By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: Aug 14, 2026 – Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman has stressed that comprehensive reform and transformation of the Syariah judicial institution must be implemented to ensure justice continues to be upheld and the people’s welfare preserved.
He said Syariah legal reform is not merely about structural and systemic changes, but also encompasses institutional strengthening, enhanced professionalism, and the consolidation of a work culture grounded in trust and integrity.
He noted that the role of the Syariah courts is becoming increasingly challenging amid current social issues, including those related to family matters, women’s rights, children’s rights, maintenance and inheritance.
“These issues require legal solutions that balance compassion, wisdom and public interest,” he said when officiating the Sabah Syariah Judiciary and Legal Symposium 2026, themed ‘Transformation and Reform of Syariah Legislation: Driving Excellence in Sabah’s Syariah Courts’, in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday.
Tun Musa said the excellence of the Syariah courts should not be measured solely by the number of cases disposed, but rather by their ability to instil public confidence that justice can be upheld transparently, effectively and with dignity.
In this regard, he commended the proactive step taken by the Sabah state government in passing the Muslim Inheritance Bill 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on July 22.
He said the Bill represents a first-of-its-kind measure in Sabah to strengthen the management of Muslim estate assets, and demonstrates the state government’s commitment to leading dynamic and modern Syariah legal reforms.
Tun Musa also welcomed the publication of the Sabah Syariah Judgments Book, which compiles a collection of grounds for judgment from Sabah’s Syariah Courts as a reference for judges, legal practitioners and academics.
Also present were Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih; Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab; and Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department director-general Datuk Mohd Amran Mat Zain.
Source: JAPEN
