Malaysia’s top court invalidates state’s Islam-based laws on incest, sodomy and other offenses
- Malaysia's top court struck down Shariah-based state laws, citing federal authority and sparking concerns among Islamists that it could have a ripple effect on religious courts nationwide.
- Malaysia has a dual-track legal system with Shariah laws for Muslims and civil laws for all citizens. The court ruled that state-level Islamic laws encroached on federal jurisdiction, affecting personal and family matters for Muslims.
- The verdict could lead to similar challenges against Shariah laws in other states, prompting calls for a reconsideration of existing jurisdiction and potential amendments to the constitution.
33 Articles
33 Articles

Malaysia's top court invalidates state's Islam-based laws on incest, sodomy and other offenses
Malaysia’s top court on Friday struck down Shariah-based criminal laws in an opposition-run state, saying they encroached on federal authority. Islamists denounced the decision and said it could undermine religious courts across the Muslim-majority nation.

Malaysia's top court declares several Islamic laws in Kelantan state unconstitutional
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top court on Friday (Feb 9) declared more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan as unconstitutional, in a landmark decision that could affect the legality of similar Syariah laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country. Malaysia has a dual-track legal sys
Malaysia’s top court declares several Islamic laws in Kelantan state
Malaysia’s top court on Friday declared more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the northeastern state of Kelantan as unconstitutional, in a decision that could affect the legality of Sharia in other parts of the Muslim-majority country.
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