SHAH ALAM: Two women have been appointed Syariah High Court judges for the first time in the history of the judiciary in Malaysia.

Judges Noor Huda Roslan, 40, and Nenney Shuhaidah Shamsuddin, 41, have that honour.

Noor Huda said it was a positive development for the judiciary.

She said Malaysia had ratified the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the appointments were in line with empowering women.

This “comes as an important responsibility to me and one to be fulfilled with utmost honour”, said Noor Huda.

“I believe more women will be appointed to take charge of important responsibilities in the future,” she said after receiving her letter of appointment from Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah du­­ring a ceremony at Istana Bukit Kayangan.

Nenney Shuhaidah said she was thankful for the trust placed in her.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sultan Sharafuddin for having faith in me, in appointing me to this job,” she said.

Both women graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies before furthering their studies in Psychology (Counselling) and International and Comparative Legal Studies respectively.

Nenney Shuhaidah was a senior Syariah officer at the Attorney-General’s Chambers while Noor Huda was a chief Registrar at the Selangor Syariah Judiciary Depart­ment.

Seven other women received their letter, appointing them Syariah Lower Court judges, during the ceremony. Four people were appointed Syariah High Court Registrars, and another four made Deputy Registrars.

Selangor Syariah chief judge Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the appointments showed that Sultan Sharafuddin takes a close interest in Syariah Court matters.

However, he pointed out that the appointments have nothing to do with gender, saying the two women have capabilities that make them qualified for the job.