Committee set up to enhance syariah courts’ powers

A SPECIAL committee has been formed to further enhance and strengthen the syariah courts and legal system in a holistic manner.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the committee is chaired by Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor.

“To implement the objectives of the committee, two other implementation committees have been formed, namely the steering com- mittee and the main committee.

“The members of both the committees consist of leaders and experts from various disciplines, including those with expertise in syariah and civil laws,” said Jamil Khir in a written reply to Datuk Mahfuz Omar who asked for an update to the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).

Jamil Khir said a special cluster has been set up for the purpose of discussing the measures that can be taken to strengthen the syariah courts nationwide and identify arising issues in relation to the amendments of Act 355.

“On the motion brought by Marang MP (Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang) to amend Act 355, that is subjected to the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat,” added Jamil Khir.

The Private Member’s Bill was first tabled by Abdul Hadi and seeks to grant syariah courts the power to impose stiffer penalties on all crimes except those with the death sentence.

Following fierce debates among lawmakers, Abdul Hadi presented a tweaked version of the motion in November last year and sought to defer it to be debated at the following Parliament meeting.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in March said the Government had decided not to table the Private Member’s Bill in line with the principle of consensus.