The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) expresses it concern that Maryam Lee has been summoned to assist in an investigation by JAIS under Section 10 (a) of the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995.
The enactment, which criminalises “any person who by words which are capable of being heard or read or by drawing, marks or other forms of representation which are visible or capable of being visible or in another matter: (a) insults or brings into contempt the religion of Islam.” The charge carries a maximum punishment of RM3,000 fine, or 3 years of jail, or both, if found guilty.
It is believed that the reason for the investigation is likely related to Maryam’s book, ‘Unveiling Choice,’ which was published and launched earlier this year. The book is anecdotal, whereby Maryam tells her personal story of how she had come to the decision to remove her veil. The book neither promotes nor discourages readers from exemplifying her actions, but in fact explores the tenets of the decision from one person’s experiences and point of view.
Stories that reflect the varied realities of women are important, as it contributes to the diversity of experiences and discussions around how women are affected by social structures and pressures.
Unfair scrutiny, stereotyping and stigmatisation by society discourages women from coming forward to tell their stories. Disturbingly, this has contributed to women and children experiencing prolonged exposure to violence and injustice, often in loneliness and silence.
As such, we demand that the religious authorities cease investigations onto Maryam Lee immediately. Instead of frightening women from telling their stories, the government and religious authorities should instead be creating safe spaces for women to come forward, tell their stories and be believed. Therefore, the silencing and judging of women who do tell their stories needs to stop.
Endorsed by the following JAG member organisations:
All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
Association of Women Lawyers (AWL)
Justice For Sisters
Perak Women for Women (PWW)
Pusat Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group (SAWO)
Sisters in Islam (SIS)
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
Women’s Centre for Change (WCC)
Tenaganita
About JAG:
The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) is a coalition of 13 women’s rights organisations in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Since 1985, we have been advocating for gender equality and social justice in Malaysia within a feminist framework. We leverage on our diverse expertise and amplify women’s voices to raise public awareness and advocate for law reform. We uphold international human rights standards in promoting justice, equality, and non-discrimination.