By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 21: The Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS) has been urged to spearhead new initiatives to enhance governance and service delivery, particularly in the judiciary and legal sectors, to align with the State government’s e-Government policy.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised this during the opening of the Syariah Legal Year Sarawak 2025, themed “Syariah Basis of Justice”, held at a local hotel here tonight.
“I hope the JKSS will continue to explore innovative approaches to strengthen its operations, particularly in ensuring efficiency and excellence in judicial and legal administration,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted the importance of the Syariah judiciary in complementing Sarawak’s broader aspirations to become a high-income region.
He emphasised that all public service sectors must align with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises inclusivity and human capital development.
“The role of Syariah law is vital in fostering an inclusive, harmonious, and integrity-driven society. This aligns with Sarawak’s ambition to become a developed region by 2030,” he said.
The Premier underscored the role of modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in advancing the Syariah judiciary.
He said the integration of AI into judicial systems was critical to keeping pace with globalisation and digitalisation.
“Without technology, the administration of the Islamic judiciary system risks stagnation, which could hinder the implementation of justice—a fundamental religious requirement. The adoption of AI is part of the new norms that must be prioritised,” he added.
Abang Johari also acknowledged the responsibilities of Syariah judges and legal practitioners, urging them to carry out their duties with integrity, patience, and sincerity.
“You must fulfill your entrusted duties with the utmost commitment. Insya-Allah, your contributions will be highly regarded by society and blessed by Allah SWT,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the JKSS, including enhancing the jurisdiction of Syariah courts, increasing the professionalism of Syariah judges, and addressing increasingly complex cases.
Abang Johari cited the teachings of Ibn Khaldun, particularly from his seminal work Muqaddimah, as a guide for understanding the importance of justice and judiciary systems in fostering societal stability and progress.
“The importance of a fair, independent, and authoritative judicial system, as stressed by Ibn Khaldun, continues to resonate today. It remains essential for maintaining stability and promoting progress in modern societies,” he said.
The Premier expressed optimism that the Syariah Legal Year Sarawak 2025 would serve as a platform to strengthen the Syariah legal institution and contribute to achieving Sarawak’s aspirations by 2030.
“This event not only reinforces the significance of Syariah law in Sarawak but also paves the way for empowering the ummah and ensuring societal harmony in an era of rapid digital transformation,” he said.
Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman hamzah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Chief Syariah Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
