September 4, 2003
Don't give out divorce papers, departments warned
Hopefully, this is the last we will hear about whether or not divorce by SMS in the muslim faith is legal in Malaysia. The Prime Minister's Department has issued directives to all state religious authorities, "not to issue divorce certificates for divorces uttered outside the courts – unless syariah prosecutors have already dealt with those who made such declarations."
The PM's Department directive serves as a warning to those who use the short messaging system and other means from outside the courthouse, to divorce their wives.
Offenders are liable to a fine of up to RM1,000 and jailed to up to six months – or both – under the Federal Territory Islamic Family Law Act and the respective states' Family Law enactments, according to The Star. Amen.
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