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 11 September 1924 |
| Died | 11 January 1996 (aged 71) Taman Jesselton, George town, Penang |
| Spouse | Haseenah |
| Parent |
|
| Alma mater | Penang Free School, University College London |
| Profession | Barrister, Judge |
Education
editAt 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
editAs 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
editHis 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
editOn 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)
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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.
- ^ a b "Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Eusoffe Abdoolcader - KL BAR". KL BAR. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ 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.
