From the past to the present: the enduring impact of Hukum Kanun Pahang (Pahang Laws) in Malaysian society

Abstract

The legal system known as Hukum Kanun Pahang, or Pahang Laws, was established during the reign of Sultan Abdul Ghafur Muhayiddin Syah (1592–1614), the 12th Sultan of Pahang. The enduring influence of the legal system on the Institution of the Malay Sultanate has had a profound and ongoing effect on the societal structure of Malaysian society. The enduring influence of the Pahang Laws on the Institutions of the Malay Sultanate serves as a testament to the significance of safeguarding cultural legacy and maintaining social cohesion, despite the challenges posed by colonialism and globalization. This study investigates the worldwide ramifications of Pahang Laws, which are inspired by Islamic Law, and analyses the extent to which this legal framework contributes to the implementation of justice within the Malaysian social system. This study illuminates the significance of the legal system in the Malay Sultanate, providing valuable insights that can serve as a reference point for the development of legal frameworks in other countries sharing similar demographics and cultures. Particularly, it has the potential to shape the socio-legal environment of Southeast Asia and beyond.