Latest news with #KoSKeS
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
I-Syariah marks milestone in digital transformation of Islamic judiciary in S'wak
Awang Tengah strikes the gavel as the gimmick to inaugurate the convention. Looking on are (from left) Misnu, Mohamad Asfia, Awang Suhaili and Dr Abdul Rahman. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 25): The newly introduced I-Syariah system will serve as a central integration point for Syariah information systems across Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the initiative by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), developed in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), marks a major milestone in the state's digital transformation of its Islamic judiciary. 'I-Syariah is a smart digital platform that integrates various components of the state's Syariah judiciary services, and is built upon digital technology and artificial intelligence. 'This is not merely a technical transformation. It reflects the high commitment of JKSS in supporting Sarawak's digitalisation agenda,' he said when officiating at the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025 at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall, here yesterday. Awang Tengah said the system would significantly strengthen e-Government services by enhancing online accessibility, enabling digital case management, and ensuring safe and integrated data handling, all of which align with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. He also emphasised that I-Syariah not only speeds up administrative tasks such as marriage registration and case processing, but also serves as a digital bridge connecting citizens to the Syariah courts both locally and internationally. Nevertheless, he pointed out that while the system harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI), it must be used responsibly by those operating it. 'AI holds vast potential for assisting in reference searches, analysing cases, compiling documents, and producing quicker data-driven judgments, but more importantly, these technological advances must remain aligned with Syariah principles and the values of Maqasid Syariah, with justice at the core.' Awang Tengah said that the system is a foundational step toward creating a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem, propelling Sarawak toward its goal of becoming a high-income state by 2030. 'We want I-Syariah to become a model of advanced, just, and holistic smart Syariah governance, but also one that unites Islamic values with the strength of modern technology,' he said. In his speech, the Deputy Premier expressed hope that KoSKeS would serve as a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange and regional cooperation among Syariah judges, academics, researchers, and policymakers. The convention, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), gathers delegates from across Malaysia, as well as neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. Awang Tengah highlighted that the theme of this year's convention, 'Digital Revolution in Syariah Judiciary of Sarawak', was timely as the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said the Syariah judiciary must take a strategic role in leveraging technology, especially AI, to remain efficient and relevant. 'With the efforts by JKSS and partnerships with local universities, Sarawak is poised to lead in Syariah judicial innovation,' he said. Among those present at the event were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha, and Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan digitalisation I-Syariah lead Syariah courts
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
I-Syariah system boosts efficiency, transparency in Sarawak Syariah courts
Suhaili speaking to reporters at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall today. Also seen are Awang Tengah (right) and Dr Abdul Rahman (second right). – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 24): The implementation of the I-Syariah system has significantly improved the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of case management in Sarawak's Syariah courts, said Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi. According to him, the system has enabled better coordination of court processes across jurisdictions, especially when the parties involved are located in different districts. 'With the I-Syariah system, all legal and judicial affairs related to the Syariah court can now be carried out more efficiently and effectively,' Awang Suhaili told the media after the official launch of the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KoSKeS) 2025 at the Sarawak Islamic Complex Hall today. Apart from that, he also said that case backlogs in the Syariah courts remained minimal, noting that most pending matters were due to external factors such as witness availability, legal counsel, or the involved parties themselves. 'We have to remember that delays are not solely the responsibility of the courts. Other parties such as witnesses, lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants also play a crucial role in ensuring cases are resolved smoothly,' he explained. On the impact of digitalisation, Awang Suhaili said it has greatly enhanced the integrity and traceability of court records. The system supports officers in documenting witness statements and testimonies accurately, ensuring reliability and accountability throughout the judicial process. 'All data is accurately recorded and if any alterations are attempted, we can trace the changes. This makes it much harder for anyone to tamper with official records. 'Every statement made in court is recorded and can be used as official reference when preparing judgments,' he said. When asked about the current trend in divorce cases in Sarawak, he acknowledged a slight increase, but said it remained within manageable levels. 'There has been a small upward trend, but nothing drastic. Many factors contribute to divorce, each with its own complexity. 'After divorce, there are often follow-up cases such as child custody, alimony, and property division,' he added. He also addressed issues related to cases involving religious status and conversion, saying such matters are handled under the Religious Status Determination Procedures 2011. This legal framework guides the court on who may file such cases and the process that follows. He emphasised that all such cases are managed in line with the established legal procedures to ensure fairness and consistency. KoSKeS was inaugurate during ceremony which officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and also attended by Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission-DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha. It was attended by delegates from across Malaysia and neighbouring countries including Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei, marking a key milestone in Sarawak's efforts to modernise its Syariah judiciary and strengthen regional cooperation. Awang Suhaili Ledi digitalisation I-Syariah Syariah courts
