LAWS to increase the marriageable age for Muslims are expected to be passed by year-end in Pakatan Harapan-ruled states, said Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs said this is among the goals set by a committee tasked with streamlining shariah laws between states.

However, the question of which states will pass the laws on Muslims’ marriageable age depends on each state’s panel of Islamic jurists, as well as the political will of its office-bearers.

The matter also requires the consent of the respective states’ rulers, Mujahid told reporters after a book launch at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies today.

“We are constantly engaging all states on the benefits of increasing the marriageable age. It is easier for us to get the agreement of states that are ruled by the same government as us (federal administration).

“Some states have already started the process of drafting laws to be tabled in their respective legislatures. We have set a target of between the middle and the end of 2020 for states that are politically aligned with (the federal government).

“But of course, it is ultimately up to each state government’s political will, and the consent of their respective rulers.”

Putrajaya has embarked on a campaign to persuade all states to amend their shariah laws, to raise the marriageable age for Muslims to 18.

The drive was launched after reports on cases in Kelantan where girls as young as 11 were married off to help them escape poverty.

Although non-Muslims can only marry upon reaching 18, state shariah laws allow Muslims to marry at a younger age with the approval of the shariah court.

Laws governing marriage between Muslims are under state purview, as per the federal constitution.

In PAS-ruled Kelantan, child marriage is allowed, with the state’s leaders arguing that it is based on Islamic precepts. However, this has been disputed by scholars and PH officials.

PH-run states like Selangor have said they are amending their laws to increase the marriageable age to 18.

Besides Kelantan, Terengganu, too, is ruled by PAS. Barisan Nasional runs Pahang and Perlis, while Sarawak is governed by Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Mujahid said federal authorities will continue to engage Kelantan on increasing the marriageable age in the state.

“We are still negotiating with them to persuade them on the benefits of changing their laws. We have no power to force them to change, but we can still engage them.” – January 30, 2020.