Outgoing Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim reveals how cooking, TikTok and music helped her balance judicial duties with personal life
PUTRAJAYA: Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim revealed her career-defining principle of maintaining work-life balance during her final day in office.
“Throughout my years as a judge, I knew how to enjoy life,” she said, describing how she unwound after work with music, dance, reading and romantic comedies.
The nation’s third-highest ranking judge shared her relaxation routine includes cooking and scrolling through TikTok for dancing and baking content.
“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, has mastered Negeri Sembilan dishes like lemak cili padi and sambal tempoyak daun kayu through her marriage.
“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 often advises judges under her supervision to enjoy life, noting some feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
“Once you know how to manage and how to balance them, you’ll be fine,” she said, emphasising judges must manage all life aspects including home, family and career.
Hasnah hopes to continue contributing to the judiciary post-retirement through training judges or assisting in other areas rather than returning to the bench.
She confessed to feeling both sadness and relief on her last day after working in the Palace of Justice since its 2003 opening.
“I am very close to the staff and officers, so of course I feel sad. But I’m happy and relieved to move on to the next chapter of my life,” she said.
The former Judicial Academy training committee chairman found training judges deeply fulfilling and considered it among her proudest achievements.
Her consistent advice to future judges and young lawyers emphasizes perseverance through challenges.
“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 an emotional farewell ceremony, Hasnah greeted Palace of Justice staff in the lobby, shaking hands and posing for photographs before departing at 4.23 pm after final prayers. – Bernama
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