|
The authenticity of a newborn
depends on the status of solemnisation of the child's parents,
to determine whether the child was conceived in a legal
marriage.
"Not legally authenticated child"
is the term used to describe a child that is born out of
wedlock. In Brunei society, such "not legally authenticated
child " is also known as "Anak Ampang", "Anak Zina", "Anak Haram"
all of which literally means a child horn as a result of
adultery (out of wedlock) while in 'Syarak' term, it is
described as the child which was born less than six months from
the date of marriage registration, or as a result of rape.
Datin Hjh Saadiah said among
the causes that lead to the rise in the birth of "not legally
authenticated children" are unlimited socialising beyond the
religious limits including freedom given by the parents, peer
influence, misuse of drugs, curiosity and lifestyle that
contradicts the norms, values and understandings of the
religion.
However, newborns delivered by
young mothers are given protection by the Community Services
Department and counselling is also provided by the relevant
authorities. Such illegitimate children could also be adopted
should the young mother is not keen to bring up the child.
She also highlighted on the
rights that arc not provided in the Child Authenticity Order
such as in the naming, inheritance, socialising, marriage and
death.
Rights that are provided in the
Child Authenticity Order include financial support, which
becomes the responsibility of the mother under Chapter 83 (1)
(2) as well as "Wali Perkahwinan" or marriage guardian, (Chapter
8 (7)) appointed by the government of His Majesty.
Datin Hjh Saadiah also
highlighted the Legitimate Child Order. If a child is born more
than six months from the date of marriage registration, then the
child is the descendant of the father. If the father does not
want to admit that the child is biologically his, then he could
deny the descendant rights through "Li’an". --
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
