KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of the Syariah enforcement agency, aiming to progressively strengthen its capabilities to uphold Syariah law across the region.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised the importance of maintaining key agencies, including the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Syariah Prosecution, and Syariah Courts, as they are crucial for implementing Sharia law and upholding Islamic principles.
“Failure to adhere to these laws will lead to a chaotic, fragmented and disharmonious state, which will undoubtedly hinder development planning and the building of a civilised society.
“This is why the Roman legal philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero once stated that the happiness of a society depends on each individual’s compliance with the law; this statement illustrates that human interactions cannot function properly without rules and laws,” he said.
He said this in a speech read by Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi at the Sarawak Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar 2024 opening on Tuesday (Sept 3) at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall here.
“The principles of law are to protect religion, safeguard life, preserve lineage (nasab), ensure intellect, and protect property; these five principles are relevant to the Maqasid Syariah and form the core of Islamic legislation.
“In this context, we are fortunate to have an Islamic legal system that allows Muslims to live according to Syariah demands,” he said.
Additionally, he said that in Malaysia, the application of Islamic law is clearly stated in the Federal Constitution, State Constitution, and relevant Acts, Ordinance and Enactments.
He emphasised society’s role in maintaining harmony, peace, and stability in the multicultural and diverse community, as well as the cultivation of noble values in all sectors of life, a primary agenda to ensure ongoing well-being and peace in communal living.
In attendance at the opening of the Sarawak Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar, 2024 were Director of Jais, Mu’al Suaud; the Judge of the Syariah High Court of Sarawak Syariah Judicial Department, Mahiden Sah; Chief Religious Enforcement Officer of Sarawak and Head of the Syariah Enforcement Division of JAIS, Dr Awang Nib Zuhairi Awang Ahmad.
