Sultan Azlan Shah's landmark rulings remain legacy to Malaysia

The late Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah's collection of landmark constitutional law and other judgements have stood the test of time and remain a continuing legacy for this nation, said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

He said the collection of judgements consistently emphasised and upheld the rule of law for Malaysia and the constitutional rights of Malaysians.

"They are also testament to the distinguished career of a learned jurist and experienced administrator of the law," he said in a statement today, offering deepest condolences on the passing of Sultan Azlan Shah on behalf of the Attorney-General's Chambers and Legal Profession Qualifying Board.

The late Perak ruler passed away at 1.30pm yesterday at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. His Royal Highness was 86.

Sultan Azlan Shah had a long and illustrious career in law.

He was appointed magistrate in the judicial and legal service in 1953, subsequently serving as sessions court president, federal counsel, deputy public prosecutor, legal adviser of Pahang and later, of Johor, Registrar of the High Court of Malaya and later, chief registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia, to his elevation to the High Court, Malaya in 1965 at the age of 37.

"His wisdom, expertise and dedication to upholding justice through the law culminated in his rise to the pinnacle of the judiciary as Lord President (now renamed Chief Justice) of the Federal Court, Malaysia in 1982 after 17 years on the superior courts – at the comparatively, youthful age of 54," said Abdul Gani.

He said Sultan Azlan Shah remained a much respected figure in law not only in Malaysia but throughout the Commonwealth even after his ascension to the throne as the 34th Sultan of Perak in 1984, and during his term as the Ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (1989–1994).

Abdul Gani, who is also Legal Profession Qualifying Board chairman, said Sultan Azlan Shah was actively involved in the Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture series.

The late Perak ruler also generously provided Sultan Azlan Shah Scholarships and Awards for excellence in legal studies, including to graduates of the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) run by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board, he said.

Abdul Gani said the Attorney-General's Chambers was honoured and privileged to have had Sultan Azlan Shah as one of its legal officers.

"More so, for his professionalism, legal acumen and wit on the Bench that made it a pleasure for lawyers and legal officers alike, to appear before His Lordship (as he was then known)," he said.