AG’s Chambers unit looking into ‘harmonising’ Syariah and civil laws

PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has set up a special department called the Syariah and Harmonisation of Law division to address issues pertaining to Islam and Syariah Law that arise at the federal and international level.

This comes days after the Apex court declared the conversion of M. Indira Gandhi's three children to Islam by her ex-husband Muhammad Riduan Abdullah as null and void, putting an end to the eight-year legal saga which began in April, 2009.

In a statement Friday, the AGC said the new department will be a focal point for Syariah issues referred to it, such as legal advice, drafting and coordination of Syariah law, the ratification of international convention that has an impact on Syariah law, and the harmonisation between civil law and syariah law to “overcome conflict of jurisdiction between both courts”.

“Based on Clause (2) of Article 145 of the Federal Constitution, the Attorney-General has the responsibility to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Cabinet or any Minister about any legal matter,” it said.

The AGC also expressed its wish that the establishment of said division ensures that it addresses syariah-related issues “in a more effective manner, in line with current needs”.