SHAH ALAM - British-Pakistani MP Shabana Mahmood was sworn in as the United Kingdom's new Lord Chancellor, this week.
She becomes the first Muslim woman to lead the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.
The 43-year-old barrister who was a member of the Labour Party has been an MP for Birmingham Ladywood since May 6, 2010.
She previously held various shadow junior ministerial and shadow cabinet positions.
In the swearing-in speech at the Royal Courts of Justice, Shabana said upholding justice was the ideal that guided her life.
She said she will dedicate herself to the challenging task of rebuilding the country’s justice system.
"Chapter 4 Verse 135 of the Quran reads: O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah...Even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin...And whether it be (against) rich or poor: For Allah can best protect both.
"This is the fundamental articulation of how we, as Muslims, view justice in how we deal with the world. It places justice above all else.
"Upholding justice is the ideal that has guided my life," she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Shabana recounted her humble beginnings in Small Heath, Birmingham and the inspiration she drew from brilliant barrister Kavanagh QC.
She also spoke of her pride in holding an office of such historic significance, particularly as the child of immigrants from rural Kashmir.
"So believe me, I know, along with some fairly idiosyncratic outfits, comes great responsibility. I hold this office in the very highest regard. I do so not just as a former barrister, but as the child of immigrants.
"To swear this oath today is the greatest honour of my life. But, more even than that, it is the greatest of responsibilities.
"I will work tirelessly to discharge its duties and to defend justice," she said.