KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's proposal that Malaysians who wish to convert to Islam must first inform their immediate families is seen by many as an olive branch by the non-Muslim religious community.
In an open letter to all media, Datuk A. Vaithilingam, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism ( MCCBCHST) wrote that the notice is a good first step, but added that many more reforms are needed to properly resolve the inter-religious disputes in multiracial Malaysia.
Below is his letter in full:
The MCCBCHST welcomes the indication by the Prime Minister that the Government will encourage State Islamic authorities to ensure that converts to Islam notify their immediate families before they convert.
This is a positive first step in ensuring that our laws and system of administration are not abused by those wanting to avoid their obligations to their loved ones by converting to Islam. However, there must be definite document to prove that the immediate families especially the parents or spouse have been notified.
We hope that, among other things, this will end the unseemly and heart wrenching disputes during times of bereavement.
MCCBCHST has previously given comprehensive memoranda detailing the other necessary reforms necessary to ensure the law is crystal clear, and fair to all parties.
The MCCBCHST, and its legal team, are ready and willing to assist the Federal and all State governments find a solution to these problems that have plagued us these past few years.
Yours in service,
Datuk A. VaithilingamMCCBCHST president11 April, 2008
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MCA welcomes declaration of religious status
PETALING JAYA: MCA welcomes the move to set a new requirement for Muslim converts to declare their religious status to their family members, said party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
He said the party had been consistent in pushing for such a move but it would like to seek clarification on the process of implementation.
"There should be a time period for the new converts to inform their family members on their new religion to ensure fairness to the family members and avoid any disputes at a further stage," he said in a statement here on Friday.
The party also called for a transparent process and procedure to ensure that those who converted due to marriage or were minors be allowed to leave the religion without hindrances.
Ong said the court also must not allow the unilateral conversion of any minor children from civil marriages.
"The Federal Constitution clearly states that it must be done with the consent of ibu bapa (both parents) and the court should not view this as a loophole as the religion of the child should remain status quo until he or she attains the age of maturity," he said.
He said the party would like to see the Government take immediate steps to make necessary amendments to the relevant laws so that the freedom of religion is upheld and the legitimate rights of non-Muslims in the country are safeguarded.
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