KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring that no individual is left behind in obtaining their rights and justice through the syariah judicial institution, in line with the state’s principle of social inclusivity.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the commitment reflects the state’s aspiration to ensure fair and equitable access to justice for all segments of society.
“Efforts to deliver justice to the people do not rest solely with syariah judges who make decisions in court, but also with all parties within the Syariah judicial and legal ecosystem.
“Through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), I uphold the principle of ‘no one left behind’. Accordingly, I also hope that no one is left behind in obtaining rights and justice through the Syariah judicial institution.
“That is part of the principle of social inclusivity that I aspire to achieve for our state,” he said at the opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2026 dinner at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here on Thursday (Jan 22).
The event was graced by the presence of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Abang Johari said the syariah judicial system plays a vital role not only in upholding the law, but also in contributing to social well-being and inclusive development.
He noted that the organisation of the event for the second consecutive year reflected the state’s commitment to strengthen the syariah judiciary as an institution that is inclusive, upholds integrity, and commands public confidence.
He said the theme of this year’s event, ‘Empowering the Independence of the Judiciary and Syariah Legislation’, is timely and significant amid an increasingly complex legal landscape and a society that is more informed and critical.
“Judicial independence is a fundamental principle that ensures courts are able to discharge their duties freely, fairly and justly, without being influenced by political pressure, personal interests or public sentiment,” he said.
Linking the syariah judiciary to the state’s PCDS 2030, Abang Johari said the principle of social inclusivity under the strategy aligns closely with Syariah values that emphasise justice, fairness and the protection of vulnerable groups.
He added that efforts to make the syariah judicial system more people-friendly should include simplified procedures, the use of easily understood language, better public understanding of syariah law, and wider access to Syariah legal aid.
“Justice is not delivered by judges alone, but by the entire ecosystem of the syariah judicial and legal system, including lawyers, prosecutors, enforcement officers and front-line staff who engage directly with the public,” he said.
