MIRI (June 9): Syariah law is not merely a set of rules or a legal mechanism, but a fundamental component in building civilisation, preserving social harmony and advancing a nation, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said history has proven that no civilisation can endure or achieve greatness without a robust legal system grounded in justice.
“The glory of Islamic civilisation in the past was achieved through the implementation of a dynamic Syariah system based on maqasid syariah, which emphasises the preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage and property,” he said during the Syariah Law Enforcement Seminar here.
Awang Tengah said building civilisation through law refers to the process of shaping the values, morals and structure of a civilised society through the enforcement of just regulations.
“Law sets boundaries for behaviour, prevents moral crises and ensures social harmony, particularly in a multiracial nation like Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
He said a sound and sustainable civilisation cannot be built on physical progress, skyscrapers or economic growth alone, but must be supported by an efficient legal system and strong moral values.
He said law functions as a bastion of justice that safeguards the interests of the ummah, protects the family institution and ensures social harmony is maintained.
In the context of state development, he stressed that law plays a vital role in ensuring physical development progresses in tandem with humanitarian values and social sustainability.
“Firm enforcement can ensure that business premises, community centres and public spaces are not misused for activities that could erode public morality,” he said, adding that protecting the environment from social ills is tantamount to building more conducive communities deserving of blessings.
Awang Tengah reaffirmed that the Sarawak government remains supportive of efforts to strengthen Islamic legislation, while continuing to uphold the principles of inclusivity and harmony in a multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said the implementation of Syariah law in Sarawak is carried out professionally, prudently and with full respect for the spirit of the Federal Constitution and the rights of non-Muslims.
“The universal justice of Islam must be manifested through enforcement governance that is integrity-driven, transparent and rooted in the principle of rahmatan lil alamin,” he said.
On current challenges, Awang Tengah noted that digital technology and globalisation have made the legal landscape increasingly complex, requiring enforcement officers, prosecutors and Syariah legal practitioners to continually enhance their capabilities and skills.
He urged Syariah enforcement officers to master modern technology and digital forensics, improve professional competency on an ongoing basis and uphold high integrity and ethical conduct in discharging their duties.
He also called on the Sarawak Islamic Council and the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) to strengthen enforcement institutional capacity through human resource development, improved officer competency, enhanced administrative structures and more robust support systems.
Also present were State Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications (Utilities) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council chairman Datuk Misnu Taha, Jais director Mual Suaud and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) Sarawak director Hamdan Jar’ee. SOURCE: BorneoPost
