The government has proposed to upgrade the Syariah Court from three levels to five, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said the two additional levels encompassed the Middle Syariah Court and Syariah Council of Appeal.

“Currently there are three levels, Syariah Lower Court, High Court and Appeals Court. We want to upgrade and make it similar to the Civil courts,” he told a media conference after launching the ‘Imam Muda Qaryah’ (IMQ) retreat for Federal Territory mosque officers at Kalumpang in Hulu Selangor.

Jamil said the proposal was being discussed in a series of meetings between the sultans and state religious councils.

“Upon getting the nod from all the states, including Sabah and Sarawak, we will submit the proposal to the Conference of Rulers,” he said.

- Bernama