Kuala lumpur: Chief Justice Tun Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh emphasized that the judiciary's foundation is built not on materials like marble and mahogany, but on the legacies of its predecessors. He highlighted that the essence of a judicial institution resides in the character and conduct of those who uphold it.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid made these remarks during a reference proceeding at the Federal Court, commemorating four former judicial luminaries. These individuals were the late Tun Mohd Eusoff Chin, Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad, and the late Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob. Each of these figures played a significant role in shaping and strengthening the judiciary.

Wan Ahmad Farid described the judiciary's current state as a collective achievement rather than the work of any single Chief Justice. He asserted that the institution's standing is earned through the character and conduct of those entrusted with it.

He highlighted the contributions of the former Chief Justices, noting that Tun Eusoff Chin instilled discipline in the judiciary, particularly with his focus on punctuality. This emphasis on time reflected the principle that judicial time belongs to the litigants.

The former Chief Justice, Tun Dzaiddin, was recognized for his efforts to restore public confidence in the judiciary by upholding courtesy, restraint, propriety, and integrity. Despite his short tenure, his efforts initiated changes in the judiciary.

Wan Ahmad Farid praised Tun Abdul Hamid for embodying the principle that judges must understand both the reach and limits of judicial power. His philosophy that "Judges are not Parliament" emphasized the role of judges in interpreting, not making, the law.

Lastly, the legacy of Tan Sri Siti Norma was acknowledged for her pioneering role for women in the judiciary and legal profession. Her numerous firsts in the legal field paved the way for women in the judiciary, including her appointment as the first woman Chief Judge of Malaya.