Mujahid: Under-age marriage must be stopped

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa has condemned under-age marriages, saying it defeats the rights of the child and negates the country's nation-building efforts.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mujahid called for child marriages to be stopped. He urged for a review of current laws that allow such unions.

"We need to improve the laws by having the syariah and civil law(makers) sit together in order to come to a consensus in meeting the contemporary needs for child rights," Mujahid said.

Asked if his ministry would initiate the move, Mujahid replied: "We're ready to talk to all stakeholders especially those from our syariah judicial department".

Mujahid also joined various quarters to condemn under-age marriages as a form of "child abuse and exploitation of children for sexual pleasure."

He said such children are exploited based on their social status, due to factors such as poverty.

"Unfortunately, our laws permit a girl under 16 years old to marry by getting permission. For (underage) civil law (marriage), they can get permission from the Menteri Besar," said Mujahid, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.

"We would like to protect our children from being exploited especially if the marriage is justified in the name of Islam," he added.

"Islam protects children with care and love so they can grow and contribute to the nation's growth," stressed the Parit Buntar MP.

Mujahid was asked to comment on Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's latest remark over the controversial issue of child marriage.

Yesterday, Wan Azizah said the incident in Gua Musang is "still under active investigation by multiple agencies".

She added that her ministry which oversees the Women, Family and Community Development portfolio, is coordinating the investigation.

Wan Azizah also acknowledged the "distress caused and the concerns raised" by the case involving a 41-year-old Malaysian man who married an 11-year-old Thai national living in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

"Our stand is clear and has consistently been the one expressed on July 2. We unequivocally oppose child marriages and are taking steps to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years," Wan Azizah was yesterday reported by Bernama as saying. - Mkini