Fined for SMS Divorce Demand
Malaysia's Islamic Court has fined a politician US$145 for attempting to divorce his wife via SMS. Senator Kamaruddin Ambok had used the SMS to divorce his wife as is technically possible under Islamic Family Law - but was given a stern lecture by Judge Zainor Hassin on the sanctity of marriage. There have been reports over the years that a divorce sent by SMS would be valid - however in Malaysia, the divorce statement must be uttered inside an Islamic Court.
The judge said: 'When you marry someone, you go through all the processes like merisik (proposal), bertunang (engagement), bernikah (solemnisation) and bersanding (reception).
'Now, why can't you divorce someone properly as well?'
Ambok pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the fine. Section 124 of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territory) Act states that 'any man who divorces his wife by pronouncement of talaq in any form outside the court and without the permission of the court commits an offence'. The senator could have been jailed for up to six months for the offense in addition to the fine.
The divorce was finally applied for correctly - by the wife - two months later in December 2001, and carried out the following August. "
Posted to the site on 23rd January 2006
