The appointment makes her the first woman to be appointed to the post in the country.

The ceremony was held at Istana Syarqiyyah, Chendering, here, and was attended by Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman and Terengganu Chief Syarie Judge Wan Mohd Zakri Wan Mohd.

Zaleha, who is from Pahang, holds a doctorate in Comparative Family Law (Civil and Shariah) from the University of London.

She said her appointment as a shariah court of appeal judge would not affect her job as UIAM rector as hearing of the appeal cases would only be held on Sundays.

Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Zakri, when met by reporters at a dinner held in conjunction with the commissioning of Terengganu shariah court of appeal judges, said Zaleha’s appointment was made based on current needs.