Despite news of 41-year-old Che Abdul Karim Che Abdul Hamid marrying an 11-year-old child sparking outrage among a large number of Malaysians, it appears that existing laws are letting him get away with it, even validating his marriage to the minor.
In recent developments, shortly after being slapped with just a RM1,800 fine by the Kelantan Syariah court for going through with the marriage without permission from the judge, a marriage certificate has since been granted to the 41-year-old, validating his marriage to the child.
Source: FMT
Now, according to the Malay Mail, Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail stated that Putrajaya had no power to nullify the controversial marriage, even though it’s illegal. The DPM, who is also the Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, explained,
“Legally it is not valid, but under Islamic laws it is.”
According to Islamic laws in Kelantan, children under the age of 16 can still get married under the permission of a Syariah court judge, despite it being illegal under federal law.
Source: Malay Mail
Despite this, Wan Azizah stated that the case is being monitored by the authorities and that the government is working with the National Fatwa Council in efforts to increase the minimum age for marriage to 18 years.
Let’s hope that the government does its best to preserve the best interests of the young girl, as well as that of other children who may be caught in the same situation in the future.
Also read: 41yo Groom Gets Away With Marrying Child Bride, Even Granted Marriage Certificate
