KUCHING: The Sarawak State Attorney General’s Chambers (JPBNS) is currently handling 155 active cases at the Syariah High Court and four cases at the Syariah Court of Appeal.
This further reflects the growing scope and responsibility of the chambers in syariah legal administration in the state.
State Attorney General Datuk Seri Saferi Ali said 29 syariah cases have been resolved, involving consent orders, case dismissals and withdrawals, underscoring JPBNS’ seriousness in ensuring Syariah affairs in Sarawak are “terlindung, terjamin dan berjalan dengan lancer (protected, secure and administered smoothly)”.
“This clearly shows that the chambers is committed to safeguarding and ensuring that syariah matters in Sarawak are properly administered,” he said.
Saferi said this in a speech read out by Senior State Counsel Professor Dr Jady Zaidi Hassim at the opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2026 at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here, today.
To further strengthen service delivery, he announced that 10 new state counsels will report for duty in 2026, a move expected to enhance the chambers’ overall capacity, particularly in handling syariah -related matters.
“With the addition of new officers, the delivery of services can be carried out more swiftly, and the positive impact will be felt especially by syariah legal practitioners in Sarawak,” he said.
As a secondary focus, Saferi highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce the syariah legal framework through institutional development within JPBNS.
He said the Syariah Division was expanded in 2024, with the establishment of two dedicated sections the Syariah Litigation Section and the Legal Harmonisation Section.
“The establishment of these sections is aimed at streamlining litigation processes and strengthening governance, in line with current needs,” he said, adding that the role of state counsels has also evolved beyond advisory and drafting functions.
“They are now required to appear not only in civil courts, but also in syariah and bumiputera courts throughout Sarawak, demonstrating their versatility, flexibility and adaptability in handling cases,” he said.
Touching on the theme of the opening ceremony, ‘Empowering the Independence of the Judiciary and Syariah Legislation’, Saferi stressed that judicial and legal independence is crucial to ensure justice is delivered without fear or favour.
“Judicial and legal independence is vital in acting as a check and balance to the executive and in preserving the rule of law, in line with the Federal Constitution,” he said, adding that all parties must avoid interference to maintain public trust in the institution.
He also called for cooperation based on mutual benefit, saying all stakeholders must work together “seperti konsep symbiosis (such as the concept of symbiosis)” and avoid actions that would weaken the syariah legal ecosystem.
On inter-agency collaboration, Saferi reaffirmed JPBNS’ commitment to maintaining a close working relationship with the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department, expressing hope that the strong cooperation established in 2025 would continue in the years ahead.
