On 20 December 2000, Malaysia heralded the swearing in of its New Chief Justice, Tan Sri Dzaiddin. He replaced the outgoing Chief Justice, Tun Eusoff Chin.
According to new Chief Justice, his first task and challenge in his two-year tenure would be to improve the public image of the judiciary which was at a low point.
Tan Sri Dzaiddin was formerly a journalist who was also attached to the police force as an Inspector in Special Branch. He was called to the Bar in 1966 and became a High Court judge in 1982. He was then appointed Supreme Court judge ten years later.
A proponent of transparency and an open, consultative approach, as well as accessibility to the courts, Tan Sri Dzaiddin has also set down clearing the serious backlog of cases, and restoration of the relationship between the judiciary and the Bar Council as priorities during his tenure.
With the new Chief Justice's appointment, Malaysia's judiciary looks set for a revival.
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