Sisters in Islam (SIS) welcomes today’s Federal Court landmark ruling in reaffirming the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, the rule of law, and the accountability of all state institutions – including religious authorities.
This is not just a victory for SIS but a win for all in Malaysia who believe in due process, democratic oversight, and the inclusive spirit of Islam.
The court’s recognition that fatwas can and must be subjected to legal scrutiny ensures that no institution is above the law, and that all in Malaysia – regardless of belief – have recourse when their rights are infringed.
For over a decade, SIS has been labelled as “deviant” for advocating justice and equality in Islam.
Today’s ruling affirms that our struggle is protected under the fundamental liberties provisions guaranteed to all citizens by the Federal Constitution.
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The idea that principles such as justice, compassion, dignity, and differences of opinion are foreign to Islam is a distortion of our faith’s rich intellectual and juristic heritage.
We reiterate that our struggle was never an attack on Islam or its authorities. Instead, it was a principled legal challenge to a process that lacked transparency, natural justice and fairness.
SIS strongly believes that when a country uses Islam as a source of law, policy and practice, and the outcomes discriminate against women and violate our fundamental liberties, we, as citizens, have the right to seek judicial review.
This case is not about Islam, but about public law and public policy that must pass the test of public scrutiny.
Today’s decision is a milestone in ensuring that religious authorities remain accountable to constitutional values and do not wield power unchecked.
We thank our legal team, supporters and members of the public who have stood by us throughout this long legal journey.
We now look forward to continuing our work – grounded in Islamic principles and human rights standards – towards building a more just, compassionate and inclusive society for all – and above all, Muslim women. – SIS
About Sisters in Islam
Sisters in Islam is an NGO working towards advancing the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia within the framework of Islam, universal human rights principles, constitutional guarantees, as well as the lived realities and experiences of women.
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
