PM: Rulers want law empowering syariah courts to be made carefully

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Conference of Rulers wanted amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Bill 355) to be made carefully.

Speaking at the opening of the Convention to Dignify Malaysia's Syariah Law and Judiciary today, Anwar said he had met Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah as National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chaiperson, last week regarding Bill 355.

"So far I have not seen any objections or problems either (from) the chief justice who has approved this effort and the Conference of Rulers who has been given an initial briefing.

"The Conference of Rulers gave its consent, but it asked for the bill to be examined, so that it is not seen as hasty or manifesting weaknesses in its implementation," he said.

The government will present the results of the negotiations on Bill 355 to MKI next month.

"But of course, it cannot be finalised yet because my discussions with the Perak sultan should be taken to the international level, before being referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and then to the Conference of Rulers, because of issues of Islam, customs and citizenship, certain matters must be approved by the Conference of Rulers," Anwar said.

Amendments to Bill 355 should be made carefully and take into account the views of all parties, whether the Syariah Court or the civil court, including international legal experts, he added.

Anwar explained that the cautious approach was taken not as an excuse to delay or underestimate past efforts but there are several major weaknesses in the provisions which should not only be referred to the AGC but should also to international experts.

"So that when we introduce this, it is the best example of the implementation of a document, an effort to dignify Islamic law in this context, then it can be used as a guide, harmonising the position and strength of the Syariah Court and the civil court," he said.

Getting international expert views

In this regard, Anwar said he had instructed the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to coordinate the matter, and seek the views of international Islamic legal experts.

"I have also instructed and discussed with many who have expertise and skills regardless of which ijtihad, we negotiate so that there is a process (engagement) and I have asked the committee to consult all views, agreeing or disagreeing with the proposal amendments before being brought (to MKI).

"So if you want to make an amendment, make it a truly comprehensive amendment, so that our seriousness in implementing (Bill 355) is not disputed while covering all possible areas," he added.

Besides meeting Sultan Nazrin, Anwar also met with the Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah earlier regarding the amendment.

"Both (Sultan Nazrin and Sultan Sharafuddin) agree with the initial framework presented by the expert committee and presented by Na'im, but we want it to be thoroughly researched.

"I thank Na'im for speeding up this process and Your Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin expressed his willingness to discuss in the meeting at the end of August," he said.

Bill 355 aims to increase the limited jurisdiction of the Syariah Court, which is a fine of RM5,000 or three years in prison or/and six strokes of the rotan to a jurisdiction more in accordance with the syariah law, except for the death penalty.

- Bernama

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