(Kuching, 23rd) The Sarawak Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSS), which officially began operations this year, is seen as an important step in strengthening the integrity and professionalism of Islamic prosecutions.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, Premier of Sarawak, stated that the formation of JPSS, which was approved by the state government, represents a significant reform in the administration of Sarawak’s Islamic legal system.
He said: "Previously, Islamic prosecution work was under the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). With the establishment of JPSS, the governance structure of Islamic prosecution has become independent to ensure the integrity and professionalism of prosecution is maintained."
Abang Johari made these remarks in his speech during the opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2026 Annual Dinner, held on Thursday (January 22) at Raia Hotel & Convention Centre, Kuching.
He added that the state government would ensure JPSS is equipped with qualified human resources, ongoing training mechanisms, and a solid organizational structure.
He said: "The government will ensure that the department receives support from qualified personnel, continuous training, and a robust organizational structure so that it can operate efficiently and transparently."
Speaking about reform, Abang Johari also welcomed the establishment of the Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court, which raises the judicial hierarchy of the Syariah courts from three to four levels. He described this as a strategic move to strengthen governance and boost public trust in the Islamic judicial system.
However, he emphasized that structural upgrades must be accompanied by improved training, sufficient infrastructure, and adequate human resources to ensure operational efficiency and service quality.
He said: "Therefore, the state government will continue to ensure that the establishment and realization of the Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court receives support from quality human resources, ongoing training, and appropriate facilities, enabling the institution to continue providing excellent service to the people."
He also welcomed the joint efforts of the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), the Sarawak Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSS), and the State Attorney-General's Chambers (SAG) to draft the "Sarawak Syariah Legal Practice Regulations."
He said: "I welcome these efforts, which will enhance the professionalism in the field of Islamic law, thereby enabling relevant agencies to provide better Islamic legal services to society."
Abang Johari further stressed the importance of cooperation between Sarawak, other states, and the federal government, and mentioned the attendance of members from the Sarawak Syariah Appeal Court and chief syariah judges from states nationwide.
He said: "Although Sarawak possesses its own uniqueness in many aspects, I believe we should not work in isolation. Good practices implemented by other states should be studied and introduced in Sarawak where appropriate."
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, Premier of Sarawak, stated that the formation of JPSS, which was approved by the state government, represents a significant reform in the administration of Sarawak’s Islamic legal system.
He said: "Previously, Islamic prosecution work was under the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). With the establishment of JPSS, the governance structure of Islamic prosecution has become independent to ensure the integrity and professionalism of prosecution is maintained."
He added that the state government would ensure JPSS is equipped with qualified human resources, ongoing training mechanisms, and a solid organizational structure.
He said: "The government will ensure that the department receives support from qualified personnel, continuous training, and a robust organizational structure so that it can operate efficiently and transparently."
Speaking about reform, Abang Johari also welcomed the establishment of the Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court, which raises the judicial hierarchy of the Syariah courts from three to four levels. He described this as a strategic move to strengthen governance and boost public trust in the Islamic judicial system.
However, he emphasized that structural upgrades must be accompanied by improved training, sufficient infrastructure, and adequate human resources to ensure operational efficiency and service quality.
He said: "Therefore, the state government will continue to ensure that the establishment and realization of the Sarawak Syariah Supreme Court receives support from quality human resources, ongoing training, and appropriate facilities, enabling the institution to continue providing excellent service to the people."
He also welcomed the joint efforts of the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS), the Sarawak Syariah Lawyers Association (PPSS), and the State Attorney-General's Chambers (SAG) to draft the "Sarawak Syariah Legal Practice Regulations."
He said: "I welcome these efforts, which will enhance the professionalism in the field of Islamic law, thereby enabling relevant agencies to provide better Islamic legal services to society."
Abang Johari further stressed the importance of cooperation between Sarawak, other states, and the federal government, and mentioned the attendance of members from the Sarawak Syariah Appeal Court and chief syariah judges from states nationwide.
He said: "Although Sarawak possesses its own uniqueness in many aspects, I believe we should not work in isolation. Good practices implemented by other states should be studied and introduced in Sarawak where appropriate."