Anwar announces RM1.5m allocation for Syariah legal aid, says reforms will not affect non-Muslims’ rights

PUTRAJAYA, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM1.5 million allocation to strengthen access to Syariah legal aid services for the underprivileged, alongside renewed assurances that efforts to enhance the Syariah judicial system will not affect the rights of non-Muslims.

He said the allocation to the Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia would be channelled through the Syariah Legal Aid Centre (BAGUS) to expand access to representation for those unable to afford Syariah legal services, particularly the poor and single mothers.

He said access to justice remained a key concern despite the existence of a robust legal framework and capable judges and lawyers, noting that financial disparity often determined the quality of legal representation in court.

“We have good laws, good courts, good lawyers and good judges, but access remains an issue.

“Usually in the legal system, those who are well-off can afford the best lawyers, but the poorest sometimes have no access at all,” he said when officiating the 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession here today.

Anwar also addressed ongoing discussions surrounding the strengthening of the Syariah judiciary, including proposals related to Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution, stressing that such efforts are not intended to undermine the rights of non-Muslims.

He said the original intent of the constitutional provision introduced in the late 1980s was to reinforce the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court in matters concerning Muslims, without interfering in the affairs of other faiths.

“We do not in any way wish to infringe upon the rights of non-Muslims. What we want to uphold is justice, and not deny non-Muslims their rights in matters of their religion.

“The civil court has no authority to interfere in the Syariah Court’s jurisdiction over Islamic law and the Muslim community. To me, that is fair,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that he had previously assured non-Muslim leaders that amendments to Article 121(1A) would not be misinterpreted as an attempt to erode their rights.

Anwar also rejected claims that the Unity Government had neglected efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions, saying all proposals related to the Syariah judiciary had been given due consideration at Cabinet level without objection from non-Muslim ministers.

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

To further enhance the Syariah judicial system, Anwar proposed a dedicated engagement session involving the Attorney General, Chief Justice, heads of Syariah courts, and representatives from the Syariah legal profession.

He said the session would allow the government to consider proposals from legal practitioners aimed at strengthening the capability and standing of the Syariah judiciary.

“I will give priority to views that are deemed necessary and important,” he said. — Bernama