THE Federal Territories Shariah Prosecution Department has decided not to pursue the charges against Siti Nuramira Abdullah to avoid the woman being charged in two different courts.

In a statement, the department’s chief syariah prosecutor said the move to not pursue charges was based on section 58(2) of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act and section 181 of the Shariah Criminal Procedure (Federal Territories) Act 1997.

“Criminal charges have been initiated in the civil court on July 13 under section 298A of the penal code. The difference is from the point of view of the administration of justice to prevent the accused from being charged in two different courts to achieve the same goal, which is to be punished for the offences committed,” read the statement.

“Section 298A of the penal code provides for a heavier punishment. In accordance with the maqasid (goal) of shariah, which emphasises the approach of discipline in the administration of shariah crimes, it is hoped to bring the accused back to true Islamic practices.”

The statement added that the case was already registered on July 13 based on the preliminary investigation on Siti Nuramira and the first mention was set for July 14 but was postponed to tomorrow.

Siti Nuramira was arrested yesterday by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi), after being released on bail on a charge of insulting Islam, which she faces at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.

The woman was supposed to be charged in the Shariah High Court in Kuala Lumpur today, but was released by Jawi last night.

On July 13, Siti Nuramira pleaded not guilty in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to charges of admitting that she is a Muslim who had memorised 15 verses of the Quran and then acted to remove her hijab and baju kurung while performing on stage, causing disharmony among the Muslim community.

The offence was allegedly committed at the Crackhouse Comedy Club Restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur at 6pm on June 4 under section 298A(1)(a) of the penal code, which carries a maximum jail term of five years, if convicted. – Bernama, July 20, 2022.