Eusoffe Abdoolcader
Eusoffe Abdoolcader | |
|---|---|
| Judge of the Supreme Court of Malaysia | |
| In office 1974–1988 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Eusoffe Abdoolcader (1924-09-11)11 September 1924 |
| Died | 11 January 1996(1996-01-11) (aged 71) Taman Jesselton, George town, Penang |
| Spouse | Haseenah |
| Parent |
|
| Alma mater | Penang Free School, University College London |
| Profession | Barrister, Judge |
Eusoffe Abdoolcader (11 September 1924– 11 January 1996) was a Malaysian judge of the Federal Court from 1974 to 1988. Eusoffe was a respected lawyer and Supreme Court judge, remembered by his peers and juniors as perhaps the greatest judge Malaysia had seen.[1]
Education
[edit]At the age of 15, he passed his Senior Cambridge examinations with distinctions but he was too young to gain access to Raffles College in Singapore, which stipulated a minimum age of 17. He repeated his examinations and finally with his father's influence gained a seat in Raffles. He alleged that he was 'ragged' by Lee Kuan Yew.[2]
Eusoffe read law at University College London, graduating with an LL.B. First Class Honours.[3]
Legacy
[edit]As an advocate at the Bar, Abdoolcader was unsurpassed in his knowledge of the law and unmatchable in his advocacy, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent.[3] Lawyers and laymen alike were awed by his brilliance and his intellectual prowess, which he defused only by his dry sense of humour.
Personal life
[edit]His father, Sir Husein Hasanally Abdoolcader, was a prominent lawyer, community leader and politician. Husein was a member of the Straits Settlements' Legislative Council and a member of the Advisory Council to the Governor of the Malayan Union. Husein also made a name for himself in the Straits Settlement as the first Malayan Indian to be knighted by King George VI in 1948.[4] Eusoffe was married to Haseenah.
Death
[edit]On 11 January 1996, following the death of his wife, Eusoffe committed suicide in his Taman Jesselton home.[4]
Honours
[edit]
Malaysia
Companion of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (JMN) (1966)
Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) - Tan Sri (1984)
Penang
Companion of the Order of the Defender of State (DMPN) - Dato’
Perak
Knight of the Order of Cura Si Manja Kini (DPCM) - Dato’ (1979)[5]
Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Perak State Crown (SPMP) - Dato’ Seri (1986)[6]
Kelantan
Recipient of the Order of the Most Distinguished and Most Valiant Warrior (PYGP) (1995)
References
[edit]- ^ "Eusoffe Abdoolcader - legendary judge, loving husband, great friend | The Malaysian Insight". www.themalaysianinsight.com. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Tribute to a courageous judge (PDF). Aliran Monthly. 1995. p. 5.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Eusoffe Abdoolcader - KL BAR". KL BAR. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "A small road stands to remind Penangites of Abdoolcaders' contributions - Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal". Malaysia Premier Property and Real Estate Portal. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ "DPCM 1979". pingat.perak.gov.my/. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ "SPMP 1986". pingat.perak.gov.my/. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
