PETALING JAYA: The issue of PAS seeking government support for polygamous marriages has come under fire from non-governmental organisation Sisters of Islam (SIS).
"It has become apparent that PAS continues to redirect attention away from substantive societal challenges by emphasising matters that do not address pressing issues confronting our communities, particularly women," said SIS.
"The persistent fixation on polygamy as a solution, amidst a context where 8.4 million women remain unmarried, starkly showcases PAS' lack of sensibility and disconnect from the urgent needs of our society," said SIS in a statement on Friday (Nov 24).
SIS said in reality, the ramifications of polygamy, extensively examined by the organisation, unveil the intricacies and hardships endured by wives in such unions.
It said the Telenisa: Statistics and Findings Report 2022 showed 24% of polygamous marriages occur without the wife's consent; 18% of husbands in polygamous marriages fail to provide maintenance and 14% of husbands in these marriages neglect child maintenance.
"PAS' feigned display of concern serves as a facade for self-serving objectives, which was retention of power at the expense of genuine advocacy for women's rights.
"This included gender equality and internationally recognised conventions such as the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), as their actions rather than reflect the responsible conduct of an opposition, demonstrate a desperate attempt to sustain attention through any available means."
SIS said the absence of a centralised marriage registration system enables men to sidestep the obligation of informing existing wives about polygamous intentions, intensifying the predicaments faced by women.
"The reduced support after subsequent marriages and regressive amendments to the Islamic Family Law (IFL) compound the challenges for first wives.
"IFL amendments in 2005 no longer mandate a polygamous marriage to be proven both just and necessary, undermining the fundamental principle of justice in such unions.
"PAS is a failed Opposition and the time has come to discern their diversionary tactics and refocus efforts on addressing genuine issues that significantly impact the well-being of our populace," added SIS.
