24-06-2025
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
