Harta sepencarian is a derivative of Malay custom, conceptualized long before independence. Only properties acquired during the subsistence of a valid marriage shall fall within the ambit of harta sepencarian. Gifts and properties received through the mechanics of inheritance and EPF contributions are outside the scope.
If a Muslim man decides to take on an additional wife and such polygamous endeavour is accepted by the Syariah court, any party to the existing marriage can make an application to:
a) to require a person to pay maintenance to his existing wife or wives ; OR;
b) to order the division between the parties of the marriage of any assets acquired by them during the marriage by their joint effort.
A possible protection is a harta Sepencarian Declaration. It is a mutual declaration by the husband and his wife at itemising what each party can claim as jointly acquired property. It avoids ambiguity and gives a level of certainty and security. Ascertaining and contesting harta sepencarian at the material time can be extremely acrimonious.
Whatever the recourse one takes to protect oneself, take heed that no amount of protection can ever substitute the protection Allah gives His creation.
Source : SmartInvestor Magazine, March 2006, by Jasmin Jamaluddin of As-Salihin Trustee Bhd
