I-Syariah marks milestone in digital transformation of Islamic judiciary in S'wak

Borneo Post

25-06-2025

Awang Tengah strikes the gavel as the gimmick to inaugurate the convention. Looking on are (from left) Misnu, Mohamad Asfia, Awang Suhaili and Dr Abdul Rahman. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 25): The newly introduced I-Syariah system will serve as a central integration point for Syariah information systems across Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the initiative by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), developed in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), marks a major milestone in the state's digital transformation of its Islamic judiciary.
'I-Syariah is a smart digital platform that integrates various components of the state's Syariah judiciary services, and is built upon digital technology and artificial intelligence.
'This is not merely a technical transformation. It reflects the high commitment of JKSS in supporting Sarawak's digitalisation agenda,' he said when officiating at the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025 at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall, here yesterday.
Awang Tengah said the system would significantly strengthen e-Government services by enhancing online accessibility, enabling digital case management, and ensuring safe and integrated data handling, all of which align with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
He also emphasised that I-Syariah not only speeds up administrative tasks such as marriage registration and case processing, but also serves as a digital bridge connecting citizens to the Syariah courts both locally and internationally.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that while the system harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI), it must be used responsibly by those operating it.
'AI holds vast potential for assisting in reference searches, analysing cases, compiling documents, and producing quicker data-driven judgments, but more importantly, these technological advances must remain aligned with Syariah principles and the values of Maqasid Syariah, with justice at the core.'
Awang Tengah said that the system is a foundational step toward creating a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem, propelling Sarawak toward its goal of becoming a high-income state by 2030.
'We want I-Syariah to become a model of advanced, just, and holistic smart Syariah governance, but also one that unites Islamic values with the strength of modern technology,' he said.
In his speech, the Deputy Premier expressed hope that KoSKeS would serve as a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange and regional cooperation among Syariah judges, academics, researchers, and policymakers.
The convention, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), gathers delegates from across Malaysia, as well as neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.
Awang Tengah highlighted that the theme of this year's convention, 'Digital Revolution in Syariah Judiciary of Sarawak', was timely as the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He said the Syariah judiciary must take a strategic role in leveraging technology, especially AI, to remain efficient and relevant.
'With the efforts by JKSS and partnerships with local universities, Sarawak is poised to lead in Syariah judicial innovation,' he said.
Among those present at the event were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha, and Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan digitalisation I-Syariah lead Syariah courts