Jakim: Always refer to Islamic law on question of illegitimate children

Issues related to illegitimate children in this country should always be resolved by referring to the provisions in the Islamic Family Law or Enactment or the State Administration.

Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) director-general Othman Mustapha said this was unanimously agreed upon at the muftis’ meeting held on Aug 21.

He said the meeting was attended by the mufti of Selangor, Kelantan, Johor, Sabah, Penang, Melaka and Kedah, as well as the deputy mufti of Federal Territories and a representative of mufti of Sarawak.

He said this decision also involved representatives of the state Islamic religious affairs councils and departments.

He said they attended the meeting organised by Jakim to express a mutual agreement on illegitimacy issues.

“The provisions in the laws are also in line with the fatwa gazetted in the states and the resolutions of the fatwa committee conference on June 7, 2003,” he said in a statement today.

On July 27, the Court of Appeal’s ruled that an illegitimate child of Muslim couples can carry his or her father’s name.

The National Registration Department filed an appeal to the Federal Court against the decision through the Attorney-General's Chambers.
 

- Bernama