Don't make it any easier, SIS says after mufti-judge meet on facilitating polygamy

Women rights advocacy group Sisters in Islam (SIS) said authorities should seek to make rules relating to polygamy stricter instead of easier due to various problems arising from such marriages that have adversely impacted women and children.

It said this in response to a meeting between Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and Perlis syariah chief judge Ibrahim Deris yesterday, which the former said had discussed making the practice of polygamy easier, among others.

SIS said it was disappointed at the meeting as it appeared the issues of polygamy was not being taken seriously.

"Asri and Ibrahim should be more concerned in emphasising the importance of providing for children, issues related to domestic violence, financial aid for single mothers, child custody and other issues.

"Don't make suggestions that can aggravate the situation simply because polygamy is allowed by religion," it said in a statement.

Elaborating on the problems, SIS said there are legal loopholes where people would engage in polygamy without the approval of the syariah court by registering their new marriages in Thailand.

"When the couple returns to Malaysia, they are only given a fine and do not need to abide by Malaysian law that requires the husband to be fit in terms of financial and time," it said.

It added such polygamy marriages often lead to various problems such as divorce and children with no legal status.

SIS said there were also instances where husbands practice polygamy even though they cannot afford to support their first wife and children.

"SIS' survey found many wives have to work to support the family as there is not enough to go around in a polygamous marriage.

"Furthermore, their children are also emotionally and psychologically affected. The reality is polygamous marriages do not only affect husband and wives but also children whose welfare must be considered," he said.

SIS said the issues can be addressed if authorities properly enforce existing rules related to polygamy, introduce more stringent conditions, and close legal loopholes that allow a husband to engage in polygamy without the syariah court's approval.

They stressed that religious leaders have a responsibility in encouraging Muslims to be responsible for their families.

 - Mkini