KOTA KINABALU: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed his desire for Syarie judges in Sabah to fairly, efficiently, and promptly resolve all cases concerning Muslims.
His Majesty stated on Wednesday (Sept 6) that he hopes the judges can diligently fulfill their responsibilities, especially when addressing matters related to the Muslim community in the state.
“We are all aware that there have been complaints about delays in court decisions, whether in small or big cases, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure that all matters regarding family affairs, inheritance, and Syariah laws are managed efficiently and promptly based on Syariah principles and elements,” stated Al-Sultan Abdullah while officiating the opening of Sabah State Syariah Court Complex on Wednesday.
The construction of the four-story court complex cost RM58.12mil, and it was part of the 10th Malaysia Plan’s rolling plan. The construction began on Nov 9, 2017, and was completed on July 22, 2021.
The complex is equipped with a Syariah Court of Appeal courtroom, two Shariah High Court courtrooms, three Shariah Lower Court courtrooms, judges’ chambers, administrative offices, a reconciliation room, an information technology room, a library, a prayer room, a cafeteria, and a childcare centre.
Also present at the event were Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who is currently in Sabah for the Kembara Kenali Borneo tour, also mentioned that the State Syariah Court Complex is a symbol of the presence of Islamic administration in Sabah, following the enforcement of the Administration of Muslim Law Enactment in the state 46 years ago.
“This effort was initiated by previous leaders, including former governors, former chief ministers, responsible cabinet ministers, and previous muftis, as well as the current leadership,” said His Majesty.
On Dec 23, 1977, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly passed the Administration of Muslim Law Enactment, granting the Governor of Sabah the authority to establish Syariah Courts in the state.
Before departing the complex, Al-Sultan Abdullah signed the inauguration plaque, toured the facilities, and took commemorative photos with the court personnel.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah are currently on the Kembara Kenali Borneo tour, starting on Sept 3 and concluding on Sept 13.
The tour begins in Tawau, Sabah, and ends in Telok Melano, Sarawak, covering a distance of 2,154km along the Pan Borneo Highway, connecting Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.- Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
