Malaysia’s Top Court Rules Dozens of Islamic Laws Unconstitutional, Ignites Controversy Over Sharia Legal System
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia – Malaysia’s highest court has declared more than a dozen Islamic laws in the state of Kelantan unconstitutional, citing their infringement on federal authority. The decision, reached by an 8-1 judgment of the Federal Court, has stirred debate, with some conservative Muslim critics suggesting that it could undermine the country’s Sharia legal system. Among the 16 laws deemed “void and invalid” are those related to sodomy, sexual harassment, intoxication, incest, and defiling or destroying a place of worship. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat emphasized that the verdict should not be interpreted as … Read more