KUCHING: The Sarawak Syariah judiciary has fully embraced the digital era through the implementation of the I-Syariah System, a smart platform powered by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the system is a strategic initiative by the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS) in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) aimed at enhancing Syariah service delivery with greater efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.

“It not only streamlines processes such as marriage registration and case management but also acts as a digital bridge connecting the public to the Syariah judiciary at both the local and international levels,” he said when officiating the Sarawak National Syariah Convention (KOSKES), here on Tuesday.

This year’s convention carries the theme ‘Digital Revolution in Syariah Judiciary of Sarawak’, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) which positions digitalisation as a key pillar of the state’s development agenda.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah added that the implementation of the I-Syariah System also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 framework, laying the foundation for smart governance based on Islamic principles.

“AI has vast potential in aiding research, case analysis, document preparation, and data-driven decision-making that is faster and more accurate.

“However, most importantly, this technology must align with the principles of Maqasid Syariah which places justice at its core,” he stressed.

He also proposed that the I-Syariah System be developed as a model for Smart Syariah Governance, integrating Islamic values with the strengths of modern technology in a holistic manner.

Speaking on the convention, he expressed hope that it would serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation among regional countries in strengthening Syariah institutions and enhancing the competencies of Syariah judges and officers in the state.

Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also witnessed the exchange of memoranda and signing of memoranda of understanding (MoU) between JKSS and three universities, namely Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Malaya (UM).

Also present were Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Syariah Chief Judge, Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews