PGSM Proposes Online Case Mentions To Cut Costs Amid Global Energy Crisis
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Shariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM) has proposed that Syariah Courts nationwide conduct case mention proceedings online to save costs and reduce the strain on judicial workforce resources amid the ongoing global energy crisis.
PGSM president, Musa Awang, explained that while the proposal applies to both public and syariah lawyers dealing with the Syariah Courts, trial proceedings, judgments and Sulh (reconciliation) sessions may continue to be held in person as usual.
“The initial focus could be on high-impact areas such as the Klang Valley, state capitals and other major cities, particularly those experiencing severe traffic congestion.
“Subsequently, the measure could be rolled out comprehensively and gradually across the country,” he said in a statement today.
From a Syariah law perspective, he noted that online proceedings or those conducted via remote communication technology are permissible under several provisions, such as Section 40A of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 (2024 Amendment), and Section 3 of the Syariah Court Civil Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 (2022 Amendment).
Section 40A of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 (2024 Amendment) provides that a judge or registrar conducting proceedings for a civil case may direct that the proceedings, or any part thereof, be conducted remotely.
Meanwhile, Section 3 of the Syariah Court Civil Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 (2022 Amendment) stipulates that "present" includes presence by any person via remote communication technology, as directed by the court.
Musa expressed hope that the implementation of this proposal would strike a fair balance and ensure the sustainability of livelihoods for the public and Syariah lawyers involved.
He added that it is also a strategic step to prepare for the global energy crisis arising from the West Asian conflict.
-- BERNAMA
