Authors : Siti Asishah Hassan, Rusnadewi Abdul Rashid and Noor Inayah Yaakub
Abstract: In Malaysia, the systems of law governing Muslims inheritance are governed by Islamic law or “hukum syarak”, some of which are codified in the state enactments. In 2013, statistic reveals that a total of RM66.6 billion worth of assets and property left behind by the deceased remained unclaimed due to poor administrative procedures in the distribution of estates to the rightful Muslim heirs. One of the causes of unclaimed distribution of property which has been identified is public confusion on the different roles and responsibilities of certain bodies and institutions such as High Court, Syariah Court, land administrator and Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB). Thus, the appointment of certain bodies or persons as administrators could be a crucial part in the administration of Muslims property because they are responsible for collecting, maintaining and protecting the deceased’s estate pending on the final distribution. This study mainly aims to discuss the roles and responsibilities of administrators and identify some legal issues relating to administrators in managing estate of deceased Muslim in Malaysia. It seeks to provide some useful input or guidelines to the public, some related institutions and the policy makers in formulating and implementing the relevant laws in the Islamic estate administration.
Siti Asishah Hassan, Rusnadewi Abdul Rashid and Noor Inayah Yaakub, 2016. Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of Administrators in Managing Muslims’ Estates in Malaysia. The Social Sciences, 11: 5526-5533.