A dark day for Malaysia

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. 

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.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
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5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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