Rights group challenges calls to remove colonial-era law restrictions

The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) has pushed back against proposals to remove constitutional restrictions on Islamic law, disputing arguments that such limitations are purely remnants of colonial rule.

In a statement responding to recent calls for reform, Hakam said it was inaccurate to portray constitutional boundaries governing Shariah court jurisdiction as outdated colonial impositions. The human rights organisation emphasised that these constitutional frameworks serve important purposes in Malaysia's legal system.

The pushback comes amid ongoing discussions about the scope and application of Islamic law in Malaysia. Supporters of expanding Shariah jurisdiction have framed existing constitutional limits as relics of the colonial period that warrant removal.

Hakam's intervention underscores the sensitive balance Malaysia maintains between civil and religious law, with constitutional provisions establishing the extent to which state Islamic courts can exercise authority. The group's position suggests that dismantling these safeguards could have broader implications for the country's legal architecture and individual protections.