KUCHING: The Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has proposed the introduction of an ordinance aimed at regulating the practice of Syariah law in the state.
The proposal covers key aspects such as competency training, lawyer admissions, disciplinary actions, and other related matters, with the goal of enhancing the Syariah judicial system’s efficiency and integrity.
Wan Junaidi stressed that Syariah lawyers play a critical role as court officers responsible for upholding justice within the Syariah system.
“Syariah lawyers are pivotal in elevating the status of Syariah law in Sarawak.
“The legal aid system will ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their financial standing,” he said.
The Governor said this in his Statesman’s Lecture, during the opening of the Syariah Legal Year at the Majma’ Hall Tunku Abd Halim Mu’adzam Shah today (Jan 21).
Among his key proposals was the introduction of a ‘call to the bar’ system, mirroring the practice in Civil Courts, to ensure aspiring Syariah lawyers undergo a structured 12-month practical training under experienced legal experts.
Wan Junaidi also recommended the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to oversee Syariah lawyers and suggested implementing a state-level legal aid system to support financially constrained individuals in accessing legal services.
“The ‘call to the bar’ system aims to ensure that only individuals with adequate training and expertise are allowed to practise Syariah law,” he added.
As such, he expressed confidence that these measures would not only enhance the professionalism of Syariah lawyers but also foster a more inclusive and harmonious society in Sarawak.
Among those present were his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister for Telecommuncation and Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge Datuk Awang Suhaili Ledi as well as Chief Judge and Director General of the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) Datuk Mohd Amran Mat Zain.
