The Sun
29th December 2006

How polygamy impacts on family
by Pauline Puah

PETALING JAYA: An unprecedented nationwide survey on the impact of polygamy on the institution of family will be conducted next year. Sisters in Islam (SIS) executive-director Zainah Anwar said it was the first such intensive research conducted in the Muslim world.

"This research aims at deepening our understanding of the dynamics of polygamous families, their different experiences, needs and concerns," she told a press conference yesterday.

"Through the results, we hope to have a clearer knowledge of how polygamy affects and impacts on the quality of family life when it is practised," said Zainah, a strong advocate against polygamy.

She said the nationwide survey would use 100 questionnaires and will involve 2000 to 5000 respondents throughout the peninsula, except Malacca, Pahang and Penang.

The research is a collaboration with academics from Universiti Malaya,Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The researchers comprise Prof Noraini Othman (UKM), Dr Shanti Tambiah (UM), Dr Noraida Endut (USM), Dr Rashidah Shuib (USM), Zainah Mustapha (UKM), Suryani Alias (SIS) and Jac S.M. Kee (SIS).

Zainah said the research would have five dimensions including how polygamy affects relationships within family, the emotional well-being of members of the family, their social relationships, the financial situation within the family and how legal institutions and frameworks work to protect the interest of family members in polygamous households.

Noraini, who was also at the press conference, said the research was to examine the stereotype on polygamous marriages.

For inquiries or to participate, call Erza at 03-77856121 or email: research@sistersinislam.org.my