This is a dark day for Malaysia, says Rozana Isa, in response to a High Court decision which has upheld the fatwa against Sisters in Islam.
The decision has the effect of eroding rights guaranteed under the Federal Constitution with a fatwa, which is a state subsidiary ruling and not a legislative decision by Parliament.
This dangerously suggests that a fatwa may override our country’s Federal Constitution – and begs the question if the Federal Constitution is still the supreme law of the land.
The judgment represents a dark day not only for SIS, but also for Muslim women in Malaysia. For over three decades, SIS has been carrying the voices of women from the ground to decision makers and policymakers.
Despite the fatwa, SIS remains instrumental in informing laws and conducting programs that continue to improve the lives of millions of women in Malaysia.
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SIS has helped over 10,000 women and men through our Telenisa service – a free legal helpline which remains the only non-judgemental and rights-based advisory service for Islamic Family and Sharia laws in Malaysia today.
Other issues championed by SIS include ending child marriages and female genital mutilation, promoting gender equality in Muslim marriages and Islamic family laws, and taking a stance against gender-based violence and moral policing.
The upholding of the fatwa suggests that helping women to get justice in court, informing women of their rights, proposing reforms pertaining to Islamic family law, protecting children and engaging in intellectual discourse on Islam and women’s rights – all constitute being deviant.
The judgment, which may affect public and private companies in Malaysia, sets a dangerous precedent whereby companies are now subjected to Sharia laws and hukum syarak where it has Muslim individuals as its “directing minds,” for example, in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
This may include not only the board of directors and shareholders but also company decision-making personnel, who are all now personally subjected to Sharia law via compliance to hukum syarak.
Despite promises of a progressive and forward-thinking Malaysia, it is extremely unfortunate that such a judgment has emerged that may curtail fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Federal Constitution.
While the fatwa continues to hang over our heads, SIS vows to continue championing the rights of women in Malaysia. After 62 years of independence, Malaysian women deserve better than this.
Rozana Isa is executive director of Sister in Islam.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
HUMAN RIGHTS,
And civil rights certainly ABOVE ….
DECISION MADE BY RELIGIOUS CREED IN MALAYSIA
A multiracial country based on canon law and JUDGEMENT…
It is very unfortunate that The sanctity Of the Islam religion is not adhered by the pseudo religious leaders like ZN who could fall as a deviant preacher too.Religion should unite people in mind & body to seek unity in diversity.But here it looks that the already tribal followers are further confusing the sacred mind of the Muslims…
What rubbish are you … spewing.
Why dont u comment on Kula (statement). You wont because you are a bigot and Islamaphobic .
pH is resembling more n more like BN as the time goes by!
worst than BN
The judge need to be transferred to the syariah courts. How can a fatwa be evon recongnised in civil courts
on the first place why SIS goes to civil court? don’t blame the judge
How professional competent and just was the judge?
SIS can go on with its services to help the masses. But, it has to be in line with the real islamic teachings rather than its own skewed interpretations of those teachings. Can a dentist prescribe whats good for a heart patient?
true.. SIS has to stop trying to be Islamic jurist
Keep up with the fight SIS.
Waaaahh. Kena fatwa.
Not surprised when submissions to men’s group was so successful, with girls and women agreed to polygamy to get those men’s financial support and higher social recognition…. These men will never give up their power!!
… please go away. Not your business..
Respect the Court. If not happy with the Decision, proceed with Appeal
Parliament needs to step in
Roy Sharma it was created by parliament to have a different court.
And empowered by Tun M more than 20 years ago
… go away. Not your business
before you give stupid comments please read the federal constitution…