COMMENT Yesterday’s ruling of the Federal Court, the country’s highest court, in ordering the inspector-general of police to arrest a father who had disobeyed a custody order should be applauded.

Whilst the father may have his own reasons to do so, to disobey a court order is a very serious offence under the common law.

In light of its recent ruling in holding that a dissolution of civil marriages must be dealt with by civil courts, and Islamic marriages shall be dealt with by syariah courts, it has brought this custodial woe to a definite end.

It is important that Islam is not seen as an abusive religion, when it is a religion that promotes love and affection.

The laws in Malaysia are unique. We have two sets of system as embedded in our Federal Constitution.

Some may have been left in the dark; wondering what was really the intention of our founding fathers when the constitution was written.

Some may disagree with our laws, while others may express full support for them. But in the end, we have to accept that it is our constitution which has brought us together. Whether we like it or not, we still have to live by it.

Unpopular, but it's still the law

The judiciary has the obligation to interpret the law. The judges may be the best group of people who have the ability to 'read' the minds of our founding fathers.

Every law has its grey areas; hence the role of our judges to point out what is white and what is black.

The judges must be brave to rule a case without fear or favour. And even though that ruling may not be so popular with certain quarters of group, the law is the law.

The Federal Court has been remarkable in discharging its duty in this regard.

To separate a mother from her own child is not Islamic.

Muslims should understand that Indira Gandhi was not a Muslim when she got married. The children were not Muslims when they were born.

If the ‘hidayah’ (guidance from God) belongs to the kids, they will get it eventually.

For now, let the mother hug her kids again.

MOHD SIDDIQ AZANI is a practising lawyer and Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) legal adviser