Driving through the streets of the commuter town of
Rawang, 30 kilometres north of Malaysia’s capital city Kuala
Lumpur, Azlina Jamaluddin is more than eager to challenge
any criticism of polygamous marriage.
A born-again Muslim and self-proclaimed “working
woman”, the 48-year-old dentist ascribes her professional
success and personal growth to polygamy.
“I can work, I have more time for myself and I don’t need
to take care of my children all the time, as the other wives
share the childrearing responsibilities with me,” she shares.
Azlina wasn’t always supportive of the practice, however –
like many people in Malaysia. Although legal, polygamy is still
largely frowned upon in the country. She only considered
asking her husband to take another wife after she was
introduced to the religious teachings of Global Ikhwan –
the “Islamic business” she has been working for since 2001.
Contrary to the commonly held belief that it is mostly
men who pursue polygamous relationships, she was the
spouse convincing her husband to seek out a second wife.
He now also works for the same company as Azlina, and has
three wives, having adopted the new lifestyle.
“Initially, he wouldn’t have married another woman.
He’s just not that kind of guy,” the manager of one of the
company’s health clinics explains. Azlina admits that in the