian Bar joins the whole nation in congratulating Tan Sri Hj Mohd Dzaiddin Hj Abdullah who took his oath of office as the new Chief Justice of the Federal Court, and hence head of the Malaysian Judiciary, this afternoon.
This appointment is most welcome in that unlike his immediate predecessors Tan Sri Dzaiddin is in no way linked to the events culminating in the Judicial Crisis of 1988. Now the way is clear for the healing process to begin and for all Malaysians, members of the Bar and the ordinary person in the street alike, to commit ourselves anew to the cause of Justice and the Rule of Law.
Tan Sri Dzaiddin is eminently suited to this task. We at the Bar have known him as a private lawyer in practice and take immeasurable pride in the fact that finally a practising lawyer has risen to the highest judicial post in the land. The new Chief Justice was a courageous, fair–minded and industrious lawyer. He carried these qualities with him when in October 1982 as Vice–President of the Malaysian Bar he was elevated to the High Court.
Tan Sri Dzaiddin was the longest serving of the existing judges of the Federal Court when he was appointed to the office of Chief Justice. His integrity is beyond reproach and there is no question whatsoever about his other judicial qualities as well as his abilities as a leader and an administrator.
His judgements are well–respected and he enjoys very good relations with other Judges, the Bar and the Legal Service.
The Bar expects that under his capable judicial leadership Malaysia’s commitment to the values enshrined in the Federal Constitution as well as the Supremacy of Justice and the Rule of Law will be greatly strengthened.
The Bar takes this opportunity to respectfully thank and congratulate the Honourable Prime Minister and their Royal Highnesses in the Conference of Rulers for giving the Bar, the Judiciary and the whole nation this Hari Raya and Christmas gift of an outstanding Head of the Malaysian Judiciary.
The Malaysian Bar pledges its fullest help and co–operation in the new Chief Justice as he embarks on this vital journey.
Dated this 20th day of December 2000.
HAJI SULAIMAN ABDULLH
PRESIDENT
MALAYSIAN BAR