Civil marriage solemnisation does not diminish religious leaders' role, JPN clarifies

PUTRAJAYA — The National Registration Department (JPN) has issued a statement addressing concerns that the introduction of civil marriage solemnisation by authorised parties represents an encroachment on the role of religious leaders.

Under amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act, certain authorised parties are permitted to solemnise civil marriages. JPN has emphasised that this provision operates within a separate legal framework and does not diminish or replace the significant role played by religious authorities in solemnising marriages according to religious law.

The clarification comes as Malaysia continues to navigate the relationship between civil and religious legal systems in matrimonial matters. The dual framework reflects the country's constitutional recognition of both civil and Islamic law, with different provisions applying to Muslim and non-Muslim citizens.

JPN officials have stressed that the introduction of civil solemnisation options is intended to provide administrative efficiency and accessibility for those seeking civil marriages, without affecting the primacy of religious solemnisation in communities where it remains the preferred or required method.

The statement underscores the government's commitment to maintaining the distinct roles of civil and religious authorities while ensuring that citizens have appropriate options for solemnising their marriages in accordance with their circumstances and beliefs.

Photo: Headquarters of the National Registration Department (JPN), Putrajaya, February 2023. Farishhamka via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).