WHILE extending its congratulations to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for taking a second wife, a woman’s rights group said it is disconcerting that the announcement was made in such a frivolous manner.
Sisters in Islam (SIS) said the announcement gave the impression that his marriage to his second wife, a police officer, is a bed of roses which underestimates the complexities of polygamous marriages.
“It is commendable that he has adhered to all legal procedures and requirements as stipulated by the relevant authorities,” it said in a statement on Monday (Sept 9).
“However, it is disconcerting that he saw it fit to make the announcement in such a trivial way … Polygamy is not merely a legal arrangement; it profoundly impacts the lives of all involved, especially women and children.
“Joking about ‘adding quotas’ and giving lip service to just legal procedures devalue the emotional depth of these relationships and reduces women to mere trophies to be collected.”
SIS noted that it is also interesting that Sanusi’s public salary enables him to maintain two families justly, as required in Islam.
“However, financial capability alone does not ensure fairness or happiness in polygamous relationships,” it disclosed.
“Being just, providing emotional support, and ensuring the well-being of all parties remain paramount responsibilities. Leaders must recognise that the material aspect is only one component, and true justice requires far more than financial maintenance.”
Telenisa: Statistics, findings, and lived realities
Citing statistics from its legal clinic Telenisa’s Statistics and Findings 2023 report, SIS further noted that the lived realities of many women in polygamous marriages often demonstrate a different picture.
According to the report, polygamy remains a significant issue, with:
- 24% of women reporting that their husbands failed to provide maintenance;
- 17% facing lack of child maintenance and marriages conducted without their consent;
- 11% dealing with unregistered polygamy, absconding husbands, and unjust turn-taking between wives;
- 6% reporting unjust turn-taking between wives; and
- 4% experiencing marriages conducted without their knowledge.
“These illustrate the systemic issues and injustices that too often accompany polygamous unions in Malaysia. The lived reality experiences of women in polygamous marriages reveal the emotional and financial challenges that are frequently ignored in public discourse,” said SIS.
The NGO further pointed out that the practice of polygamy can create significant emotional and financial strain on families, particularly affecting women and children.
“We urge leaders to approach these serious issues with empathy, respect, and an understanding of their profound impact,” it stated.
“Joking about polygamy belittles the real struggles women face in such situations and minimises the deep emotional toll it can take on families.
“Polygamy is not something to be made light of or be reduced to a matter of quotas. It has deep, lasting consequences for women, children, and the very fabric of family life.
“We call upon our leaders to exercise greater responsibility in their words and actions, recognising the gravity of their choices and their profound impact on those they lead.” – Sept 9, 2024
Main image: The Vibes
