KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will meet with the state’s legal and religious experts to discuss the federal government’s proposal to increase the minimum age of marriage in Malaysia to 18.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the proposal needs to be deliberated on before it can be turned into legislation.
“I will refer to the state mufti (Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar) and experts in religion and law to refine things before coming up with a proper guideline for Sabah, which we can then present to the federal government.
“The proposal by (Putrajaya) may be based on (particular concerns) and that is why adjustments (to the proposal may be) needed.
“At the same time, (we must consider the matter) from the Islamic point of view,” Mohd Shafie told reporters after launching the 2018 National Debate finale here today, which was organised by the Information Department.
Yesterday, Bungsu was reported as expressing opposition to raising the minimum age of marriage to 18. In fact, he suggested lowering it to 14 for girls and 16 for boys in accordance with Syarak (Islamic law).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had previously stated the government’s wish to raise the age limit, after chairing a meeting with stakeholders following a widely-publicised and controversial marriage in Kelantan involving an 11-year-old girl.
Mohd Shafie said that the state government will take into account the views of all related parties on the issue before reaching a decision.