The Federal Court has decided to annul 16 provisions from the Kelantan Shariah Court following the petition made by Nik Elin to uphold the Federal Constitution for the betterment of the country. The decision was made as Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the legislative powers of the Federal and State governments have been determined by the Federal Constitution in the Federal List and State list.

Insight:

• The conversations on Nik Elin’s Petition garnered around 85.2K mentions with 549.1K social interactions that potentially reached 200.2M users for the past 7 days.
• The Federal Court’s decision to nullify several provisions under the Kelantan Shariah law has evoked diverse responses from the public. While some individuals and groups support the ruling, others oppose it, leading to a lack of consensus on its implications and significance.
• Those who support the ruling perceive it as a positive development for Malaysia’s legal landscape. They argue that by nullifying certain provisions, the Federal Court is upholding the supremacy of the federal constitution. Additionally, they believe the decision reinforces the principle of equality, ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of their religious affiliation, are entitled to the same rights and protections under the law.
• Advocates for the ruling, including human rights organizations and civil society groups, emphasize its importance in safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups. They argue that by invalidating discriminatory provisions, the ruling helps protect the rights of women, minorities, and non-Muslims. Furthermore, they suggest that it could potentially serve as a deterrent against the spread of extremism and intolerance within Malaysian society.
• Conversely, some individuals and communities, particularly within Kelantan, view the ruling negatively. They perceive it as an infringement on the state’s autonomy and an interference in its ability to govern based on Islamic principles. Additionally, there are concerns that the decision undermines the authority of Shariah law, which holds significant cultural and religious importance for many Malaysians.