The RM1.5 million allocation for the Syariah Lawyers Association will help expand legal representation in Syariah Courts for those in need, says minister.
PUTRAJAYA: The RM1.5 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia under the Syariah Legal Aid Centre (BAGUS) will help expand access to legal representation in the Syariah Courts for those in need.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the government would work closely with the Syariah Lawyers Association to ensure that individuals requiring legal assistance have access to representation in the Syariah Courts.
“If they are unable to afford legal representation, they can seek assistance from the Syariah Lawyers Association for cases being heard in the Syariah Courts.
“With the funding provided by the government, the association will be able to offer legal services and solutions to those in need,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, which was officiated by Anwar here today.
Earlier, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, announced the allocation for the Syariah Lawyers Association to ensure access to justice is available to all segments of society, while helping those in need obtain legal representation and safeguard their rights in the Syariah Courts.
Zulkifli said the Syariah Courts have introduced various initiatives and innovations to improve access to justice, including the implementation of the eSyariah Version 3 (ESV3) system and efforts to strengthen the Syariah judiciary’s digital ecosystem through the development of the E-Tanzim Syariah Law system.
“The digitalisation of ESV3 and E-Tanzim is not merely a technical upgrade, but a strategic step towards building a Syariah Court system that is more modern, efficient, systematic and user-friendly, in line with the national agenda to strengthen the Syariah justice system,” he said.
He added that the government also believes efforts to streamline the recognition or admission process for qualified syariah lawyers from other states should be jointly examined, subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the respective states.
“This initiative is not merely an administrative harmonisation exercise, but reflects our commitment to developing a stronger, nationally integrated community of Syariah lawyers, in line with the convention’s theme, ‘Ke arah Memperkasa Sistem Keadilan Syariah yang Efisien dan Professional’ (Towards Strengthening an Efficient and Professional Syariah Justice System),” he said.
Zulkifli said the harmonisation effort would also strengthen strategic cooperation between the federal and state governments, religious institutions, the Syariah judiciary and the Syariah legal profession.
“Guided by the spirit of consultation and cooperative federalism, this initiative is expected to strengthen the Syariah legal profession in a structured, prudent and complementary manner,” he said.
The 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, jointly organised by the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), brought together more than 600 legal practitioners to strengthen the country’s Syariah judicial and legal institutions.
