KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — The National Registration Department (NRD) said the Home Minister, responsible for the registration of civil marriages, can register the marriage of non-Muslim couples under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 (Act 164).
In a statement today, it said it is the agency responsible for registering civil marriages and recording information on non-Muslim marriages and divorces.
"Based on Act 164, the Home Minister is the minister responsible for the registration of civil marriages, which allows him to register marriages of non-Muslim couples.
"The director-general and the deputy director-general of NRD, director of Marriage and Divorce Division, state NRD directors, as well as officers and staff of the division also have the authority (to do so)," said the department.
This comes after a viral video showing Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail registering a non-Muslim couple's civil wedding at the Putrajaya NRD office this morning.
NRD added the marriage registration was based on civil law under Act 164, and it did not involve nor resemble, and was not influenced by, any religious or cultural rituals.
It said the pledge by the registrar are words contained under Section 23 of the Act, explaining the nature of a civil marriage and also the expression of agreement and willingness of a couple to be in the marriage without coercion from any party.
The NRD also called on the public to stop spreading false information and check all news to ensure that public order in Malaysia is maintained.
— Bernama
