The introduction of the Diploma Lepasan Ijazah - Diploma Amalan Kehakiman dan Guaman Syarie (DIJAP) program at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is set to help train and produce qualified professionals in syarie judicial and legal practice.
Offered by the Faculty of Syariah and Law (FSU), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), the program will commence in October this year at the UMS campus.
UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, emphasized the relevance of this initiative, stating it addresses the fardu kifayah (communal obligation) within the Muslim community.
“Producing experts skilled in this field fulfills the communal obligation of forming competent professionals in the judicial system to achieve comprehensive justice based on the principles of Islamic Shariah,” he said.
“This program also promotes a deeper understanding of syariah principles and supports societal development as agents of change rooted in faith, Shariah, and ethics,” he added during the launch event officiated by USIM Board Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani, at UMS.
In his speech, Tan Sri Dr. Norzrul highlighted that obtaining the DIJAP qualification is a key requirement for law and syariah graduates to practice in syarie judiciary and legal fields, including in Sabah.
“Recognizing this need, FSU USIM, in collaboration with the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIS) at UMS, has created this opportunity for students in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He noted that DIJAP is a pioneering postgraduate program in Sabah, offering in-depth studies of Islamic law, syariah court procedures, family and criminal law, civil and criminal litigation, law firm management, legal ethics, and other aspects of syarie judicial and legal systems.
“This program adds value to career prospects in syarie judiciary and Islamic legal services while providing extensive exposure to the application of Sabah's Syariah Enactments and the State Syariah Court’s practice directions,” he added.
The program is expected to enrich students’ academic credentials while equipping them with practical insights into the syarie legal system, enhancing their employability in the Islamic judiciary and legal sectors.
Also present at the launch were USIM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Ts. Dr. Sharifudin Md. Shaarani; Sabah Chief Syarie Judge, Ahadin Arinen; Chairman of the Sabah Syarie Lawyers Association, Abdul Razak Hj. Jamil; Dean of FSU USIM, Prof. Madya Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh; and Dean of FIS UMS, Prof. Dr. Hj. Dahlan Hj. Abdul Malek.
