History of Islamic Law in Malaysia - A Critical Reconsideration

Abstract:     
Implementation of Islamic law in Malaysia has always been a debated issue in Malaysia since independence. Every now and then the issue will be debated publicly. One interesting argument that is often put forward in the debate to support the implementation of Islamic law is Malaysia is that Islamic law was already implemented before the British came. It was the British that have done away with Islamic law in Malaysia. So, to call for implementation of Islamic law is actually to call for reverting back to old policy. This paper would seeks to establish the factual issue. Was Islamic law really implemented in the Malay States?

Working Paper Series