PM Announces RM1.5 Million Allocation to Expand Access to Syarie Legal Aid

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday announced an allocation of RM1.5 million to the Malaysian Syarie Lawyers Association to expand access to syarie legal aid for the underprivileged through the Syarie Legal Aid Programme (BAGUS).

He said access to justice needs to be given attention as there are still many, especially the poor and single mothers, who face difficulties in obtaining legal representation in the Syariah Courts.

“We have good legislation, good courts, good lawyers and good judges, but the issue of access is not always guaranteed.

“Often in the legal system, those who are able can afford the best lawyers, but the poorest sometimes have no access,” he said when officiating the National Syarie Legal Profession Convention 2026, here on Saturday.

Commenting on the evolution of the syariah judicial institution in the country, the Prime Minister said any effort to strengthen the Syariah Court institution, including proposals to improve Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution, has never been intended to affect the rights of adherents of other religions.

He said the main objective of the amendment since it was introduced in the late 1980s was to strengthen the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts in matters relating to Muslims, without interfering in the affairs of non-Muslim religions.

“We do not at all want to violate the rights of non-Muslims. What we want to uphold is justice and not deny the rights of non-Muslims in their religious affairs.

“The civil courts have no right to interfere in the affairs of the Syariah Courts regarding Islamic law and Muslim society. To me, that is very fair,” he said.

Anwar said he himself had given assurances to non-Muslim leaders when the amendment to Article 121(1A) was brought forward so that it would not be misinterpreted as an attempt to affect the rights of non-Muslim communities.

He also rejected claims that the Unity Government had neglected the agenda of strengthening Islamic institutions, as every proposal related to the Syariah Courts brought to the Cabinet was given due consideration without being objected to by non-Muslim ministers.

“Throughout more than three years of my tenure as Prime Minister, there has not been a single proposal related to increasing allocations or the position of the Syariah Courts that was objected to by any minister, including non-Malay ministers,” he said.

To strengthen the syariah judicial institution, the Prime Minister proposed that a special discussion session be held involving the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, the chief judges of the Syariah Courts as well as representatives of the Malaysian Syarie Lawyers Association.

He said the session is important to enable the government to examine proposals submitted by syariah legal practitioners in enhancing the capability and dignity of the Syariah Courts.

“Views that are deemed necessary and should be given attention, I will give priority to,” he said.

Bernama