YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today called for the management of shariah courts, including the position of judges and lawyers, to be strengthened and improved to widen the authority of the Islamic legal system in the country.

In addition, he said shariah courts must also use their discretion wisely and always be fair to all parties in making decisions, especially in cases related to family matters and shariah criminal offences.

“Syarie judges, lawyers and court officials are also collectively responsible for ensuring that court proceedings run smoothly,” he said.

“I hope that more efforts will be implemented from time to time to empower shariah courts and other Islamic religious institutions.”

Al-Sultan Abdullah said this when officiating at the opening of Bera shariah Court.

The king also touched on the shariah court as an institution that upholds justice based on Islamic law, in addition to the Sulh concept that had been effective and able to resolve disputes concerning family matters.

“Some 85% of the Sulh cases registered in courts throughout the country from 2019 to 2022 were reconciled peacefully through Sulh proceedings without a trial process,” he said.

On the Bera shariah court, which was completed in June 2016 at a cost of RM6.5 million, Al-Sultan Abdullah said it was built in recognition of Islamic institutions and a clear proof of the development of religious teachings in Pahang. – Bernama, September 23, 2023.