What do our top judges do after a gruelling day in court?

Among others, they can sing their hearts out in the karaoke room at the spanking new Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.

Judges in Malaysia are one of the most secluded people as they are governed by the code of ethics that prevents them from mingling with the public.

With that in mind, a recreation room has been provided for the 30 judges in the Court of Appeal and Federal Court - both of which are located at the Palace of Justice.

Palace of Justice executive officer Nor Rozilawati Mohd Noor told malaysiakini that the recreation room doubles up as an entertainment hub, and it comes equipped with a pantry and a common room.

According to her, the L-shaped room also includes a gymnasium.

Asked to confirm whether a karaoke set was provided for the judges to unwind after a stressful day on the bench, Rozilawati said: "Yes, there is a karaoke set but they (judges) very seldom use it because they're very busy."

The karaoke room is located on the fifth floor of the stylish Palace of Justice.

Rozilawati added that the judges use the recreational room mostly for reading newspapers and to take a break from their offices.

"They also go in to snack or just to chat with other judges," she said.

Large central atrium

The court house, which was relocated from Kuala Lumpur to the new federal administrative capital in 2000, boasts a large central atrium.

The Palace of Justice's design incorporates influences of Islamic culture with several domes atop a Palladian-like structure complete with rounded arches.

The library, canteen and reception area are located on the ground floor.

The hearing rooms of both the Federal and Appeal Courts are on the first floor, which is connected to the ground floor by a sweeping flight of grey marble steps.

The registries and offices of the appellate courts are on the second and third floors respectively.

On the fourth and fifth floor, 30 chambers cum suites are provided for the Appeal and Federal Court judges.