SIBU: The handling of cases in syariah courts can be innovated by using mediums such as video conferencing or virtual hearings.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Islamic law is always oriented for the good of all human beings because it is dynamic and progressive.
“The flexibility highlighted by Islam in the law and Syariah must be applied by Syariah judicial institutions in implementing absolute justice,” he said.
Awang Tengah said this while officiating at Majlis Penangguhan Seminar Undang-Undang Keluarga Islam Sarawak 2022 and the launching ceremony of the Syariah Court Journal Special Edition 2022 at the Islamic Complex Hall here today.
Thus, in line with the aspirations of the Sarawak government in the Post-COVID-19 2030 Development Strategy, he stressed that the Syariah judicial institutions in Sarawak must also move in tandem in realising this aspiration.
“The increased awareness among the community has contributed to the higher demand for access to information as well as increased expectations of quality government services.
“Similarly, the community’s awareness of the importance of Islamic law such as Hukum syarak, existing ordinances, and relevant provisions.
“Data system modernisation initiatives as well as case handling in Syariah courts and the quality management and administration systems, including maximising the use of information technology automation, need to be proactively intensified in taking steps to be the driver of the best Syariah court system in Malaysia.
“This is the desire of the Sarawak state government,” he said.
“Good and effective governance must be practiced in the delivery of Syariah judicial services to elevate the status of Syariah courts in the eyes of the community as an institution that upholds the principles of justice with full authority,” he said.
In this regard, Awang Tengah is confident that the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department has tried to do its best by planning to spread awareness and understanding to the Muslim community on the role of Syariah judicial institutions and Syariah legislation.
“I also hope that by organising such seminars, our society will be able to become legal literate and knowledgeable about the Syariah law,” he said.
The seminar was attended by over 500 participants comprising state and federal government agencies, community leaders, surau and mosque committees, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.
Also present was Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge Awang Suhaili Ledi, Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Mohammad Razi Sitam, and the Head of the Malay Community/Melanau Sibu, Temenggung Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce.
