SIS: Most problems in Islamic Family Law clarified

KUALA LUMPUR: After rounds of consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Sisters in Islam (SIS) is now comfortable with the “trajectory” that the new amendments to the controversial Islamic Family Law (Federal Territory) (Amendment) Act 2005 are taking.

SIS executive director Zainah Anwar said major progress had been made with regards to the law and most problems had been clarified to make sure that injustice did not occur.

“We didn’t get everything that we want but there are redressal mechanisms in there. The principles (of the law) are explained to minimise any injustice,” she told reporters yesterday after the opening of International Consultation on Trends in Family Law Reform in Muslim Countries.

The amendments in the Islamic Family Law (FT) in 2005 caused an uproar among some women groups here who said parts of the law were flawed as it gave men more rights and took away some power from the women, especially in divorce and polygamy.

The Prime Minister then directed Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to hold discussions to improve and amend the amended law.

Discussions were held with SIS, Persatuan Ulamak Malaysia, Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim), Jemaah Islah Malaysia, Abim and other groups.

Zainah described the consultations as “difficult” because of conflicting opinions from the various groups, but added that she was pleased everyone sat as equals at the table.

The Attorney-General had steered the discussions very well, she said, because he made it clear from the start that the consultation and outcome would be guided by the principles of justice and the process had been very transparent.

The consultations have been completed and the new amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament in May.

“We hope that this is the way future laws will be made in this country, especially laws that have such a wide impact on everybody,” said Zainah.

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