Fatimah: Look into divorce process in Syariah law review

KUCHING: The review of Sarawak’s Syariah family law should pay attention to speeding up the divorce process as many cases are taking too long to settle.

Welfare, Community, Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that aside from being a lengthy process, divorce is also emotionally exhausting and financially challenging.

The review is timely especially when children are involved for their welfare must be given utmost priority. We are thankful to the chief minister for the call. Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Welfare, Community, Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister

“The review is timely especially when children are involved for their welfare must be given utmost priority. We are thankful to the chief minister for the call,” she said during a visit to Nur Murni Welfare and Education Centre at Batu Kawah here yesterday.

“A meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) was to fine tune the review. When everything has been done, I will table it in the cabinet,” she added.

Fatimah was commenting on the decision of chief minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, to review the state’s Syariah family law, particularly on divorce and alimony involving converts to provide better protection for affected spouses and children.

“When a woman applied for divorce, the process can take forever and since they will be advised to take legal service, it will be costly,” she added, pointing out it applies to divorce under Civil law as well.

Opening a file for the case will cost RM5,000 the cheapest, she explained while additional cost will be incurred to open another file for maintenance for instance.

“We have voiced these concerns. When the entire process takes too long, it means justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.

Fatimah said former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who took into consideration the plight faced by women in divorce situation had announced a RM2 million special fund last November to help women go through the complicated process.

“Divorce affect the entire family as well as the extended family. It is not a good thing but at times it is inevitable.”

Fatimah said more efforts are needed to promote building a happy home and strengthening family institution including holding more marriage courses for Muslims and non-Muslims couples as well as teenagers.

“We welcome non- governmental organisations ( NGOs) to conduct related programmes and activities. They can approach the ministry and we will try to provide the assistance,” she said.