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Malayan Law Journal Articles/2008/Volume 5/CON !"!#!"ONAL $% !A!%M%N! O& PA$ALL%L J#$" '"C!"ON (%!)%%N C"V"L CO#$! AN' *A$"A+ CO#$! "N MALA* "A, !)%N!* *%A$ ON -1.88/20080 [2008] 5 MLJ xxxiii Malayan Law Journal Articles 2008

CONSTIT TIONAL !"STAT"M"NT O# $A!ALL"L J !IS%ICTION &"T'""N CI(IL CO !TS AN% S)A!IA* CO !TS IN MALA)SIA+ T'"NT) )"A!S ON ,-.88/20080
Farid Sufian Shuaib Assistant Professor Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia [ his article is a revised version of a !a!er !resented in "th Asian Law Institute #onference, or$anised by the %ational University of Sin$a!ore, &&'&( May &))*, Sin$a!ore+ I would li,e to than, the assistance rendered by the -esearch Mana$ement #entre, IIUM and the su!!ort $iven by .r Ainul /aria Maidin, the #oordinator for -esearch Mana$ement Unit, in writin$ this !a!er0 INT!O% CTION !1e &e2eral Constitution o3 Malaysia 1as restate2 un2er art 121-1A0 t1at t1e yaria1 courts // as t1e courts t1at a2minister "slamic law // 1a4e e5clusi4e 6uris2iction o4er matters un2er t1eir 6uris2iction7 !1e 8remise o3 t1e restatement is to gi4e e33ect to a 8luralistic law an2 court system as it e5iste2 in Malaysia7 #n3ortunately t1is sim8le 8remise ga4e rise to 2e9ates o3 1uman rig1ts: secularism an2 t1e status o3 "slam in Malaysia7 !1ese ;uestions re3lect legitimate concerns o4er t1e state o3 le1al 2luralis3 in Malaysia4 On one 1an2: it is t1e legitimate e58ectation o3 Muslims to 9e go4erne2 9y t1eir own laws7 On t1e ot1er 1an2: w1ere t1e interests o3 Muslims an2 non/ Muslims are a88arently in con3lict: state man2ate2 legal 8luralism gi4es rise to ;uestions a9out nature o3 t1e state an2 1uman rig1ts 8rotection7 !1us: it is 8ertinent 3or t1ese concerns to 9e a22resse2 an2 a mi22le 8at1 to 9e lai27 L"5AL $L !ALISM IN MALA)SIA !1e %nglis1 courts 1a4e 9een am9i4alent wit1: i3 not 1ostile towar2: t1e notion t1at laws in2i4i2ually 9roug1t 9y Asian or A3rican communities s1oul2 9e gi4en recognition 9y t1e 2ominant legal system71 +owe4er: 6u2ges 3rom %nglan2 100 years ago consi2er it " ML/ 111iii at 111iv im8erati4e 3or recognition to 9e gi4en to laws o3 t1e 2i33erent races in Malaya7 %4en t1e 8olitician insiste2 t1at Malaya coul2 only 9e grante2 in2e8en2ence i3 8luralistic society is gi4en recognition 9y tate law7 !1ey 2o not tal< a9out assimilation o3 immigrant society into t1e way o3 li3e an2 laws o3 t1e nati4e o3 Malaya at t1at time7 "n contrast: some in %nglan2 // w1en tal<ing a9out t1e %nglis1 legal system // use t1e 8o8ular saying =w1en in $ome: 2o as t1e $omans 2o=7 2 )1ate4er our 4iew o3 %nglan2 at 8resent // eit1er as retrogressi4e or 8rogressi4e // legal 8luralism e5ists in Malaysia7 Legal 8luralism in t1is conte5t re3ers to t1e recognition o3 t1e tate 3or 2i33erent laws a88lica9le to 2i33erent grou8s o3 8eo8le7 > !1e 8lurality/sensiti4e legal system?

Page > t1at 1as 9een in 8lace in Malaysia 3rom t1e time o3 t1e Malay ultanates ena9les ot1er communities in t1e 2ominant Muslim community to e5ercise t1eir 8ersonal laws7 5 !1e C1inese community in inga8ore un2er t1e Jo1ore/$iau ultanate 3or instance a2minister t1eir own laws7 @ !1us: 3rom early on: t1e Malay ultanates 1a4e not a2o8te2 assimilationist or anti/2i4ersity 8olicy7 !1e (ritis1 inter4ention in Malaysia intro2uces a 2i33erent angle to legal 8luralism7 "3 8re4iously legal 8luralism was 8ractise2 w1en t1e nati4e legal system allowe2 t1e 8ractice o3 t1e law wit1in an encla4e o3 t1e new community: colonialism im8ose2 colonial law u8on Malaysia7 !1e new 2ominant 8olitical 8ower esta9lis1es t1e legal a88aratus t1at ena9les t1e a88lication o3 a 1y9ri2 o3 colonial law7 Colonial 6u2ges sit o4er a new court system w1ic1 was a4owe2ly esta9lis1e2 to 1el8 a2minister t1e law o3 t1e 8rotectorate tates e33iciently7 $at1er t1an re3erring to t1e law a88lica9le in t1ose tates: colonial 6u2ges re3er to colonial law7 Legislations mo2ele2 a3ter %nglis1 law was a2o8te27 !1is ga4e rise to t1e de facto ascen2ancy o3 %nglis1 law // an im8ose2 law // in t1e Malaysian legal system7 " ML/ 111iii at 111v In6erent Con7lict !1e ascen2ancy o3 %nglis1 law in t1e Malaysian legal system 8ro2uces a sc1ism 9etween t1e local law an2 t1e im8ose2 law7 Alt1oug1 colonial 6u2ges recognise2 t1e laws an2 customs o3 t1e local 8o8ulation: it was gi4en 8iecemeal an2 to<enism at 9est7 !1e legocentric a88roac1 -namely t1e em81asis on t1e central role o3 tate/ma2e law0 A cou8le2 wit1 t1e %nglis1/centric a88roac1 ta<en 9y t1e colonial 6u2ges resulte2 in t1e marginalisation o3 "slamic law an2 customs as t1e local law7 !1is con3lict most o3 t1e time resulte2 in negating t1e a88lication o3 local law7 $at1er t1an a88lying "slamic law 3or a Muslim c1arita9le trust -wa2f0 t1e 2ominant court system a88lies %nglis1 common law rule against 8er8etuity to in4ali2ate suc1 a trust7 8 !1e court a88lies t1e %nglis1 common law 2eri4e2 rule o3 legitimacy o3 c1il2ren 3or Muslim 8arties in s8ite o3 <nowing a 2i33erent rule in "slamic law7. T6e $lural Court Syste3 !1e yaria1 court system 8re/2ate2 t1e ci4il court system710 !1ere were accounts o3 a court system in !erengganu an2 Belantan in t1e 18t1 century7 +owe4er: a court system in w1ate4er 3orm e5ists in 8arallel wit1 t1e esta9lis1ment o3 a system o3 go4ernment in a 8articular territory7 )e coul2 t1en say i3 we ta<e t1e Malay ultanate o3 Mela<a as one e5am8le: court system e5iste2 in Malaysia since t1e 1?t1 century7 !1us: it is wrong to 3orm t1e 4iew t1at t1e court system in Malaysia 9egan wit1 t1e arri4al o3 t1e (ritis1 in Penang7 11 !1e court system intro2uce2 9y t1e (ritis1 in t1e Malay tates in t1e 1.t1 century was su88ose2 to 1el8 streamline t1e e5isting " ML/ 111iii at 111vi a2ministration o3 6ustice7 "n t1e communication 9etween t1e (ritis1 an2 t1e ultan: em81asis was gi4en to t1e no9le intention o3 t1e (ritis1 to 1el8 t1e (ritis1 =3rien2=// t1e ultan // to 2e4elo8 t1eir tates7 !1e new court system was su88ose2 to a88ly t1e e5isting law7 At t1e same time t1e (ritis1 a24ise2 t1eir =3rien2= to intro2uce legislation to im8ro4e t1e law7 "n t1is res8ect: t1e colonial 6u2ges were su88ose2 to a88ly t1e law o3 t1e tates: not 3oreign law7 !1e re3usal or t1e ina9ility o3 t1e colonial 6u2ges in t1e new court system to a88ly "slamic law to most o3 t1e cases necessitate2 a se8arate court system arme2 wit1 8eo8le com8etent to a88ly "slamic law7 !1is lea2s to t1e continuation o3 t1e yaria1 courts7 Along t1e way: con3licts occurre2 9etween t1e two court systems an2 to resol4e suc1 con3licts: cl 1A was inserte2 in art 121 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution in 1.887 12

Page ? $!OMIS"S8 %O &TS AN% AN9I"TI"S !un Ma1at1ir Mo1ama2: as t1e t1en Prime Minister: re3erre2 to t1e 8ro9lem o3 inter3erence 3rom ci4il courts in t1e a2ministration o3 6ustice in yaria1 courts: w1en ta9ling t1e constitutional amen2ment7 At t1at time t1e ci4il courts 1a2 re4iewe2 an2 inter3ere2 wit1 8rocee2ings o3 yaria1 courts7 !1ere were instances w1ere ci4il courts entertaine2 a88lications t1at soug1t to re/ a26u2icate matters t1at yaria1 courts 1a2 2etermine27 1> !1ere was also a case w1ere t1e ci4il court 1a2 a88lie2 laws o3 general a88lication w1ic1 are contrary to "slamic law wit1 regar2 to t1e legitimacy o3 a c1il2 9orn 2uring a marriage 9etween Muslims7 1? As t1e yaria1 Court system 8re2ates t1e ci4il court system: t1is s1oul2 not 1a4e 1a88ene27 &urt1ermore: ci4il courts also 8rescri9e to t1e 8rinci8le o3 a9use o3 8rocess o3 courts w1ere 8arties are not allowe2 to use t1e courts to un6usti3ia9ly 3rustrate 8rocee2ings in ot1er 3orums7 "t is instructi4e to re3er to writings imme2iately a3ter t1e amen2ment was ma2e to a88reciate t1e 8ers8ecti4e o3 t1at time7 A1ma2 "9ra1im=s seminal 9rie3 article 8ro4i2es t1e un2erlying intention o3 t1e amen2ment w1ic1 is consistent wit1 t1e s8eec1 o3 t1e Prime Minister in ta9ling t1e amen2ment7 Alt1oug1 1e was wi2ely " ML/ 111iii at 111vii cre2ite2 wit1 cra3ting t1e amen2ment: t1e t1en Attorney Ceneral // !an ri A9u !ali9 // claime2 to 9e t1e mai2en 1an2 in constructing it715 &or A1ma2 "9ra1im: t1e amen2ment is to ensure t1at yaria1 courts coul2 e5ercise t1eir 6uris2iction71@ !1ere were also 2ou9ts as to t1e a9ility o3 yaria1 courts to s1oul2er t1e a22e2 res8onsi9ility w1en t1e courts alone will 1a4e 6uris2iction71A $egar2ing t1is 2ou9t: we 1a4e to see t1is amen2ment toget1er wit1 t1e 2e4elo8ments ma2e to t1e yaria1 a2ministration o3 6ustice7 !1e %nactment in 1.52: 3or instance: is a 1otc18otc1 legislation containing 8ro4isions on a2ministration o3 "slam: yaria1 courts: yaria1 o33ences an2 "slamic 3amily law7 18 Later: s8eci3ic legislation on "slamic 3amily law an2 yaria1 o33ences were enacte27 P1ysical in3rastructure an2 ;uali3ication an2 ser4ice sc1eme o3 8ersonnel in t1e a2ministration o3 "slamic law were also 9eing im8ro4e271. !1us: t1e amen2ment came at a time w1en yaria1 courts were mo4ing s8ee2ily 3orwar27 !1e an5iety o3 non/Muslims was raise2 e4en 2uring t1e Parliamentary 2e9ate a9out t1e amen2ment7 !1e +onoura9le Mr C1ua Jui Meng raise2 t1e 3ear t1at a non/Muslim may 9e 8rosecute2 in yaria1 courts720 "s t1is 8rescience or an un3oun2e2 3earD )e may say t1at it is an un3oun2e2 3ear 3or a non/Muslim to 9e 8rosecute2 3or yaria1 o33ences in yaria1 courts7 !1e &e2eral Constitution ta<es a clear stan2 on t1is721 +owe4er: cases o3 2etermination o3 a 2ecease2=s 3ait1 li<e M Moorthy an2 con4ersion o3 only one s8ouse o3 a non/Muslim marriage li<e Shamala s1ows t1at non/Muslims may 9e 2irectly or in2irectly su96ecte2 to yaria1 courts7 22 )e will 2iscuss more a9out t1is later7 " ML/ 111iii at 111viii STA!TIN5 ON T*" '!ON5 #OOT !1e o96ecti4es o3 t1e amen2ment coul2 not 9e 3elt imme2iately7 !1e early cases imme2iately a3ter t1e amen2ment 3aile2 to eit1er consi2er t1e amen2ment or wit1 2is2ain relegate2 t1e amen2ment to a lower le4el t1an or2inary law7 "n Susie eoh:2> t1ere was no mention o3 t1e amen2ment alt1oug1 t1e issue is wit1 regar2 to con4ersion to "slam7 Per1a8s t1e u8reme Court 1a2 to consi2er t1e constitutional issue o3 guar2ians1i87 Ne4ert1eless: t1e Court s1oul2 1a4e commente2 on t1e a88lica9ility or ot1erwise o3 t1e amen2ment7 !1e treatment o4er t1e amen2ment was worse in Shahamin Faisal Kun$72? !1e court in t1is case treate2 t1e amen2ment in3erior to 8re4ailing 8ro4isions in t1e Courts o3 Ju2icature Act 1.@?7 25 !1e court o8ine2 t1at since t1e amen2ment was not ma2e retros8ecti4e: t1e Act 8re4ails o4er it7 &ortunately: t1e u8reme Court in Mohamad 3abibullah correcte2 t1is erroneous 4iew o3 constitutional su8remacy7 !1e u8reme Court remin2e2 t1e courts t1at t1e &e2eral Constitution is

Page 5 2issimilar wit1 or2inary law an2 t1at t1e Act is an or2inary law7 2@ !1us: t1e constitutional amen2ment 8re4ails o4er or2inary law7 A3ter t1is ru2imentary 1ur2le was cleare2: t1e 3ruit o3 t1e restatement o3 t1e law was not to 9e en6oye2 as yet7 !1e courts came u8 wit1 anot1er o9stacle in e5clu2ing t1e 3ull e33ect o3 t1e amen2ment7 Isa Abdul -ahman sai2 t1at we 1a4e to loo< at t1e reme2ies 8raye2 3or 9y t1e 8arties72A !1is le2 to t1e 4iew t1at i3 t1e courts consi2ere2 t1at yaria1 courts 1a2 no 8ower to grant t1e reme2ies: t1en t1e ci4il courts 6uris2iction was not e5clu2e27 !1is re3inement was 3ollowe2 in 4ar,ath Ali+28 +owe4er: t1is a88roac1 was not 3ollowe2 in Soon Sin$h72. Alt1oug1 a 2eclaratory relie3 was 8raye2 3or in t1at case: t1e &e2eral " ML/ 111iii at 111i1 Court still re3use2 to e5ercise its 6uris2iction7 Abdul Shai, 8ointe2 t1is 2e8arture 3rom Isa Abdul -ahman an2 conclu2e2 t1at t1e =reme2y 8raye2 3or= a88roac1 was no longer t1e law7 >0 !1e a88roac1 t1e court s1oul2 a2o8t is t1e =su96ect matter= a88roac1 w1ere t1e only ;uestion rele4ant in e5clu2ing 6uris2iction o3 t1e ci4il courts is to 2etermine w1et1er t1e su96ect matter o3 t1e suit 3alls un2er t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts7 !1e &e2eral Court in Shai, 5ol,affily agree2 wit1 t1is o9ser4ation7>1 !1e test o3 e5clu2ing t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e ci4il courts is to as< w1et1er yaria1 courts 1a4e 6uris2iction o4er t1e matter7 "3 t1e answer is yes: t1en irres8ecti4e o3 t1e reme2ies 8raye2 3or: t1e ci4il courts 6uris2iction is e5clu2e27 !1e court correctly recognise2 t1at cl 1A o3 art 121 tal<s a9out 6uris2iction: an2 not a9out 8owers or reme2ies7 >2 T*" MA:" O# S)A!IA* CO !TS; J !IS%ICTION +owe4er: t1e issue o3 relie3 an2 6uris2iction was not t1e en2 o3 t1e matter7 !1e courts t1en 1a2 to gra88le wit1 1ow to 2etermine t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts7 "nitially: t1ere was no 8rinci8le o3 6uris2iction 9y im8lication in t1e case o3 yaria1 courts alt1oug1 suc1 a 3orm o3 6uris2iction 1a2 9een 8ractise2 9y t1e ci4il courts7>> %$ 6an #han 3or instance: re;uire2 e58ress con3erment o3 6uris2iction on t1e yaria1 courts7>? &ailure to 2o so meant t1at t1e yaria1 courts 1a2 no 6uris2iction o4er t1e matter7>5 +owe4er: t1e &e2eral Court in Soon Sin$h correcte2 t1is an2 a2o8te2 t1e 6uris2iction 9y im8lication a88roac17>@ "t is 8ermissi9le 3or t1e courts to ma<e im8lications 3rom t1e language o3 t1e legislation7 &urt1ermore: since t1e rele4ant legislation is meant 3or a2ministration o3 "slamic law: o94ious omissions may 9e su88lemente2 9y im8lie2 construction7 >A !1us 3or instance: w1en t1e " ML/ 111iii at 1l legislation 1as e58ressly regulate2 on matters o3 con4ersion into "slam: 9y im8lication yaria1 courts are 4este2 wit1 6uris2iction on matters o3 con4ersion out o3 "slam7 !1e a9o4e issue is 9ut one o3 t1e 8ro9lems in 2etermining 6uris2iction7 Anot1er 4ariant o3 t1e 8ro9lem is t1e 3ailure o3 tate legislatures to enact some matters un2er "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List un2er t1e &e2eral Constitution7 !1is 8ro9lem 1as 9een i2enti3ie2 9y t1e courts7 >8 A sim8le solution is 3or t1e legislature to inclu2e a general sa4ing clause to enca8sulate su96ect matters un2er "tem 1 as t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts7>. %5clu2ing t1e solution o3 a general sa4ing clause: t1e courts may im8ly 6uris2iction straig1t 3rom "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List7 !1is was s1ot 2own in Lim #han Sen$7?0 Accor2ing to t1e court: t1e tate legislature nee2s to 2o t1eir 6o9 an2 incor8orate su96ect matters un2er "tem 1 in tate legislation7 "tem 1 is a list o3 su96ect matters un2er t1e legislati4e com8etency o3 t1e tates7 !1us: it is a mere list w1ic1 coul2 not con3er 6uris2iction 9y itsel37 +owe4er: Md 3a,im Lee too< t1e o88osite 4iew?1 in t1at: "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List was ta<en to con3er 6uris2iction 2irectly onto t1e yaria1 courts7 !1us: 3ailure o3 tate legislatures to incor8orate su96ect matters un2er "tem 1 as 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts woul2 not necessarily e5clu2e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts o4er t1e same7 !1is was 3urt1er ma2e clear

Page @ 9y t1e &e2eral Court in Shai, 5ol,affily w1ic1 state2 t1at t1e im8lication coul2 9e ma2e 3rom "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List an2 not only 3rom tate %nactments7 ?2 !1is seems to 8ut t1e matter to rest7 +owe4er: t1is was not meant to 9e7 " ML/ 111iii at 1li Subashini resurrecte2 t1is issue7?> Counsel in t1at case in4ite2 t1e Court o3 A88eal to reconsi2er t1e &e2eral Court=s 2ecision in Shai, 5ol,affily7 Co8al ri $am JCA o9lige2 t1e re;uest in 1is 2issenting 6u2gment7 +e consi2ere2 Shai, 5ol,affily // a &e2eral Court 2ecision // as wrongly 2eci2e2 an2 t1us not 9in2ing u8on t1e Court o3 A88eal7 ?? "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List // accor2ing to 1im // is merely t1e legislati4e 1ea2 o3 t1e legislati4e 8owers o3 tate legislatures an2 t1us inca8a9le o3 2irectly con3erring 6uris2iction on yaria1 courts7 ?5 !1is o8inion: as 1as 9een 8ointe2 out elsew1ere:?@ is contrary to 1is earlier o8inion regar2ing t1e inter8retation o3 sc1e2ules7 (e3ore t1e &e2eral Court 2eli4ere2 its 6u2gment: t1is matter was consi2ere2 9y t1e &e2eral Court in Latifah bte Mat 5in7?A Justice A92ul +ami2 Mo1ama2 // wit1out a4erting to t1e case o3 Shai, 5ol,affily an2 ma<ing a gratuitous o9ser4ation unnecessary 3or t1e case // su9scri9e2 to t1e same o8inion t1at t1e tate list is a mere list7 Later: A92ul AEiE Mo1ama2 &CJ in Subashini:?8 wit1out 2eci2ing t1e issue: seeme2 to agree wit1 Shai, 5ol,affily7 c1e2ules o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution are 8art o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution an2 s1oul2 9e construe2 accor2ing to t1eir language7 !1e language may 9e 2eclarati4e or im8erati4e7 "3 its language is ca8a9le o3 e5clu2ing t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts in all criminal cases in4ol4ing non/Muslims: t1en its language is e;ually ca8a9le o3 granting 6uris2iction o4er su96ect matters inclu2e2 t1erein7?. !1is construction is " ML/ 111iii at 1lii in accor2 wit1 t1e 8ur8oses an2 o96ects o3 t1e 3ramewor< o3 t1e constitution in 1a4ing a 8arallel court system750 !1e rea2iness o3 t1e ci4il courts in construing art 121-1A0 in 3a4our o3 t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts= 1as su33ere2 many la9elsF one o3 t1ese is =cree8ing "slamisation=7 !1e religious 9elie3 o3 6u2ges sitting in suc1 ci4il courts 1as 9een 3aulte2 in coming to allege2ly erroneous 6u2gments7 Muslim 6u2ges in ci4il courts 1a4e also 9een accuse2 o3 a92icating t1eir 2uties w1en t1ey re3use to a26u2icate on t1e constitutionality o3 t1e renunciation o3 "slam7 ome criticism may 9e 3airly 1urle2 towar2s ci4il court 6u2ges w1en t1ey 3ail to answer t1e ;uestion o3 3ree2om o3 religion in cases o3 con4ersion out o3 "slam7 Cases li<e .aud bin Mamat may 9e 3airly sai2 to 9e lac<ing in intellectual courage to 2etermine w1et1er restriction on con4ersion out o3 "slam is consistent wit1 3ree2om o3 religion un2er t1e &e2eral Constitution7 51 +owe4er: t1e courts 1a4e answere2 t1e ;uestion in t1e a33irmati4e in ot1er cases7 52 Guestions o3 con4erting out o3 "slam are also su96ect to "slamic law an2 to 9e 2etermine2 9y t1e yaria1 courts7 "n t1e conte5t o3 Muslims: 3ree2om o3 religion 2oes not mean 3ree2om 3rom religion7 5> !1us: in t1at res8ect: suc1 a criticism is no longer warrante27 Anot1er 8ro9lematic criticism is alleging t1e ina9ility o3 Muslim 6u2ges in ci4il courts to 2eci2e 3airly 9ecause o3 t1eir religious 9elie37 uc1 critics seem to 8roclaim t1at t1e critics t1emsel4es are a9o4e religion an2 8ersonal worl2 4iew in matters o3 intellectual 8ursuit7 !1is is a<in to t1e sel3/8roclaime2 o96ecti4ity o3 social scientists an2 colonial a2ministrators in 2ealing wit1 an2 stu2ying t1e =nati4e= an2 t1e =9ar9arian= in colonies7 "3 t1is 8osition is ta<en: w1at woul2 t1e general 8o8ulation o3 Muslims say a9out non/Muslim 6u2ges 2eci2ing against t1e 6uris2iction o3 yaria1 courtsD )oul2 t1ey not 9e entitle2 to criticise suc1 2ecisions as e;ually clou2e2 9y t1e 6u2ges= religious 9elie3: or is o96ecti4ity t1e e5clusi4e mono8oly o3 " ML/ 111iii at 1liii non/MuslimsD uc1 re8roac1es: i3 continue2 a2 in3initum: woul2 2egenerate into un1el83ul 1urling o3 accusation 3rom 9ot1 si2es o3 t1e 2i4i2e7 NON/M SLIMS IN S)A!IA* CO !TS

Page A O4erla8s an2 con3licts are 9oun2 to 1a88en in a multi/court system7 !1is can 1a88en in any multi/legislature system an2/or multi/e5ecuti4e system75? )1en a 3e2eral unit e5ists toget1er wit1 ot1er tate units t1ere is 9oun2 to 9e a muliti8licity o3 organs7 Malaysia su9scri9es to t1e conce8t o3 3e2eralism in t1e &e2eral Constitution7 Com8eting claims occur 9etween Parliament an2 tate legislatures7 !1ese com8eting claims are resol4e2 9y re3erring to 8ro4isions o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 imilarly: con3licts as to 6uris2iction: arising 3rom t1e in4ol4ement o3 non/Muslim 8arties: re;uire us to loo< at t1e &e2eral Constitution 3or a solution7 +owe4er: one ty8e o3 case t1at may gi4e rise to some 8ro9lems is w1ere one o3 t1e 8arties to a non/Muslim marriage con4erts to "slam7 Con<ersion o7 only one s2ouse !1ere are two issues o3 con3lict in suc1 cases: namely con3lict o3 6uris2iction an2 con3lict o3 law7 !1e ;uestion un2er con3lict o3 6uris2iction is w1ic1 court s1oul2 2etermine t1e case7 !1e ;uestion un2er con3lict o3 law is w1ic1 law // ci4il law or "slamic law/s1oul2 2etermine t1e status o3 t1e marriage7 !1e courts 1a4e 9een consistent in 2etermining t1e status o3 t1e non/Muslim marriages accor2ing to ci4il law an2 8ut t1e matter un2er t1e 8ur4iew o3 t1e ci4il court7 &or instance: in ey Siew #hoo a (u221ist cou8le registere2 t1eir customary marriage 55 an2 1a2 3our c1il2ren as (u221ists7 )1en t1e el2est c1il2 was twenty one years ol2 an2 t1e youngest was eig1t t1e wi3e em9race2 "slam 9ut t1e 1us9an2 2i2 not7 Alt1oug1 t1is case 2i2 not in4ol4e t1e yaria1 courts: it is an e5am8le o3 a con4ersion one s8ouse to "slam7 " ML/ 111iii at 1liv One o3 t1e cases t1at 1a2 9een use2 9y t1e mass me2ia an2 writers to 1ig1lig1t t1e 8ro9lem o3 6uris2ictional con3lict is Shamala75@ !1is case 1as 9een use2 as a s1owcase o3 com8lication 3rom 6uris2ictional con3lict7 "n t1is case: a +in2u cou8le un2erwent a customary marriage accor2ing to +in2u rites an2 t1e sai2 marriage was registere2 un2er t1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@7 )1en one s8ouse em9race2 "slam 3ollowe2 9y t1e con4ersion o3 t1eir two minor c1il2ren also into "slam: issues arose as to t1e 6uris2ictional limitations o3 t1e courts7 !1e issues wit1 regar2 to t1e su9sistence o3 t1e marriage were 2eci2e2 9y t1e ci4il courts w1ic1 a2o8te2 a similar 8osition as in earlier cases ie t1at t1e non/Muslim marriage continue2 to 9e go4erne2 9y ci4il law75A !1e courts o9ser4e2 t1at con4ersion to "slam s1oul2 not 9e use2 as a means to esca8e res8onsi9ility towar2s one=s 3amily758 !1e 1us9an2 in a re8orte2 inter4iew: 1owe4er: 2enie2 t1at 1e was trying to e4a2e res8onsi9ility to 1is 3amily in con4erting to "slam7 5. +e e4en claime2 t1at t1eir con4ersion was 2iscusse2 wit1 1is wi3e an2 s1e agree2 to t1is 9e3ore silently c1anging 1er min2 an2 lea4ing t1eir 1ouse7 (e t1at as it may: t1e courts: consistent wit1 earlier cases: 4iewe2 t1e non/Muslim marriage to su9sist an2 1el2 t1at it coul2 only 9e 2issol4e2 9y t1e non/Muslim 8arty in accor2ance wit1 ci4il law an2 9y t1e ci4il courts7 !1e most recent re8orte2 case is Subashini7@0 !1is case in4ol4es a +in2u cou8le w1o marrie2 un2er +in2u rites7 !1e 1us9an2 later em9race2 "slam an2 con4erte2 one o3 t1e two minor c1il2ren7 !1eir marriage su9siste2 until 2issol4e2 9y t1e ci4il courts7 " ML/ 111iii at 1lv "n Subashini: t1e uncon4erte2 s8ouse a88lie2 3or 2issolution o3 t1e marriage7 +owe4er: 8ro9lems may arise i3 a non/Muslim s8ouse 2eci2e2 not to as< 3or 2issolution7 !1is will create 8ro9lems 3or t1e s8ouse w1o 1a2 since 2eci2e2 to con4ert7 !1is is 9ecause un2er t1e law: @1 only t1e non/ con4erte2 s8ouse may a88ly 3or 2issolution7 !1is may e58lain w1y some s8ouses w1o 1a2 con4erte2 wante2 to a88ly 3or 2issolution to t1e yaria1 courtsF t1ey coul2 not a88ly 3or t1e same 9e3ore t1e ci4il courts7 !1us: it is im8erati4e t1at an amen2ment 9e ma2e to t1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@ to allow 9ot1 s8ouses to a88ly 3or 2issolution 9e3ore t1e ci4il courts7

Page 8 +owe4er: t1e 8ro9lem 2oes not sto8 wit1 t1e status o3 t1e marriage7 $elate2 matters o3 ancillary relie3 an2 custo2y o3 c1il2ren o3 t1e marriage 1a4e to 9e resol4e27 #n2er t1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@: t1e ci4il +ig1 Courts 1a4e t1e 6uris2iction to 2issol4e non/ Muslim marriages an2 or2er t1e ancillary relie37@2 !1us: t1ere is no 8ro9lem in res8ect o3 ancillary relie37 +owe4er: t1is is connecte2 to t1e earlier issue t1at t1e Muslim s8ouse coul2 not initiate t1e action 3or 2issolution an2 necessary relie3 9e3ore t1e ci4il courts7 !1e remaining 8ro9lem is as to t1e con4ersion o3 un2er age2 c1il2ren o3 t1e marriage as in Shamala an2 Subashini7 An or2er as to t1e custo2y o3 t1e c1il2ren in t1e e4ent o3 a 2issolution o3 t1e marriage un2er ci4il law remains wit1 t1e ci4il courts7 +owe4er: t1e con4ersion o3 t1e c1il2ren 9y only one s8ouse may 9e c1allenge2 on constitutional groun2s7 Subashini 2eci2e2 t1at t1e 2ecision o3 a 8arent to con4ert a c1il2 to "slam is su33icient un2er t1e &e2eral Constitution7 @> !1e 2issenting 6u2gment in Subashini 8ointe2 out t1e nee2 3or 9ot1 8arents to 2eci2e on t1e religion o3 t1e c1il2ren7 A8art 3rom t1e issue o3 ancillary relie3: anot1er issue is t1e con3lict o3 6uris2iction7 &or issues ot1er t1an constitutionality: w1ic1 court s1oul2 2eci2e on t1e 4ali2ity o3 t1e con4ersion o3 t1e c1il2renD "3 t1e courts t1at 1a4e e5clusi4e 6uris2iction are yaria1 courts: 1ow coul2 t1e non/Muslim 8arent 9e a 8arty 9e3ore t1e yaria1 courtsD "3 we want to 3ollow t1roug1 3rom t1e 8osition ma2e 9y t1e courts t1at ci4il courts s1oul2 2issol4e t1e ci4il marriage: t1en issues connecte2 wit1 t1e c1il2ren may 1a4e to 9e 2etermine2 9y t1e ci4il courts as well7 +owe4er: t1is may 9e contrary to t1e e5clusi4e 6uris2iction o3 t1e " ML/ 111iii at 1lvi yaria1 courts in 2ealing wit1 matters suc1 as con4ersion to "slam7 !1e 2istinct 8oint: again i3 we want to 3ollow t1roug1 3rom t1e earlier 8osition ta<en: is t1at t1e non/Muslim 8arent 8ur8orte2ly coul2 not 9e a 8arty to suc1 a 8rocee2ing in yaria1 courts7 #ait6 o7 a =ecease= Guestions as to w1et1er a 8erson 1as con4erte2 to "slam or con4erte2 out o3 "slam are matters 8ertaining to "slamic law7 yaria1 courts s1oul2 t1ere3ore ma<e t1e 2etermination since it is a matter o3 "slamic law7 !1ere is no 8ro9lem 3or yaria1 courts to 2etermine t1e issue since a Muslim is consi2ere2 to remain a Muslim until 2eclare2 to 9e ot1erwise7 "t is unacce8ta9le 3or t1e law to regar2 a Muslim to 9e a non/Muslim sim8ly 9y 8ersonal 2eclaration 9ecause t1e 3ait1 o3 t1at 8erson relates to status o3 e4eryone near 1im an2 1ow t1e law interacts wit1 1im7 A 8erson w1o was caug1t committing yaria1 o33ences s1oul2 not esca8e lia9ility merely 9y 2eclaring t1at 1e is no longer a Muslim similar to t1e argument t1at a s8ouse 3rom a non/Muslim marriage s1oul2 not esca8e res8onsi9ility o3 t1e marriage sim8ly 9y con4erting to "slam7 @? +owe4er: t1e 2etermination o3 t1e 3ait1 o3 a 2ecease2 8erson may in4ite t1e 8ro9lem o3 6uris2iction i3 t1e intereste2 8arties // usually t1e 2ecease2 imme2iate 3amily // are non/Muslims7 ometime t1e 2ecease2 1a4e allege2ly conceale2 t1e con4ersion 3rom t1e imme2iate 3amily7 !1is may 9e true 9ut it may 9e 2one to a4oi2 untowar2 inci2ents as it 1as 9een always sai2 w1en t1ere are cases on con4ersion out o3 "slam7 Muslims an2 non/Muslims are ca8a9le o3 8utting 8ressure against imme2iate 3amily on t1eir intention to alter t1e status ;uo7 )e s1oul2 not assume t1at t1ere is not1ing to 9e a3rai2 o3 9y a 8erson inten2ing to con4ert to "slam7 A catc1y: al9eit mislea2ing term use2 to 2escri9e t1ese inci2ents is =9o2y snatc1ing=7 "t is an e33ecti4e rallying call use2 to con2emn actions o3 t1e "slamic aut1orities7 @5 "slamic aut1orities 1a4e 9een accuse2 o3 =ro99ing= t1e 9o2y o3 t1e 2ecease2 3rom t1e grie4ing non/Muslim 3amilies7 )e s1oul2 consi2er t1at actions o3 t1e "slamic aut1orities are 9ase2 on re8orts ma2e an2 e4i2ence a22uce2 regar2ing t1e 3ait1 o3 t1e 2ecease27 ometimes t1e claim t1at t1e 2ecease2 2ie2 as a Muslim was ma2e 9y t1e 3amily o3 t1e 2ecease2 " ML/ 111iii at 1lvii t1emsel4es7@@ A 9etter 8roce2ure may 9e calle2 3or in 1an2ling suc1 a 2is8ute7 +owe4er: s;uarely 9laming t1e "slamic aut1ority is mis8lace2 9lame7

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'*AT 'AS T*" O&J"CTI(" A5AIN> Most o3 our 2iscussions re4ol4e aroun2 t1e contro4ersies arising 3rom art 121-1A07 !1e contro4ersies are 8lenti3ul7 (ut w1at a9out t1e central o96ecti4e o3 t1e amen2ment: w1ic1 is to ensure t1at cases on "slamic law are 2eci2e2 9y t1e yaria1 courtsD Cenerally: 3or 20 years we 1a4e not 1ear2 cases o3 custo2y o3 c1il2ren o3 Muslim 8arents 9eing 2eci2e2 9y t1e ci4il courts7 Cenerally: 3or 20 years we 1a4e not 1ear2 o3 t1e ci4il courts o4erturning t1e 2ecisions o3 t1e yaria1 courts7 O4erall: we coul2 say t1at t1e amen2ment 1a2 ac1ie4e2 its o96ecti4e7 (ut w1at a9out t1e contro4ersial cases: 8articularly cases in4ol4ing t1e 2etermination o3 t1e 3ait1 o3 a 8ersonD "n any 2iscussion on t1e yaria1 courts t1e cases o3 in2i4i2uals em9racing "slam an2 a8ostasy 1a4e always 2ominate2 t1e news in t1e news8a8ers7 "n contrast: most o3 2iscussions among Muslim sc1olars an2 a2ministrators 1a4e 9een a9out im8ro4ing t1e com8etency an2 t1e 2eli4ery o3 ser4ice 9y t1e yaria1 courts7 Guestions o3 increasing com8etency in 6u2gment writing: 9etterment o3 ci4il an2 criminal 8roce2ure 3or instance are t1e concerns in con3erences: seminars an2 wor<s1o8s7 )1at t1is means is t1at t1e contro4ersial cases are a small su9set in t1e o8eration o3 t1e yaria1 courts7 !1ese issues 9ecome 9ig 9ecause t1ey in4ol4e inter/religious issues7 As always in Malaysia: inter/religious issues always gra9 t1e 1ea2lines7 !1is o9ser4ation is not meant to 9elittle t1e contro4ersial issues7 !1e 8ur8ose is to 8ut in conte5t t1e contro4ersies so t1at we 2o not 1a4e t1e situation w1ere marah,an nyamu, ,elambu diba,ar -a Malay 8ro4er9 w1ic1 literally means t1at in trying to get e4en wit1 a mos;uito: you 9urn t1e mos;uito net07 !1e issues 1a4e 9een connecte2 to t1e issue o3 1uman rig1ts: secular nature o3 a nation an2 status o3 "slam in Malaysia7 Let us loo< at t1e o4erarc1ing issue o3 t1e status o3 "slam in Malaysia7 Our 3irst re3erence is t1e &e2eral Constitution7 "t says t1at "slam is t1e religion o3 t1e &e2eration7 @A Loo<ing at t1e &e2eral Constitution 8ositi4ely // 8ositi4e 3rom t1e 8ers8ecti4e o3 en1ancing t1e 8osition o3 "slam // " ML/ 111iii at 1lviii t1e &e2eral Constitution 8ut "slam in a s8ecial 8osition7 !1is can 9e seen in 8ro4isions regar2ing t1e 3ree2om o3 religion an2 restriction o3 8ro8agation o3 ot1er religions among Muslims: @8 setting u8 o3 "slamic institutions:@. an2 s1iel2ing it 3rom emergency 8owers7A0 (ut: t1e con4erse argument goes: Malaysia is secular7 !1us: no religion s1oul2 9e in a 2ominant 8osition7 !1e 9asis 3or t1is 8ro8osition is t1e statement o3 4a!a Kemerde,aan -t1e &at1er o3 t1e Malaysian "n2e8en2ence0: t1e 3irst Prime Minister o3 Malaysia: !un<u A92ul $a1man7 'oes t1is 9ear t1e weig1t o3 t1e 8ro4isions in t1e Constitution itsel3D !1e answer is no 9ecause t1e Constitution 8ro4i2es a 2istinct 8ositi4e treatment 3or "slam7 )1et1er t1is amounts to recognising Malaysia as an "slamic state is 9esi2e t1e 8oint7 "rres8ecti4e o3 t1e la9els // "slamic or secular state // "slam 1as an e5alte2 8osition in t1e &e2eral Constitution7 &urt1ermore: t1ere is no 8ro4ision in t1e &e2eral Constitution t1at 9ars t1e a88lication o3 rules w1ic1 are 2eri4e2 3rom "slam or consistent wit1 "slam7 Anot1er argument relate2 to t1is issue relates to t1e constitutional 9argain or t1e social contract allege2ly containe2 in t1e &e2eral Constitution7 "t is argue2 t1at t1ere is a social contract in t1e &e2eral Constitution w1ere9y "slam 1as a s8ecial 8osition al9eit not a 2ominant one7 "t is con3ine2 to rituals an2 ceremonies7 !1e 2ominant court system t1at 2is8enses 6ustice to all s1oul2 9e t1e ci4il courts7 !1e social contract argument 1as 9een use2 9ot1 9y t1ose w1o argue 3or a s8ecial 8osition 3or "slam an2 3or a secular Malaysia7A1 !1e use o3 t1e 81rase =social contract= itsel3 may 9e 8ro9lematical since it is use2 9y 8olitical 81iloso81ers to e58lain t1e 3ormation o3 ci4il society in an =i2ealiEe2 arc1aic 8ast=: not a relati4ely recent e4ent7 A2 (e t1at as it may: anot1er 8art o3 t1is social contract t1at 1as 9een largely le3t out o3 t1e 2iscussion is a9out t1e e4angelism o3 ot1er religions among

Page 10 " ML/ 111iii at 1li1 Muslims7 !1e &e2eral Constitution s1ows t1at t1e 8ro8agation o3 ot1er religions among Muslims is not allowe27A> (ut w1at 2o t1e cases o3 a8ostasy s1owD &rom t1e 8ers8ecti4e o3 Muslim: cases o3 Lina /oy an2 /amaluddin ree< o3 e4angelism o3 ot1er religions among Muslims7A? +as t1e =ot1er= a9i2e2 9y t1e social contractD CONCL %IN5 !"MA!?S !1e case law on art 121-1A0 is =a tangle2 we9 o3 inconsistency an2 con3usion=7 A5 "t is a wor< in 8rogress 3or t1e society: t1e go4ernment an2 t1e courts to 2emarcate a line in t1e s1i3ting san2 o3 le1al 2luralis3 in Malaysia4 )it1 t1e new 8olitical lan2sca8e in Malaysia: t1ere seems to 9e a new 3e2eral go4ernment initiati4e to wor< out issues relate2 to 6uris2ictional con3lict7 "3 t1e initiati4e re;uires constitutional amen2ment: since t1e 3e2eral go4ernment 2oes not 1a4e a 2/> ma6ority in t1e +ouse o3 $e8resentati4e: suc1 amen2ments re;uire cross 8arty su88ort7 "3 t1e Pa<atan $a<yat -coalition o3 Parti Bea2ilan $a<yat: 'AP an2 PA 0 2oes not agree: t1e go4ernment nee2s to con3ine its solution to t1ose wit1out t1e nee2 3or constitutional amen2ment7 On t1e ot1er 1an2: i3 t1e solution is o9taine2 across t1e 8arty line: 8ossi9ly t1e solution will secure a 9etter su88ort7 $egar2ing t1e yaria1 courts: a ma6ority o3 cases in4ol4e matters o3 intra/Muslim issues suc1 as marriage an2 2i4orce in4ol4ing Muslim cou8les7 !1us: art 121-1A0 1as ma2e it clear t1at t1e yaria1 courts 1a4e t1e e5clusi4e 6uris2iction on t1is matter7 )1at nee2s to 9e 2one is to strengt1en yaria1 courts // relating to 8ersonnel: in3rastructure an2 t1e 8roce2ure // to ensure 6ustice is 2one to all7 Pro9lematic issues arise w1en t1ere is a c1ange o3 8ersonal status: in cases o3 con4ersion into "slam or con4ersion out o3 "slam7 !1e courts 1a4e 9een consistent in 1ol2ing t1at in suc1 casesF t1e yaria1 courts s1oul2 2eci2e t1e issues7A@ " ML/ 111iii at l !1e ci4il courts 1a4e 9een ;uite consistent in a26u2icating u8on matters t1at in4ol4e t1e 2issolution o3 ci4il marriages w1en one s8ouse to a non/Muslim marriage con4erts to "slam7 !1e s8ouse w1o 1as con4erte2 to "slam may 3ace a 8ro9lem i3 t1e s8ouse w1o 1as not con4erte2 to "slam 2oes not imme2iately a88ly 3or 2issolution o3 t1e marriage7 !1is is 9ecause t1e law 2oes not allow t1e s8ouse w1o 1as con4erte2 to "slam to a88ly 3or 2issolution7 AA ince t1e rele4ant law 2oes not su9scri9e to a no/3ault 8rinci8le in granting 2i4orce: A8 it is a 9it 8er8le5ing as to w1y it 2oes not allow t1e s8ouse w1o 1as con4erte2 to "slam to a88ly 3or 2issolution o3 t1e marriage7 "n granting t1e 2issolution: t1e ci4il courts will ma<e t1e necessary or2er regar2ing t1e marriage7 !1us: t1e Act s1oul2 9e amen2e2 to allow 9ot1 s8ouses to a88ly 3or 2issolution o3 t1e marriage7 " ML/ 111iii at li

1 ee 3or instance Pra<as1 A 1a1: -200>0 52 "CLG >@.F e9astian M Poulter: 7thnicity, Law and 3uman -i$hts8 he 7n$lish 71!erience: O53or2, O53or2 #ni4ersity Press: 1..87 2 ee e9astian M Poulter: 7n$lish Law and 7thnic Minority #ustoms: Lon2on, (utterwort1s: 1.8@: at 8 47 > Cri33it1 J: )1at "s Legal PluralismD -1.8@0 2? J7 Le$al Pluralism 9 Unoffical L 17 ee also Masa6i C1i9a -e20: Asian Indi$enous Law8 An Interaction with -eceived Law: Lon2on, BP" Limite2: 1.8@7 ? )erner Mens<i: #om!arative Law in a :lobal #onte1t8 he Le$al System of Asia and Africa -2n2 %20: Cam9ri2ge, Cam9ri2ge #ni4ersity Press: 200@: at 8 5.7 5 &or ot1er Asian countries: see 3or instance Cary & (ell: Multiculturalism in Law is Le$al Pluralism'Lessons from

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Indonesia, Sin$a!ore and #anada -200@0 JL >157 @ B1oo Bay Bim: %lina1 A92ulla1 an2 )an Meng +ao -e2s0: Malay;Muslims in Sin$a!ore8 Selected -eadin$s in 3istory: Buala Lum8ur, Pelan2u< Pu9lications H AMP inga8ore: 200@: at 8 ?17 A )erner Mens<i: #om!arative Law in a :lobal #onte1t8 he Le$al System of Asia and Africa -2n2 %20: Cam9ri2ge, Cam9ri2ge #ni4ersity Press: 200@: at 8 @7 8 en$,u Mariam v #ommissioner of -eli$ious Affair, ren$$anu 9 <rs I1.@.J 1 MLJ 1107 ee also #ommissioner for -eli$ious Affairs, ren$$anu 9 <rs v en$,u Mariam binti en$,u Sri 6a -a=a 9 Anor I1.A0J 1 MLJ 222 -&C07 . Ainan bin Mahmud v Syed Abuba,ar I1.>.J MLJ 20.7 10 &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Powers and /urisdiction of Syariah #ourts in Malaysia -2n2 %20: Buala Lum8ur, Malayan Law Journal -2n2 %20: Petaling Jaya, Le5isNe5is: 2008: at 88 15/1@7 11 (ut see in re3erence to mo2ern Malaysian 6u2iciary in James &oong: he Malaysian /udiciary8 A -ecord from >?*@ to >AA(: Buala Lum8ur, Malayan Law Journal 2n (12: 1..?: at 8 17 12 Constitutional -Amen2ment0 Act 1.88 -Act AA0?07 !1e new clause 8ro4i2es,

!1e courts 777 s1all 1a4e no 6uris2iction in res8ect o3 any matter wit1in t1e 6uris2iction o3 t1e yaria1 courts7

1> Myriam v Mohamed Ariff I1.A1J 1 MLJ 2@57 1? Ainan bin Mahmud v Syed Abuba,ar I1.>.J MLJ 20.7 15 ee #ivil #ourts #an -eview Syariah #ourt #ases, %ew Straits imes: @ January 200@7 1@ A1ma2 "9ra1im: he Amendment to Article >&> of the Federal #onstitution8 Its 7ffect on Admnistration of Islamic Law I1.8.J 2 MLJ 54ii7 1A Bamal +alili +assan: he Shariah #ourt and Article >&>B>AC of the Federal #onstitution -1.8.0 1,1 Jurnal Perun2angan >27 18 A2ministration o3 Muslim Law %nactment 1.527 1. &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Pen$u,uhan dan Pemanta!an Semula Mah,amah Syariah sele!as Merde,a: in Ma1ama2 Ari3in et al, Pentadbiran Undan$'Undan$ Islam di Malaysia: Buala Lum8ur, 'ewan (a1asa 2an Pusta<a: 200A: at 88 AA/807 20 Now 'ato= C1ua Jui Meng: t1e e5/Minister o3 +ealt17 Parliamentary 'e9ates: +ouse o3 $e8resentati4e: 1A Marc1 1.88: Co7 AA7 21 "tem 1 o3 t1e tate List7 22 Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200?J 2 MLJ 2?17 2> eoh 7n$ 3uat v Kadhi, Pasir Mas 9 Anor I1..0J 2 MLJ >00 - C07 2? Shahamin Faisal Kun$ b Abdullah v Asma bt 3a=i Dunus I1..1J > CLJ 2207 25 Courts o3 Ju2icature Act 1.@? -$e4ise2 1.A207

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2@ Mohd 3abibullah bin Mahmood v Faridah bte .ato alib I1..2J 2 MLJ A.>- C0: at 88 802/80>7 2A Ma=lis A$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ lwn Isa Abdul -ahman dan satu yan$ lain I1..2J 2 MLJ 2?? - C07 28 4ar,ath Ali bin Ab 4ac,er v Anwar Kabir bin Abu 4ac,er 9 <rs I1..AJ ? MLJ >8.7 2. Soon Sin$h a;l 4i,ar Sin$h v Pertubuhan Keba=i,an Islam Malaysia BP7-KIMC I1...J 1 MLJ ?8. -&C07 >0 Abdul Shai, bin Md Ibrahim 9 Anor v 3ussein bin Ibrahim 9 <rs I1...J 5 MLJ @187 >1 Ma=lis U$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ dan Seberan$ Perai v Shai, 5ol,affily bin Shai, %atar 9 <rs I200>J > MLJ A05 -&C07 >2 &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Powers and /urisdiction of Syariah #ourts in Malaysia -2n2 %20: Petaling Jaya, Le5isNe5is: 2008: at 8 8A7 >> an$ Sun$ Mooi v oo Miew Kim I1..?J > MLJ 11A - C07 >? %$ 6an #han v Ma=lis U$ama Islam 6ilayah Perse,utuan 9 Anor B%o &C I1..1J > MLJ ?8A7 >5 Lim #han$ Sen$ v Pen$arah /abatan A$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ 9 Seoran$ Dan$ Lain I1..@J > CLJ 2>17 >@ Soon Sin$h a;l 4i,ar Sin$h v Pertubuhan Keba=i,an Islam Malaysia BP7-KIMC Kedah 9 Anor I1...J 1 MLJ ?8. -&C07 >A Soon Sin$h a;l 4i,ar Sin$h v Pertubuhan Keba=i,an Islam Malaysia BP7-KIMC Kedah 9 Anor I1...J 1 MLJ ?8. -&C0 at 8 5027 >8 ee 3or instance Soon Sin$h a;l 4i,ar Sin$h v Pertubuhan Keba=i,an Islam Malaysia BP7-KIMC Kedah 9 Anor [>AAA0 > ML/ E*A BF#C at ! ")&F Lim #han$ Sen$ v Pen$arah /abatan A$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ 9 Seoran$ Dan$ Lain I1..@J > CLJ 2>17 >. ee &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Powers and /urisdiction of Syariah #ourts in Malaysia -2n2 %20: Petaling Jaya, Le5isNe5is: 2008: at 8 10.7 ee also Lim #han$ Sen$ v Pen$arah /abatan A$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ 9 Seoran$ Dan$ Lain I1..@J > CLJ 2>17 ?0 Lim #han$ Sen$ v Pen$arah /abatan A$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ 9 Seoran$ Dan$ Lain I1..@J > CLJ 2>17 ?1 Md 3a,im Lee v Ma=lis A$ama Islam 6ilayah Perse,utuan, Kuala Lum!ur I1..8J 1 MLJ @817 ?2 Ma=lis U$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ .an Seberan$ Perai v Shai, 5ol,affily 4in Shai, %atar 9 <rs I200>J > MLJ A05 -&C07 ?> Saravanan a;l han$athoray v Subshini a;! -a=asin$am I200AJ 2 MLJ A05 -CA07 ?? On criticism o3 t1is 4iew an2 ot1er issues see a case re4iew o3 Subashini in Farid Sufian Shuaib, Parallel #ourt Systems and #onversion of <ne S!ouse to Islam8 A case #ommentary on Saravanan a;l han$athoray v Subashini a;! -a=asin$am I200AJ L$ 2?@7 ?5 Saravanan a;l han$athoray v Subshini a;! -a=asin$am I200AJ 2 MLJ A05 -CA07 ?@ &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: =Parallel #ourt Systems and #onversion of <ne S!ouse to Islam8 A case #ommentary on Saravanan han$athoray v Subashini -a=asin$am and another a!!eal= I200AJ L$ 2?@7 ?A Latifah bte Mat 5in v -osmawati bte Sharibun 9 Anor I200AJ 5 MLJ 101: at 8 10@7

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?8 Subashini a;! -a=asin$am v Saravanan a;l han$athoray and other a!!eals I2008J 2 MLJ 1?A: at 88 211/2127 ?. ee 3urt1er &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Parallel #ourt Systems and #onversion of <ne S!ouse to Islam8 A case #ommentary on Saravanan han$athoray v Subashini -a=asin$am and Another A!!eal I200AJ L$ 2?@F &ari2 u3ian 1uai9: Powers and /urisdiction of Syariah #ourts in Malaysia -2n2 %20: Petaling Jaya, Le5isNe5is: 2008: at 88 8@/8A7 50 On o96ects an2 8ur8oses o3 8ro4isions o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution relating to yaria1 courts: see Ma=lis U$ama Islam Pulau Pinan$ .an Seberan$ Perai v Shai, 5ol,affily bin Shai, %atar 9 <rs I200>J > MLJ A05 -&C07 51 .aud bin Mamat dan lain'lain lwn Ma=lis A$ama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan dan satu la$i I2002J > MLJ A28 -CA07 52 Kamariah bte Ali dan lain'lain lwn Kera=aan %e$eri Kelantan dan satu la$i I2005J 1 MLJ 1.A -&C0F Lina Joy lwn Ma6lis Agama "slam )ilaya1 Perse<utuan 2an lain/lain I200AJ ? MLJ 585 -&C07 5> Kamariah bte Ali dan lain'lain lwn Kera=aan %e$eri Kelantan, Malaysia dan satu la$i I2002J > MLJ @5A -CA0: at 8 @@57 5? &or con3lict on multi/legislature cases see 3or instance Mamat bin .aud 9 <rs v :overnment of Malaysia I1.88J 1 MLJ 11. - C07 &or con3lict o3 multi/e5ecuti4e see 3or instance 8ro8ose2 le4y on 3oreign wor<ers 9y t1e tate o3 elangor7 55 ey Siew #hoo v eo 7n$ 3ua I1...J @ CLJ >087 5@ Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200>J @ MLJ 515F Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200?J 2 MLJ 2?1F Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah 9 Anor I200?J 2 MLJ @?87 5A Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200>J @ MLJ 515: 8 51.: 8er $aus 1ari3 JF Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200?J 2 MLJ 2?1: 8 252: 8er &aiEa !am9y C1i< J7 58 Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah I200>J @ MLJ 515: 8 520F Shamala a;! Sathiyaseelan v .r /eya$anesh a;l # Mo$ara=ah 9 Anor I200?J 2 MLJ @?8: 8 @5?7 5. =" really miss my two 9oys=: %ew Straits imes: 2? July 200?7 @0 Subashini a;! -a=asin$am v Saravanan a;l han$athoray and other a!!eals I2008J 2 MLJ 1?A -&C0F Saravanan a;l han$athoray v Subshini a;! -a=asin$am I200AJ 2 MLJ A05 -CA0F Subashini a;! -a=asin$am v Saravanan a;l han$athoray I200AJ 2 MLJ A.87 @1 ection 51 o3 t1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@7 @2 ection 517 @> Article 12 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 Ma6ority 6u2gment in Subashini a;! -a=asin$am v Saravanan a;l han$athoray and other a!!eals I2008J 2 MLJ 1?A7 @? Kamariah bte Ali dan lain'lain lwn Kera=aan %e$eri Kelantan dan satu la$i I2005J 1 MLJ 1.A -&C07 @5 ee 3or instance1tt8,//www7lim<itsiang7com/arc1i4e/2008/6an08/l<s?A?A71tm7 @@ =$emains o3 Muslim con4ert release2 to religious council=: he Star: 25 January 20087 @A Article >-10 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7

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@8 Article 11-?0 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 @. Article 12-20 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 A0 Article 150-@A0 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 ee 3urt1er A1ma2 "9ra1im: he Princi!les of an Islamic #onstitution and the #onstitution of Malaysia8 A #om!arative Analysis -1.8.0 1,2 ""#M Law Journal 17 A1 ee 3or instance !ommy !1omas: he Social #ontract8 MalaysiaGs #onstitutional #ovenant, !resented in >Eth Malaysian Law #onference: organise2 9y t1e (ar Council: Buala Lum8ur: 2./>1 Octo9er 200A7 A2 ee Norani Ot1man: Ma4is C Put1uc1eary H Cli4e Bessler: Sharin$ the %ation8 Faith, .ifference, Power and the State ") Dears After Merde,a: Petaling Jaya: trategic "n3ormation an2 $esearc1 'e4elo8ment Centre: 2008: at 88 18/1.7 A> Article 11-?0 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution7 A? Minister for 3ome Affairs, Malaysia 9 Anor v /amaluddin bin <thman I1.8.J 1 MLJ ?18 - C07 A5 Li/ann !1io: Juris2ictional "m9roglio, Ci4il an2 $eligious Courts: !ur3 )ars an2 art 121-1A0 o3 t1e &e2eral Constitution: in An2rew +ar2ing H +P Lee -e2s0: Constitutional Lan2mar<s in Malaysia: Malayan law Journal: 200A: at 8 22?7 A@ Kamariah bte Ali dan lain'lain lwn Kera=aan %e$eri Kelantan dan satu la$i I2005J 1 MLJ 1.A -&C0F Lina /oy v Ma=lis A$ama Islam 6ilayah Perse,utuan dan lain'lain I200AJ ? MLJ 585 -&C07 AA ection 51 o3 t1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@7 A8 !1e Law $e3orm -Marriage an2 'i4orce0 Act 1.A@7