PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has urged all members of the Shariah judiciary to embrace continuous learning and self-improvement as part of their professional and spiritual responsibilities.
He said that as Muslims, they must always strive for progress but reminded that such advancement is only possible with a solid foundation of knowledge.
“It is therefore essential for everyone in the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia (JKSM) and across the Shariah judicial institutions to strengthen their commitment to knowledge.
“We must see ourselves as custodians entrusted with upholding and elevating Malaysia’s legal and judicial institutions under the Shariah system,” he said during the launching of Akademi Kehakiman Syariah Malaysia (AKSM) here today.
He added that Islamic scholars have long emphasised the importance of learning in upholding and elevating Malaysia’s legal and judicial institutions.
He noted that support for the development of the Shariah judiciary could come in many forms, including financial, academic, and institutional assistance.
“I am grateful that we now have an academic platform dedicated to advancing kehakiman Shariah, such as this newly established academy.
“It represents the government’s commitment to fostering intellectual and professional excellence in the Shariah judiciary,” he said.
He then said the academy serves as an ideal platform to nurture individuals committed to learning and driving positive change, emphasising that the judiciary cannot rely solely on traditional methods but must adapt to current realities and challenges.
He also highlighted that the academy provides a vital avenue for collaboration not only among Shariah judges but also between judicial practitioners and academics from universities.
“Scholars offer theoretical insights, while judges contribute practical experience. Together, this exchange will strengthen the Shariah judiciary as a whole, fostering a deeper understanding between theory and practice,” he said.
The collaboration, he added, will enable institutions such as universities and training centres to share expertise and ensure that knowledge continues to evolve in line with the judiciary’s needs.
