Singapore - Three women have for the first time been chosen to serve on a board that hears appeals of the Sharia Court and Registrar of Muslim Marriages, the panel said on Friday. Only men were asked to be on the board since it was set up 40 years ago.
The trio was appointed to a 20-member panel by President SR Nathan on the advice of the Islamic Religious Council. Members of the panel sit on the board.
Ustazeh Harinah Abdul Latiff, a 43-year-old teacher, told The Strait Times she aimed to "bring a woman's point of view" to the board which functions like a court of appeals. It has the power to confirm or reverse the Sharia Court's decisions.
Faridah Eryani Pairin, a 39-year-old lawyer, said the three appointments served as an acknowledgement that women deserve a bigger role.
"It's an opportunity for women to show what we can do," Faridah was quoted as saying.
The third spot went to Hamidah Ibrahim, a 53-year-old district judge.
Singapore's predominantly Chinese population includes 14 per cent who are Muslim Malays.
