PUTRAJAYA: On her final day in office, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim reflected on a defining principle of her career – that despite the immense weight of her judicial responsibilities, she always knew how to enjoy life.
“Throughout my years as a judge, I knew how to enjoy life,” she said, sharing how she would unwind after long days at work with music, dance and reading or relaxing with a romantic comedy.
In a rare personal glimpse, Hasnah, the nation’s third-highest ranking judge, described a routine of relaxation that includes cooking and even scrolling through TikTok.
“I enjoy TikTok – not for the drama, but for the dancing and the baking. I love to cook and I do it even when I’m working,” she said.
The 66-year-old said pasta remains her go-to choice, from miso and gochujang versions to the well-known “Gigi Hadid pasta” – minus the alcohol.
Hasnah, who served for 15 years and six months as a judge, also shared a personal detail – being married to someone from Negri Sembilan, she had mastered dishes from the state such as lemak cili padi and sambal tempoyak daun kayu.
“If you are a career woman, you need to take care of your family, you need to cook for your husband and your children. And when you cook it relaxes you,” she said.
She said she often advised judges under her supervision to enjoy life, noting that some felt overwhelmed.
“Once you know how to manage and balance them, you’ll be fine,” she said, emphasising that judges must be able to manage all aspects of their lives, including their home, family and career.
Hasnah said she hoped to continue contributing to the judiciary post-retirement, specifying a role such as training judges or assisting in other areas, rather than returning to the bench.
She confessed to feeling a mixture of sadness and relief on her last day, a poignant end to her tenure after having worked in the Palace of Justice since it opened in 2003.
“I am very close to the staff members and officers, so of course I feel sad. But I’m happy and relieved to move on to the next chapter of my life. Part one is working; part two will be something different, hopefully,” she said.
A former chairman of the Judicial Academy’s training committee, Hasnah said one of her proudest achievements was being able to train judges, a role she found deeply fulfilling.
Offering advice to future judges and young lawyers, she said her advice has always remained the same.
“There are many downs before you can go up. There are many challenges. It doesn’t happen overnight, especially for the younger generation. There is no shortcut. You have to work very hard,” she said.
At a heartfelt farewell ceremony, an emotional Hasnah greeted staff members in the Palace of Justice lobby, shaking hands and pausing for photographs. Following a final prayer, she departed the building at 4.23 pm, marking the end of an era. – Bernama
