Description

Despite constitutional guarantees and legal reforms, gender continues to shape who has access to justice, whose voices are heard, and whose rights are protected. In this event, the former Chief Justice of Malaysia will examine the pivotal role of the judiciary in upholding the principle of equality before the law and eliminating gender-based discrimination. Her Honour will also share reflections on the persistent challenges to building an inclusive and just legal system- such as gender biases in legal reasoning, barriers to women’s full participation in the legal profession, and the uneven protection of women’s rights across civil and criminal legal domains.

About the speaker

Her Excellency Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat was appointed as the 10th Chief Justice of Malaysia on 2 May 2019, making history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position. She graduated with a law degree from the University of Malaya in 1982 and served in various judicial roles, including Chief Registrar of the Federal Court and Judge of the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court, before becoming Chief Justice. Under her leadership, the judiciary saw reforms aimed at improving judicial integrity, access to justice, and court efficiency. She emphasized a progressive, evolving interpretation of the Constitution, championing justice, liberty and fairness. Her leadership bolstered the separation of powers and judicial independence. Internationally, she has strengthened regional judicial cooperation and made history as the first female Chair of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices and President of the ASEAN Law Association. In 2020, she was awarded the Darjah Seri Setia Mahkota granting her the title of “Tun”.

Her Excellency Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat retired as the Chief Justice of Malaysia on 2 July 2025.