Anwar Allocates RM1.5 Million for Syariah Legal Aid, Reaffirms Reforms Will Protect Non-Muslim Rights
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM1.5 million allocation to expand Syariah legal aid services for low-income Malaysians while reaffirming that the government’s efforts to strengthen the Syariah judicial system will not compromise the constitutional rights of non-Muslims.
The funding will be channelled to the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association through the Syariah Legal Aid Centre (BAGUS) with the objective of improving access to legal representation for financially disadvantaged individuals, particularly those unable to afford professional legal services.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, Anwar said access to justice remains one of the most important challenges facing the legal system despite Malaysia possessing capable judges, experienced lawyers and an established judicial framework.
According to the Prime Minister, financial capability continues to influence the quality of legal representation available to individuals appearing before the courts, leaving many vulnerable groups without adequate legal assistance.
“We have strong laws, competent courts, experienced lawyers and qualified judges. However, access to justice remains an important issue that must be addressed.
“In many cases, those with greater financial resources are able to engage the best legal representation, while the poorest members of society may struggle to obtain legal assistance altogether,” he said.
Anwar explained that the additional funding is intended to widen the availability of Syariah legal aid, especially for poor families, single mothers and other individuals requiring assistance in matters under the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts.
The Prime Minister also addressed ongoing discussions concerning efforts to strengthen the Syariah judicial system, including proposals involving Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution.
He stressed that the government’s objective is to reinforce the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts in matters relating to Islamic law and Muslims without diminishing the rights or religious freedoms enjoyed by non-Muslims.
Anwar said the original intention behind the constitutional amendment introduced in the late 1980s was to establish clear jurisdictional boundaries between the civil and Syariah courts rather than create conflict between different religious communities.
“We have absolutely no intention of infringing upon the rights of non-Muslims. What we seek is justice and respect for the constitutional jurisdiction of each institution.
“The civil courts should not interfere in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts involving Islamic law and the Muslim community, while the rights of followers of other religions remain fully protected,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that he has personally reassured leaders representing non-Muslim communities that proposals to strengthen the Syariah judiciary should not be interpreted as attempts to weaken constitutional protections for other faiths.
He also rejected allegations that the Unity Government has neglected Islamic institutional development.
According to Anwar, every proposal involving increased allocations or institutional strengthening for the Syariah courts has received Cabinet consideration without objections from ministers representing non-Muslim communities.
To further improve the Syariah judicial system, Anwar proposed a dedicated engagement session involving the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, chief Syariah judges and representatives of the Syariah legal profession.
He said the meeting would allow legal practitioners to present recommendations directly to the government, enabling further reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, capability and institutional standing of the Syariah judiciary while ensuring justice remains accessible to all Malaysians within their respective legal frameworks.
