Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today outlined the government’s intention to amend the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 with immediate effect.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for National Women's Day Celebration 2016 at Putrajaya International Convention Centre, the Prime Minister stated: “The amendment of this Act will provide an opportunity for both partners to resolve the issue of civil marriage in the civil courts, thus enabling them to continue their life like other couples to marry non-Muslims.

“At the same time, the clash between the Civil Court and Syariah Court arising from conversion to Islam by one of the spouses may be removed and the legislative gaps and duplication of the provisions within the existing law may be resolved.

“This initiative proves that the government is not only responsible for continuing to uphold the rule of Islam as the religion of the federation but also, at the same time, maintaining the principle of plurality within the framework of race and religion among the people of this country.

“This is in line with the principles of Islam itself, which promotes in great extent the aspects of justice and maslahah, or the interests of all parties.”

The Prime Minister also noted an increase in the number in social problems involving the abuse of children, and made clear his belief that it was society’s “Collective responsibility to protect children from mistreatment in this country”.

Accordingly, he announced the formation of a new Task Force to protect citizens and particularly children against sex crimes, which will be set up with immediate effect and be chaired by a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.