KLANG: The deep concern and firm views expressed by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over instances of child marriages paved the way for Selangor to become the first state to revise the minimum legal marriage age for Muslims to 18.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the amendment was passed by the state legislative assembly on Sept 6.
“When the issue of child marriages shook the nation, the Sultan assented to the amendment of the Islamic Family Law (state of Selangor) Enactment and Syariah Court Civil Procedure (state of Selangor) Enactment to increase the minimum marriage age (from 16 to 18).
“Alhamdulillah (Thank God), with the sovereignty, dignity and authority of Tuanku (Sultan Sharafuddin), the amendment was tabled and passed in the Selangor state legislative assembly.
“The people and I are fortunate and proud to serve under his wisdom,” he said in Menteri Besar’s declaration of allegiance in conjunction with the Sultan of Selangor’s 73rd birthday at Istana Alam Shah, here on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the state continued to record achievements and became the main contributor the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an increase from 22.7 per cent in 2016 to 23 per cent last year.
He said, thanks to solid finances and a good administration, coupled with the state’s transparency and openness, led to resulted Selangor being the choice destination for both foreign and domestic investors.
“The Selangor 2019 Budget, which was tabled on Nov 23, focuses on the will to energise the economy, empower the people and prosper the state.
“The government, under the rule of His Majesty, will continue to carry out programmes and initiatives to spur economic growth and protect the welfare of the people,” he said.