Judge Nenney Shushaidah presides over five trials a day and can hear up to 80 cases a week.
Malaysia practises a moderate form of Islam but conservative attitudes have been on the rise and the use of Sharia is growing as well. Under a dual-track legal system, thousands of Muslims use it to settle moral and family matters. Non-Muslims are required to follow secular laws that deal with the same matters.
She passes judgment on everything from financial cases to those involving the Sharia concept of Khalwat [unmarried Muslim couples being caught in compromising situations].
But her expertise lies in child custody and cases of polygamy – the Muslim concept of allowing men to marry up to four wives, which is legal in Malaysia.
Judge Shushaidah says there are many factors she considers before, for example, allowing a polygamous union.
“Every case is complex and different,” she explained. “You can’t generalise Islamic law and say it favours men and treats women badly… I want to correct that misconception.”
