Nurul: There should be no compulsion in choosing faith

People should not be compelled to adopt a particular religion and this should also apply to Malays, says Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

"When you ask me, there is no compulsion in religion... how can anyone say sorry, this (religious freedom) only applies to non-Malays, it has to apply equally." she said.

She was speaking at a forum on "Islamic State: Which version; Who's responsibility?" in Subang Jaya this morning.

The Lembah Pantai MP was responding to a question from the floor on whether Malays should have religious freedom like non-Malays. 

"Malay" is defined under Section 160(2) of the federal constitution as a person who professes Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language and conforms to Malay customs.

Ultimately, she said, what should be sought is "quality" where Muslims' faith is strong.

"Even me, being schooled in Assunta (secondary school) with a huge cross in the hall and an active singing catholic society did not influence me," she said.

However, Nurul Izzah stopped short of saying that Malays should be legally granted religious freedom, saying: "I am of course tied to the prevailing views".

[More to follow]