PETALING JAYA: The government is looking at standardised accreditation for all syariah lawyers in the country to strengthen the profession and improve public access, says Marhamah Rosli.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said a study is being conducted to address non-uniformity in accreditation processes for syariah lawyers, which are currently subject to the jurisdiction of each state.
"Syariah lawyers need to go through another round of application processes, screening, qualification requirements and procedures if they wish to practice in another state, even if they are already accredited in one state.
"This can create administrative and financial burdens for practitioners, as well as non-uniformity of qualification standards and practice.
"This also can affect the efficiency of case resolution in Syariah Courts, especially in states that have a shortage of practicing syariah lawyers," she said during Question Time in the Dewan Negara on Monday (July 27).
Marhamah said this is not intended to override or diminish each state's authority and jurisdiction over Islamic affairs.
Instead, she said it seeks to create a structured and practical framework to ease the work of syariah legal practitioners while expanding public access to the syariah justice system.
"The government respects the jurisdiction of states and the position of the Malay Rulers as heads of Islam in their respective states," she said.
She said this comes after the matter was discussed with key stakeholders in the profession during the recent National Syariah Lawyers Convention 2026 on June 27.
She said resolutions reached during the convention would be discussed during the upcoming National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) meeting for further consideration.
"If agreed at MKI level, these would be refined for further action, including being raised for consideration and approval by the Conference of Rulers," Marhamah added.
The Deputy Minister was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin on the government's stance regarding the proposal to standardise the process of admission of syariah lawyers nationwide.
