Latest news with #SyariahHighCourt
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Man fined RM4,900 for promoting immoral acts via social media
KUALA TERENGGANU: A man who presented himself in a feminine manner was fined RM4,900 by the Syariah High Court here today for promoting immoral acts via social media last year. Senior judge Kamalruazmi Ismail meted out the fine after the accused, Mohamad Haikal Izzuwan Adun, 20, from Kelantan, pleaded guilty to the charge. The court also ordered that he serve six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine. In his judgment, Kamalruazmi said the offence had serious social repercussions and brought shame to the accused's home state, particularly since his case had viral and was linked to a police raid on an alleged gathering in Kemumin, near Pengkalan Chepa in Kelantan. "We were created as men, and we must accept that. This sentence is intended as a lesson, to prevent a repeat of actions that cast Kelantan in a negative light," he said. Haikal was charged with encouraging and promoting immoral behaviour through a social media platform at a homestay in Kemaman at 10pm on Oct 1, 2024. Authorities also seized 13 items related to the case. He was charged under Section 42 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment 2001 (Terengganu). The court was earlier told that Haikal was also arrested on July 20 after failing to appear for earlier proceedings. He was brought to court the following day and released on RM2,000 bail with one surety. He had been charged separately at the Kemaman Syariah Lower Court for cross-dressing. On July 22, he was fined RM2,500 or four months' jail.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Syariah court legitimacy upheld in Maria Chin case, says Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court's dismissal of former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah's appeal reinforces the Syariah High Court's authority, aligning with Malaysia's dual legal framework, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. Mohd Na'im stated that the judicial review attempt against the Syariah High Court's contempt proceedings was an overreach, now firmly rejected by the Federal Court. He emphasised that Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution safeguards the separation of civil and Syariah court jurisdictions, preventing civil courts from overturning Syariah rulings. 'Syariah courts operate within their legally defined jurisdiction. Civil court interference disrupts constitutional harmony and undermines Malaysia's unique dual-system stability,' he said. The minister urged respect for both judicial institutions, framing them as complementary forces upholding justice. He cautioned against politicising the verdict, advocating instead for adherence to legal principles and inter-system harmony. 'As custodian of Islamic affairs, I pledge to preserve Syariah court credibility, ensuring a fair, constitutionally grounded Islamic judiciary,' Mohd Na'im added. Earlier, a three-judge Federal Court panel unanimously denied Maria Chin's leave to appeal, citing no novel legal issues. Justices Datuk Nordin Hassan, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera upheld the lower court's dismissal of her judicial review bid.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Maria Chin case: Syariah Court acts in line with Malaysia's legal framework — Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court's decision to dismiss former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah's appeal affirmed the legitimacy of the Syariah High Court's show-cause order for contempt, in line with Malaysia's legal framework. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the filing of a judicial review against the Syariah High Court proceedings constituted an attempt to interfere with the lawful functioning of the judiciary, which the Federal Court had now firmly rejected. He said that Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution clearly establishes the separation of jurisdiction between civil and Syariah courts, meaning Syariah court decisions cannot be retried or challenged in civil courts. "This is because Syariah courts have their own jurisdiction conferred legally. "Any attempt to allow civil court intervention in Syariah court decisions goes against the spirit of the Constitution and threatens the stability of Malaysia's dual legal system, which is a unique feature of our legal framework," he said. Mohd Na'im also urged all parties to respect the authority of both the Federal Court and the Syariah High Court as sovereign judicial institutions. "The civil and Syariah courts should be seen as complementary rather than competing institutions, both with the shared goal of upholding justice and truth within the country's legal framework," he remarked. The minister also called on the public and political actors to avoid politicising the decision, and instead to reinforce a collective commitment to the rule of law and the harmony of the dual legal system. "As the minister responsible for Islamic affairs, I remain committed to upholding the stature and integrity of the Syariah courts so they continue to be respected, trusted, and credible, preserving the integrity of a just and constitutional Islamic judicial system," he added. Earlier today (June 26), the Federal Court unanimously dismissed Maria Chin's application to obtain leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision, which rejected her bid for judicial review of a Syariah High Court's show-cause notice for contempt. The three-member panel comprising Justices Datuk Nordin Hassan, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera ruled that there was no novel issue warranting the Federal Court's consideration. — BERNAMA Nation Jan 1, 2025 @ 6:21pm Labelling Madani approach 'Madani Jahiliah' excessive, disappointing: Mohd Na'im Nation Apr 28, 2025 @ 9:33pm Nusuk card equipped with QR code to prevent forgery – Mohd Na'im Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 11:26am Mohd Na'im calls for patience and wisdom in resolving conflicts Nation Feb 16, 2025 @ 4:28am Avoid actions that may incite racial tensions - Mohd Na'im
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Maria Chin Case: Syariah Court Acts In Line With Malaysia's Legal Framework - Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The Federal Court's decision to dismiss former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah's appeal affirmed the legitimacy of the Syariah High Court's show-cause order for contempt, in line with Malaysia's legal framework. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the filing of a judicial review against the Syariah High Court proceedings constituted an attempt to interfere with the lawful functioning of the judiciary, which the Federal Court had now firmly rejected. He said that Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution clearly establishes the separation of jurisdiction between civil and Syariah courts, meaning Syariah court decisions cannot be retried or challenged in civil courts. 'This is because Syariah courts have their own jurisdiction conferred legally. 'Any attempt to allow civil court intervention in Syariah court decisions goes against the spirit of the Constitution and threatens the stability of Malaysia's dual legal system, which is a unique feature of our legal framework,' he said. Mohd Na'im also urged all parties to respect the authority of both the Federal Court and the Syariah High Court as sovereign judicial institutions. 'The civil and Syariah courts should be seen as complementary rather than competing institutions, both with the shared goal of upholding justice and truth within the country's legal framework,' he remarked. The minister also called on the public and political actors to avoid politicising the decision, and instead to reinforce a collective commitment to the rule of law and the harmony of the dual legal system. 'As the minister responsible for Islamic affairs, I remain committed to upholding the stature and integrity of the Syariah courts so they continue to be respected, trusted, and credible, preserving the integrity of a just and constitutional Islamic judicial system,' he added.
The Star
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Federal Court dismisses Maria Chin's bid for leave to appeal
PUTRAJAYA: Former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah cannot proceed with her appeal in the Federal Court to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision denying her leave to challenge a show-cause notice issued by the Syariah High Court for contempt. This followed Thursday's (June 26) decision by a three-member bench of the Federal Court, consisting of Justices Datuk Nordin Hassan, Datuk Abu Bakar Jais and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, dismissing Maria's application to obtain leave to appeal against the appellate court decision. Justice Nordin, who chaired the bench, said there was no novel issue warranting the Federal Court to hear and determine her appeal. He said the issue relating to the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court and Civil Courts under Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution was made clear in previous court cases, including a recent one on a woman's challenge against her religious status. ALSO READ: Syariah Court sentences Maria Chin to seven days' jail He said Maria failed to meet the threshold requirement under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The Syariah High Court had issued the show cause notice in 2019 after Maria, 68, commented on the court's decision to impose a prison sentence on Emilia Hanafi, the former wife of businessman SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin. Faisal, through his lawyers, had sought leave to initiate contempt proceedings against Maria at the Syariah High Court, and his request was granted. A notice was subsequently issued to Maria in 2019, requiring her to explain why she should not be held in contempt for criticising the Syariah High Court's decision. Maria then sought leave to commence a judicial review application in the civil High Court in 2021, naming the then Religious Affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), and the Federal Territories Syariah Judiciary Department as respondents. On Aug 22, 2022, the civil High Court granted her leave to commence the judicial review, but this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal on Nov 27 last year when it allowed an appeal by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC). In April 2022, the Syariah High Court sentenced Maria to seven days in prison for contempt. Maria, however, did not attend the hearing as she was hospitalised at the time. Meanwhile, lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, who held a watching brief for Faisal today, told the media that Maria has to go back to the Syariah Appeals Court for her appeal against the sentence. – Bernama
