By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak has overhauled its syariah prosecution framework with the establishment of a dedicated Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSS), separating prosecutorial powers from religious administration to strengthen integrity and professionalism.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said JPSS, which began operations this year, replaces the previous arrangement where syariah prosecution was placed under the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).
“The Sarawak government will ensure this department is supported by qualified human resources, continuous training and a strong structure so that it can function effectively and transparently.
“We also have provided allocations to train these officers,” he said when speaking at the Opening of Syariah Legal Year Sarawak (OSLYS) 2026 dinner held at Raia Hotel here this evening.
Abang Johari further welcomed ongoing efforts by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), together with the Sarawak Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSS) and Sarawak Attorney General Chambers (SAG), to draft the Sarawak Syariah Legal Profession Ordinance.
“I welcome this effort to ensure that the syariah legal profession is upgraded and able to provide the best possible syariah legal services to the community,” he added.
He also said that while Sarawak is unique in many respects, the State cannot afford to work in silos and should study best practices implemented by other states for possible adoption.
He stated that the Sarawak government supports benchmarking visits by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department to other states and overseas to gain wider perspectives on syariah law implementation.
The dinner was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Information, Corporate Affairs and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Sarawak Chief Syarie Judge Datu Awg Suhaili Ledi; and Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) president Datuk Misnu Taha. — DayakDaily
