‘Marriage of man with child, 11, still valid’

> Children below 16 can marry under Islamic law, says DPM

PETALING JAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pix) said the marriage between a 41-year-old man and his 11-year-old child bride remains valid.

Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development minister, explained that under Kelantanese Islamic law, children under 16 are allowed to get married with the permission of a shariah court judge and Putrajaya is powerless to nullify it.

“Under civil law it is not valid but under Islamic laws it is,” she told reporters after a function at the National Welfare Foundation in Putrajaya.

She added the government is working with the National Fatwa Council to push the marriage age limit to 18.

Women’s Aid Organisation communication officer Tan Heang-Lee said the RM1,800 fine imposed by the Gua Musang shariah court on the 41-year-old rubber tapper was a mere slap on the wrist.

“To end child marriages, it is important that we raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, without exception.

“Only then can we send a clear message to everyone that Malaysia does not tolerate child marriages and child abuse in the society,” Tan said when contacted.

Agreeing with the NGO’s stand, Sisters in Islam communication manager Majidah Hashim said the fine does little to punish the man considering the severity of his offence, and as a deterrent against child marriages.

“We are disappointed that the maximum fines for the charges were not meted out.”