Kuala lumpur: 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) is set to expand access to legal representation in Syariah Courts for those in need. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan confirmed the government's collaboration with the Syariah Lawyers Association to ensure that individuals requiring legal assistance can access representation in Syariah Courts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli Hasan stated that individuals unable to afford legal representation could seek assistance from the Syariah Lawyers Association for cases in the Syariah Courts. The government funding will enable the association to offer necessary legal services and solutions. This announcement was made during the opening of the 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, officiated by Anwar.
Earlier, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, announced this allocation to ensure access to justice is available to all societal segments, aiding those in need to obtain legal representation and safeguard their rights in the Syariah Courts. Zulkifli highlighted various initiatives by the Syariah Courts to improve access to justice, such as the eSyariah Version 3 (ESV3) system and efforts to enhance the Syariah judiciary's digital ecosystem through the E-Tanzim Syariah Law system.
Zulkifli emphasized that the digitalization of ESV3 and E-Tanzim is not a mere technical upgrade but a strategic step towards a more modern, efficient, systematic, and user-friendly Syariah Court system. This aligns with the national agenda to strengthen the Syariah justice system. Additionally, the government supports efforts to streamline the recognition or admission process for qualified Syariah lawyers from other states, subject to respective state laws and jurisdictions.
He further explained that this initiative represents more than just administrative harmonization; it demonstrates a commitment to developing a stronger, nationally integrated community of Syariah lawyers. This aligns with the convention's theme, "Ke arah Memperkasa Sistem Keadilan Syariah yang Efisien dan Professional" (Towards Strengthening an Efficient and Professional Syariah Justice System).
Zulkifli also noted that the harmonization effort would enhance strategic cooperation between federal and state governments, religious institutions, the Syariah judiciary, and the Syariah legal profession. Guided by consultation and cooperative federalism, this initiative is expected to strengthen the Syariah legal profession in a structured, prudent, and complementary manner.
The 2026 National Convention of the Syariah Legal Profession, organized by the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), gathered over 600 legal practitioners to fortify the country's Syariah judicial and legal institutions.