KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 -- Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli has retired as the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, after over 41 years of serving the nation - including 17 years at the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

This is because he has reached the age of 66 years and six months today.

The Sarawakian had reached the mandatory retirement age for judges when he turned 66 years old on January 25, but was granted a six-month extension. Yesterday was his last day as a judge.

Beyond serving as a judge who had heard high-profile cases, including a former prime minister's conviction challenge, Abdul Rahman was also quite the artist and a firm advocate of better laws to protect animals and wildlife.

A Sarawakian's long career in law an...