KUCHING: Sarawak’s I-Syariah system, which has been developed since 2019 in collaboration with SAINS, is set to be inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg later this year.
The system, aligned with the state’s Digital Government Policy, will also feature artificial intelligence (AI) modules, marking a significant step in the modernisation of the state’s legal infrastructure.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak is also advancing the e-Court System, which is already in use by civil courts nationwide.
He urged the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS) to continue exploring new initiatives to enhance governance and service delivery in the judicial and legal fields, particularly in line with the state’s push towards e-Government.
“In navigating the currents of modernisation, the use of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, must be prioritised across all levels of administration, including Shariah court administration,” he said.
He said this at a dinner in conjunction with the opening of The Syariah Legal Year Sarawak 2025 (OSLYS 2025) at Riverside Majestic Hotel last night (Jan 21).
Abang Johari reiterated the government’s commitment to support efforts that elevate the standing of the Shariah judicial and legal institutions in Sarawak.
This, he said, includes continuous improvements in the jurisdiction of Shariah courts, the appointment of Shariah judges, and the professionalism of court officers.
“I believe that these continuous improvements will enhance the image of our Shariah judicial and legal institutions, enabling them to address increasingly complex cases while meeting the needs of the Muslim community as a whole,” he added.
Earlier, Sarawak Chief Shariah Judge Datuk Awang Suhaili Ledi commended the state’s achievements under the leadership of Abang Johari, saying that the success of various initiatives under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 had contributed significantly to Sarawak’s recognition as a high-income state.
These initiatives, which focus on innovation and data, have contributed to Sarawak’s recognition as a high-income state by the World Bank.
Awang Suhaili noted the state’s success is particularly notable in sectors such as green energy, environmental sustainability, and holistic social development.
As such, he assured that efforts would continue as part of the Sarawak Islamic Council’s 2021-2030 Action Plan, particularly in the Islamic Legal Sector, and the Sarawak Shariah Judiciary Transformation Plan 2020-2030.
“These efforts will focus on raising awareness of Islamic law, reviewing, amending, and drafting new ordinances and methods in line with contemporary needs,” he said.
