Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) expresses our support and solidarity with Sisters in Islam (SIS) as they navigate a significant legal process currently before the Federal Court.
While we do not seek to comment on the merits of the ongoing proceedings, we believe it is essential to reaffirm the broader principles at stake, those of due process, constitutional rights, and the role of civil society in a democratic nation.
This case concerns the legality and constitutionality of a fatwa issued by the Selangor State Fatwa Committee in 2014, gazetted on July 31, 2014, which declared Sisters in Islam (SIS) and others who subscribe to “liberalism and religious pluralism” as deviant from Islamic teachings.
A recurring issue in Malaysia is the misconception that raising legal or constitutional concerns about the process of religious administration equates to challenging the religion itself.
In fact, what is being questioned are procedural matters, whether laws were made and applied in accordance with constitutional safeguards, not the substance of faith or belief.
Unfortunately, such legal challenges are often misunderstood, misconstrued or misrepresented, resulting in hostility and stigma against those simply seeking clarity and accountability within the rule of law.
We are also deeply concerned about the tone and nature of public discourse surrounding this case.
Official statements and narratives that characterise SIS as deviant or un-Islamic can foster an atmosphere of public hostility and discrimination.
In a democratic society, the state has a duty to ensure that its language and actions do not lead to the vilification of civil society organisations engaged in peaceful advocacy.
One of the central concerns raised in this case relates to the right to be heard, a cornerstone of natural justice.
The opportunity to respond before a decision that significantly affects one’s rights is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental expectation in any fair and transparent process.
Where this is denied, questions inevitably arise about the legitimacy and proportionality of such actions.
In 2014, SIS was declared “deviant” by a Selangor state fatwa for allegedly promoting “liberalism and religious pluralism”–terms so vague and undefined that they open the door to arbitrary enforcement.
The fatwa extended to a civil entity, a company registered under the Companies Act, and empowered federal agencies to block websites, seize materials, and require individuals to “repent.”
All this was done without informing SIS, without a hearing, and without an opportunity to respond. That is not due process. That is punishment without justice.
SIS has long championed the rights of Muslim women within an Islamic framework and their work has been grounded in compassion, equality, and justice.
Their work in legal literacy, research, public education, and support for women facing injustice in Syariah Courts is rooted in both the Constitution and Islamic teachings.
To equate such work with deviance is to undermine the very spirit of Islam that prioritises justice and human dignity.
This case is a defining moment. As the legal process continues, we call for calm, respect, and a commitment to the truth.
Let us allow the courts to decide on the legal questions at hand, while we continue to defend the values of justice, dignity, and democratic participation that are essential to our shared future.
We urge the public, institutions, and leaders across all sectors to support SIS, not just in name, but in defence of the principles this case represents. Because when we allow any entity to be silenced without fair process, we weaken justice for us all.
To seek justice is not defiance. To ask for accountability is not rebellion. And to speak up for constitutional rights is not an act against faith, it is an act of faith in our shared humanity, in our legal institutions, and in the kind of Malaysia we believe in.
Endorsed by the following JAG member organisations:
- Justice for Sisters
- KRYSS Network
- SWWS
- Tenaganita
- AWL
- All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
- Perak Women for Women Society (PWW)
- Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
- Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
- AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group)
- Women’s Centre for Change, Penang (WCC)
- Persatuan Kebajikan Sokongan Keluarga Selangor dan KL (Family Frontiers)
The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) is a coalition of 14 women’s rights organisations in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Since 1985, we have been advocating for gender equality and social justice in Malaysia within a feminist framework. We leverage our diverse expertise and amplify women’s voices to raise public awareness and advocate for law reform. We uphold international human rights standards in promoting justice, equality, and non-discrimination.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
