iv) With regard to the overlap of jurisdiction between the Civil and Syariah Courts, should there be no explicit provision in respect of any matter that was supposed to be under the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court; the matter could be brought before a Civil Court. For example, cases involving illegitimate children could be brought before the Civil Courts. The Commission observed that the sharing of views, opinions, and knowledge between the participants, organiser, and distinguished speakers was well received by JAKESS and it is hoped that the cooperation and good relations between the Commission and JAKESS in human rights education and promotion, in accordance with the principles of Syariah, will continue. (ii) CHAPTER 1 Workshop with Syarie Lawyers on International Human Rights Instruments On 8 April, the Commission held an introductory workshop on international human rights instruments, namely the Cairo Declaration, UDHR, CEDAW, and CRC, with members of PGSM as part of the preparations for them to represent the Commission in Syariah Courts. The workshop was attended by 27 PGSM members. The workshop was officiated by the then Chair of the Commission, Tan Sri Hasmy Agam. Tan Sri Hasmy Agam addressed the notion held by some Syarie lawyers that human rights come from a Western agenda and are not in line with the teachings of Islam. He then highlighted that human rights can be compatible with Islamic teachings as contained within the Quran and Hadith and as officers of the court, Syarie lawyers should act as conduits to change this misconception and educate the Syarie legal fraternity on the compatibility of human rights and Islam. The workshop was divided into three sessions. Prof Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin conducted an introductory session on the Commission and explained the UDHR and Cairo Declaration while Prof Dr Najibah Mohd Zain from IIUM conducted sessions on CEDAW and the CRC. The Syarie lawyers engaged the speakers on various matters ranging from common issues such as custody of children and divorce to more controversial matters such conversion out of Islam (murtad). The Commission observed that while many Syarie practitioners were still conservative in not wanting to tackle provocative issues, there were several Syarie lawyers who were prepared to face those controversial issues. The Commission views this as a healthy sign that Syarie practitioners are open to discourse as Islam itself encourages its followers to seek knowledge and celebrate differences in opinion. SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 43 suhakam 2new.indd 43 3/23/17 5:54 PM