 |
| |
On Saturday, schoolgirl Siti Maryam Mahood and Abdul Manan Othman celebrated their marriage at a mosque in the capital Kuala Lumpur, after a religious syariah court approved the union.
"It has been hard trying to juggle two roles -- as a student and a wife -- but I am taking it in my stride," Siti Maryam was quoted as saying by the New Sunday Times newspaper.
"My husband is a teacher at a primary school and he is a family friend," she said according to the daily which said the girls' parents matchmade the couple and that the syariah court granted them permission to marry in July.
Ivy Josiah, executive director of leading activist group Women's Aid Organisation, said that laws which allow underage marriage in certain cases must be dumped by Malaysia, a conservative and mainly Muslim country.
"I certainly hope this will spark a fresh round of open debate. There should not be any roadblocks... that it involves culture and religion and hence we cannot talk about it," she told AFP.
Josiah has previously said that "child marriage amounts to paedophilia".
Muslims below 16 who want to get married must obtain the permission of the religious courts. Those of other religions aged below 17 must have the consent of civil authorities.
"We need to remedy the flaws in the law. There are exceptions in the law. These exceptions should be removed. The government can no longer turn a blind eye," Josiah said.
"The government should set the minimum marriage age of 18 for all races -- boys and girls since the Child Act recognises a child as anyone below 18," she said. "We need to protect the child."
In Malaysia, Muslims make up about 60 per cent of the 28 million population. For certain issues including family law they are subject to Sharia which operates in parallel with the civil legal system.
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, the minister for women, family and community development, said in July that underage marriage was "morally and socially unacceptable".
- AFP
10 comments:
I still find underage marriage unacceptable. The girl is still too young.
This is very unacceptable! What kind of parents allow their 14 year old child to get married.
Marriage is not something you can play around. It involves big responsibilities which I don't think a 14 year old person could handle.
Before you say anything, you must learn about Islam. One is considered as an adult once he/she reaches puberty. Minors are those who haven't reached their puberty. If a marriage is agreeable by adults (bride and groom), and parents of both, the marriage is legitimate in order to avoid sinful acts. You should ask an Imam to know more about this. I'm just an ordinary Muslim. My knowledge is also limited. Islam has been practiced since the first humans, Adam and Eve (Hawa).
When was the existence of common law? 18th century? So, please don't simply say something if don't understand about the religion.
Have you consulted with the experts (priests/monks) in your religion (Christianity/Judaism/Hinduism/Buddhism) regarding this issue?
Not only Islam but also other religions have existed before the common law? Which one should you follow - the words of Allah (God) or humans?
Would you dare to say NO to your God's words?
hhhmmmm... Ni comment la \...
which is better? married at the age of 14 years or commit adultery, which can invite to the baby dumping cases??
lebih baik berkahwin daripada terjebak dalam maksiat.
Don't know to comment what for this..Married batter than vice..hehee
I still can not imagine for a girl to get married at 14 years old.
Too young and I doubt if she really know how to take care of herself and the family.
Too young! Not yet matured! what do you expect they do with that age? OMG!!
Post a Comment