KOTA BARU – The Narathiwat Islamic Council in Thailand is investigating the case of a Malaysian politician, carrying a “Datuk” title, who allegedly had his marriage to his third wife solemnised (akad nikah) online.
Its vice-president, Abdul Aziz Che Mamat, was quoted by The New Straits Times as saying that the council has, so far, never approved online solemnisation to be used by the imam in the Thai province.
“We will call the imam at the Kedai Baru Mosque in Sg Golok, who had purportedly performed the ritual online, to answer the allegations.”
It is learnt that the imam, in his 50s, has been attached to the mosque in Sg Golok for more than two years.
Narathiwat is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, and is accessible via a land border crossing at Sg Golok or river crossing at Tak Bai in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, Kelantan.
The majority of the people in Kelantan and southern Thailand share the same brethren of being descendants of the Pattani Kingdom.
Over the decades, it has become common for Kelantan men to take brides from across the border.
Ada timbalan Menteri nikah baru kat Naratiwat? pic.twitter.com/owJW4Z6FmE
— Adam ? (@amofficialmy) July 3, 2021
Aziz was reported as saying that wedding participants are also disallowed from partaking in the solemnisation ceremony over the phone.
The marriage between the Kelantan politician, who is a deputy minister, and his bride was allegedly held on June 1, and has since gone viral.
Pictures of the couple’s marriage certificate, and a conversation between the politician and imam with two other men, believed to be witnesses, have been circulating on social media platforms. Their marriage status has also been the subject of speculation.
The alleged bride is from Selangor.
Meanwhile, Amanah leaders are aghast that such an event could have taken place during a pandemic and full movement control order in the state.
“The elected representative could have waited like many couples before him to perform the marriage ritual.
“It is certainly not a good example,” they said, before referring the matter to Amanah Wanita head Aiman Athirah Al-Jundi for investigation purposes. – The Vibes, July 4, 2021
