SIS supports any proposals that can ensure justice being served. It is quite unfortunate that after Article 121 (1A) was introduced, the Civil court is viewed somewhat negatively by some Muslims, even though they acknowledge its supremacy in many matters.

The civil court was originally meant and is still a court of general jurisdiction and Article 121 (1A) is not meant to be an attack or in opposition to the Civil court. Muslims have been known to go to Civil courts to settle their disputes even in Islamic matters and Muslims should be confident of the universality of justice in the civil court. A cooperation between the Civil and Shariah courts is thus necessary to ensure that all people in Malaysia receive justice in all areas.

SIS hopes that judges, both in Civil and Shariah courts, would always be fair and just in their judgements, and never be intimidated by external pressures.

Malaysians should be honest rational and mature in addressing this issue in the spirit of national unity and justice for all.

Sisters in Islam
26 January 2007