‘Delay in registering nuptials unintentional’
KOTA BARU: The rubber trader who married an 11-year-old Thai girl said he will consult the Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council before registering the marriage here.
The 41-year-old said he did not intentionally delay the marriage registration.
“The Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council has issued a statement saying it will issue a marriage certificate (as the solemnisation took place in Golok, Narathiwat), but I must register the marriage in Malaysia first.
“I have been facing difficulties since the news of my third marriage (with the child) was made public. I am not afraid and do not have any intention to delay the registration process.”
He said the investigation into his marriage with the girl was ongoing, adding that she would be called by Thai authorities to have her statement recorded soon.
“(My wife) had last week gave her statement at the state police headquarters.
“Two days ago, she was contacted by the Thai authorities (to assist in) their investigation.”
On Monday, the man was fined RM1,800 by the Gua Musang Syariah Court for unauthorised marriage and unapproved polygamy.
He was charged under Sections 19 and 24 of the Kelantan Islamic Family Law Enactment 2002.
The marriage on June 18 went viral after the man’s second wife revealed it on Facebook. It sparked outrage among Malaysians, who called for the minimum legal age for marriage be increased from 16 to 18 for women.