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]

Eusoffe Abdoolcader
Judge of the Supreme Court of Malaysia
In office
1974–1988
Personal details
Born
Eusoffe Abdoolcader

(1924-09-11)11 September 1924
Died11 January 1996(1996-01-11) (aged 71)
Taman Jesselton, George town, Penang
SpouseHaseenah
Parent
Alma materPenang Free School, University College London
ProfessionBarrister, Judge

Education

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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

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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

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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

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On 11 January 1996, following the death of his wife, Eusoffe committed suicide in his Taman Jesselton home.[4]

Honours

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References

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  1. ^ "Eusoffe Abdoolcader - legendary judge, loving husband, great friend | The Malaysian Insight". www.themalaysianinsight.com. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  2. ^ Tribute to a courageous judge (PDF). Aliran Monthly. 1995. p. 5.
  3. ^ a b "Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Eusoffe Abdoolcader - KL BAR". KL BAR. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "DPCM 1979". pingat.perak.gov.my/. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  6. ^ "SPMP 1986". pingat.perak.gov.my/. Retrieved 16 May 2022.