Strengthening Syariah Court will not threaten rights of other religions – PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asserted that efforts to empower the Syariah Court system, including proposed improvements to Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution, do not undermine the rights of non-Muslims. He stressed that the primary goal of these amendments, introduced in the late 1980s, is to strengthen the Syariah Court's authority in matters concerning Muslims, without encroaching on the religious affairs of non-Muslims.

“

We do not want to violate the rights of non-Muslims at all. What we want to uphold is justice and not deny the rights of non-Muslims in their religious affairs.

"We do not want to violate the rights of non-Muslims at all. What we want to uphold is justice and not deny the rights of non-Muslims in their religious affairs," Anwar stated during the Syarie Lawyers Convention 2026 opening ceremony. He added, "The civil court has no right to interfere in the Syariah Court's affairs regarding Islamic law and the Muslim community. For me, that is very fair."

Anwar recalled assuring non-Muslim leaders that the amendment to Article 121(1A) was not intended to harm their rights. He also refuted claims that the unity government neglects the agenda of strengthening Islamic institutions, pointing out that all Syariah Court-related proposals presented to the Cabinet have been considered appropriately, with no objections from non-Muslim ministers. "In over three years as Prime Minister, not a single proposal related to increasing the allocation or status of the Syariah Court has been objected to by any minister, including non-Malay ministers," he said.

“

The civil court has no right to interfere in the Syariah Court's affairs regarding Islamic law and the Muslim community. For me, that is very fair.

To further enhance the syariah judiciary, Anwar proposed a special discussion session involving the Attorney General, Chief Justice, heads of Syariah Courts, and representatives from the Syarie Lawyers Association of Malaysia. He believes this session is crucial for the government to review proposals from syariah legal practitioners aimed at improving the capability and dignity of the Syariah Court. The government has also allocated RM1.5 million to the Malaysian Syarie Lawyers Association to assist less fortunate individuals in obtaining legal representation and defending their rights in the syariah courts.

“

In over three years as Prime Minister, not a single proposal related to increasing the allocation or status of the Syariah Court has been objected to by any minister, including non-Malay ministers.