Civil marriage solemnisation does not usurp role of religious leaders, says JPN

The National Registration Department stated that civil marriages under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 are not equivalent to religious rituals.

Act 164 requires non-Muslim marriages to be registered legally to ensure their recognition, with ceremonies conducted by appointed registrars.

The department emphasised the importance of respecting legal provisions without conflating civil procedures with religious practices to prevent misinformation.

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 18 — The solemnisation of civil marriages by authorised parties under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (Act 164) cannot be equated with the performance of religious rituals or regarded as taking over the role of religious leaders.

The National Registration Department (NRD) said the function was a responsibility carried out in accordance with the laws of the country.

“Every religion has its own marriage ceremonies, customs and practices, whether Buddhists, Christians, Hindus or other faiths, while the implementation of religious rituals is a matter for the followers and religious leaders concerned.

“From the perspective of national law, the marriages of non-Muslim couples governed by Act 164 must be carried out and registered in accordance with the stipulated provisions to ensure their marital status is legally recognised,” it said in a statement today.

Act 164 empowers appointed Registrars of Marriages and Assistant Registrars of Marriages to solemnise and register civil marriages.

Such marriages can be solemnised at NRD offices or places of worship and associations through authorised Assistant Registrars of Marriages, subject to the applicable legal requirements and procedures.

It said the government has always respected freedom of religion as well as the diversity of customs and cultures among Malaysians.

At the same time, compliance with civil marriage laws is important to ensure that the righrts and interests of couples, children and family institutions continue to be protected.

The NRD also reminded the public to understand the relevant facts and legal provisions before making any interpretations or disseminating information, especially on matters that touch on religious sensitivities.

“Everyone must respect the provisions of the country’s law and not make difference between civil matters and religious practices a basis for spreading inaccurate claims or misleading the public,” it added.

As such, the department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all civil marriage procedures continue to be carried out in an orderly and professional manner, in accordance with the law, while respecting the diversity of religions, customs and cultures in the country. — Bernama

Note: The National Registration Department is known as Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) in Malay.

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国家登记部门声明，根据 1976 年《法律改革（婚姻和离婚）法》进行的民事婚姻与宗教仪式并不等同。

第 164 号法令规定，非穆斯林婚姻必须依法登记，以确保其得到承认，仪式由指定的登记员主持。

该部门强调，必须尊重法律规定，不得将民事程序与宗教习俗混为一谈，以防止散布虚假信息。

布城，10 月 18 日讯——根据 1976 年《法律改革（婚姻和离婚）法令》（第 164 号法令），由授权方主持的民事婚姻仪式不能等同于宗教仪式的举行，也不能被视为取代宗教领袖的角色。

国民登记局（NRD）表示，这项职能是根据国家法律履行的职责。

“无论是佛教徒、基督教徒、印度教徒还是其他信仰者，每个宗教都有自己的婚姻仪式、习俗和做法，而宗教仪式的实施则是信徒和相关宗教领袖的事情。

“从国家法律的角度来看，根据第164号法令，非穆斯林夫妇的婚姻必须按照规定的条款进行和登记，以确保他们的婚姻状况得到法律认可，”该机构今天在一份声明中表示。

第 164 号法令授权指定的婚姻登记官和助理婚姻登记官主持和登记民事婚姻。

此类婚姻可在国民登记局办公室或宗教场所和协会通过授权的婚姻助理登记员举行，但须遵守适用的法律要求和程序。

声明称，政府一贯尊重宗教自由以及马来西亚人民的习俗和文化多样性。

与此同时，遵守民事婚姻法对于确保夫妻、儿童和家庭机构的权利和利益继续得到保护至关重要。

国民登记局也提醒公众，在做出任何解释或传播信息之前，尤其是在涉及宗教敏感性的问题上，要了解相关的事实和法律规定。

“每个人都必须尊重国家法律的规定，不得以民事事项和宗教习俗之间的区别为由散布不实言论或误导公众，”声明补充道。

因此，该部门重申其承诺，将确保所有民事婚姻程序继续依法有序、专业地进行，同时尊重该国宗教、习俗和文化的多样性。——马新社

注：国民登记局的马来语名称为 Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN)。

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