Offences under Part 9 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act

*228. Mr Fadli Fawzi: To ask the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether the Government prosecutes offences under Part 9 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (such as cohabitation outside marriage, enticing unmarried women from wali and non-payment of zakat); (b) if so, whether investigations are initiated only after a complaint by MUIS is made; and (c) what role does MUIS play during related Police investigations and charging decisions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

1. Instances of suspected offences under Part 9 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 (AMLA) may be picked up through complaints by the public, or through other channels such as regular mosque and community engagements. As some of these offences pertain to an individual’s private life, court prosecution may not always be appropriate. Depending on the facts, circumstances and severity of the case, MUIS may undertake other measures, including public education, religious counselling through our network of Asatizah, or issuing fatwas.

2. Where necessary, MUIS may also lodge a police report. Police investigations and charging decisions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers are carried out independently.

3. There has been one recent instance of a Muslim person being charged and convicted for an offence under Part 9 of the AMLA. This relates to an offence of teaching false doctrine under Section 139.