My husband married in Thailand without my knowledge — what are my rights as the first wife?

A marriage in Thailand causes the existing wife to lose the right to be heard by the court before the polygamous marriage and the right to claim division of harta sepencarian at that stage — but Malaysian law still protects you. A man who marries without permission must immediately pay all the mas kahwin and pemberian owed to the existing wife (Act 303 s.23(7); Selangor s.23(8)), and the husband may be prosecuted (Act 303 s.123; Selangor s.124). A wife who is not treated fairly may apply for fasakh, for example under Selangor 2003 s.53(1)(h)(vi), and failure to give proper justice is also an offence (Selangor and Kedah s.129). Refer to the Syariah Court or the religious office of your state. See polygamy in Malaysia.