In Memory...Dalam Kenangan

8 months ago our country loss one of its most brilliant but not so influential (according to some drama kings and queens presently) Judge this country has ever had. And in conjunction with this a memorial will be held at Dewan Tunku Canselor, University of Malaya at 1600. It will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, University of Malaya, Datuk Rafiah Salim. The Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah who is also the University's Pro-Chancellor and his consort, Tuanku Zara are also scheduled to attend. The great man I am refering to is the late Rt Hon Mr Justice Tan Sri Abdul Malek Ahmad.

Tan Sri Abdul Malek was born in Singapore on July 28,1944. He got his early education at the McNair school and secondary education at the Raffles Institution in Singapore. Qualified as a barrister-at-law, he read law at the Inner Temple, London and was called to the English Bar in November 1965.

He had served in various judicial posts including as a Magistrate, Deputy Public Prosecution, President Sessions Court, Senior President Sessions Court and Deputy Parliamentary Draftsmen before he became the Parliamentary draftsmen in 1982-1984. He held all these positions before the age of 40.

At 40, Allahyarham Tan Sri Malek was elevated to the High Court Bench in early 1985. He served as a High Court Judge in various states including Kelantan, Perak and Kuala Lumpur. In 1995 he was elevated as a Court of Appeal Judge. And in 1999, he was appointed to the Federal Court. And in 2004, he was appointed President of the Court of Appeal. The Malaysian Bar Council had this to say in their welcoming speech about this great Judge.

“Justice Malek Ahmad has in his many years on the Bench demonstrated the right judicial qualities and temperament. He has exhibited judicial independence and integrity, and enjoys widespread respect from the Bar and those who are familiar with the functioning of the judiciary in Malaysia. His proven ability, reputation, standing, seniority and experience (all of which are criteria which the Bar consistently advocates to be relevant to judicial appointments and promotions) make him well suited for this important position. It remains for him in the years to come to draw on these qualities in introducing the necessary changes and improvements to the system in a way that will restore public confidence in the judiciary. This appointment augurs well for the future of the judicial system in Malaysia."

In 2005, he made history being the first and only Malaysian to be appointed an Honorary Overseas Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, London.

This man had battled brain cancer for 6 months with his whole family by his side every moment until he passed away. He leaves behind a loving and caring woman, wife and mother, Puan Sri Roziah Sheikh Mohamed and six children: Farhan, Farhana, Fatin, Farina, Farisa, and Faiqah. He was a friendly and very wise man. His arguments and decision making were always very accurate and left very little room for error or criticisms. He was a family man who loves his family very much. He enjoyed swimming and bowling with his family. He even cleans the dishes after dinner. He leaves behind a very proud family. His whole family is proud of him, not only of what he has done in his line of duty, but as a human being a great human being. His fight against cancer was inevitable and we all wishes him peace and happiness in the afterlife InsyaAllah.

You will be missed...
May Peace be on your Soul
Amin.