Born: 1950s, Brunei
Died: NA
Country most active: Brunei
Also known as: Hayati Salleh
Bruneian magistrate Hayati binti Mohd Salleh was the country’s first woman Attorney General, serving in that role from 2009 until 2018, as well as the first woman judge and the Supreme Court’s first woman High Court judge, in 2001.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts (Law) Degree from the University of Exeter in 1979, Salleh became the first Bruneian Malay woman called to the English Bar before returning to Brunei. There, she worked as legal counsel and deputy public prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Chambers before moving to the State Judiciary Department, where she served as a magistrate before becoming chief magistrate and deputy chief registrar of the Supreme Court, chief registrar and judge of the intermediate court, and judicial commissioner of the Supreme Court.
As Attorney General, Salleh was responsible for overseeing the 2013 implementation of sharia law in Brunei, which gave sharia courts the authority to hear cases involving offenses against Islam, such as intoxicated drinking, failing to give zakat (alms) or disrespecting Ramadan.
Salleh has also served on various legal committees, including working on the country’s long-term development plan (Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Panjang Nasional).
Her honors include:
Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB; 15 July 2011) – Datin Seri Paduka
Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class (DPMB; 15 July 1999) – Datin Paduka
Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
Excellent Service Medal (PIKB)
Long Service Medal (PKL)