Revamping Shariah Courts: Prioritizing People and Families for Justice

26 Feb 2024 • 8:00 PM MYT
Young Sok Fun
Young Sok Fun

A network tech by profession and a consultant. Passionate about writing

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Malaymail

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has emphasized the need for a revamp of procedures within Shariah courts nationwide. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that any revised procedures prioritize user-friendliness and a family-centric approach, particularly in managing court cases.

Addressing reporters during the launch of the Ajwad Waqaf Takaful product, Na’im urged the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) to spearhead the review of existing procedures to align them with these principles. He acknowledged the existing apprehension among individuals when interacting with the courts, emphasizing the necessity of fostering a more welcoming environment.

Na’im, who previously served at JKSM, emphasized the significance of comprehensive procedural changes to enhance the stature of Shariah courts. He clarified that these amendments differed from the proposed amendments under the Syariah Courts Act 1965, which aimed to expand the jurisdiction of Shariah courts in criminal matters.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association (PGSM) president, Musa Awang, echoed similar sentiments, calling for uniformity in laws, procedures, and governance across all Shariah courts nationwide. He expressed concerns over the existing inconsistencies in procedures among different states, suggesting that these variances pose challenges for practitioners of Shariah law.

In a bid to address these issues and promote the growth of waqaf (endowment) funds and takaful protection, Na’im also launched the Ajwad Waqaf Takaful product. This initiative, a collaboration between Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia and Hong Leong MSIG Takaful, aims to leverage synergies to expand the potential of waqaf funds and enhance takaful protection offerings.

The call for procedural reforms within Shariah courts underscores the ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the legal system in Malaysia. By prioritizing user-friendliness and family-oriented approaches, these reforms aim to foster greater accessibility and trust in the judicial process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and efficient legal system.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/02/08/shariah-court-procedures-should-be-streamlined-nationwide-says-religious-affairs-minister/117087


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