Poverty not valid reason to approve child marriage, says Mujahid

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 21 Sep 2018 7:07AM · 3 Comments

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa says the marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Tumpat, Kelantan, recently took place as the assigned judge did not follow the approved SOPs. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 21, 2018.

SHARIAH court judges handling underage marriage are reminded to follow the standard operating procedures approved at the Shariah Judges’ Conference two months ago.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the guidelines were issued following an 11-year-old’s marriage to a 41-year-old man in Gua Musang, Kelantan, in June.

“The main objective is to tighten existing procedures in relation to underage marriage. But to date, only Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are following the guidelines.

“The marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Tumpat, Kelantan, recently took place as the assigned judge did not follow the approved SOPs,” he told the press after officiating at Maal Hijrah 1440H celebrations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Mujahid, who is in charge of religious affairs, said among the SOPs are carrying out family background checks, psychological and health assessments, and marriage application registration by parents of minors.

“Only then can the shariah judge make a decision. The guidelines clearly state that poverty cannot be used to allow for underage marriage.

“We are also considering setting the marriageable age at 18 for both men and women.”

It was reported that the 15-year-old girl married a 44-year-old People’s Volunteer Corp member. – Bernama, September 21, 2018.

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Comments

  • Remove the judges authorisation to hold office if they contravene the SOP. Malaysia is in danger of creating a state within a state that does not abide by the laws of the land.

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • Poverty is not a valid reason to approve child marriage. Exactly, Mujahid. Please convey this to Wan Azizah, the useless minister. The shariah judge who approves the marriage should be given the boot. Finally, make the age 18 limit mandatory for child marriages immediately.

    Posted 5 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • Have a new law whereby the govt assumes custody and places the intended victim in a boarding school to continue her education?..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply