BN MPs reject one-parent child conversion

Non-Muslim MPs urge the Cabinet to be sensitive to grouses of the minority in their objection to the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013.

PETALING JAYA: Non-Muslim BN MPs have voiced their concern over the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 which provides for unilateral child conversions.

The MPs were responding to queries whether they would be supporting the Bill when it comes up for the second time in Parliament.

Hulu Selangor MP, P Kamalanathan, said: “It should not be a single parent’s decision alone to chart the future of a child. Both parents must have a say in their child’s life.

“It is important that both the parent are happy, satisfied and content with the religion that their child is to live with for rest of his life.”

MCA’s Labis MP, Chua Tee Yong, said his party had objected to the Bill because it is inconsistent with the Cabinet’s 2009 decision to ban the unilateral conversion of minors to Islam.

“I really hope the government will maintain a consistent stand,” he said. “Islam is the country’s number one religion but non-Muslim rights have to be protected.”

Gerakan and Simpang Renggam MP Liang Teck Meng also said his party’s view was the same.

“Our secretary general Mah Siew Keong has already said that the views of both parents must be taken into account, and the right of the child must also be considered,” he said. “I do not support the Bill.”

‘Bill not cast in stone’

However, Kamalanathan assured that the government understood the complexity of the issue and will take into account the sentiments of all stakeholders before making a decision.

“The Bill is in its early stages and from my understanding it’s a translation difference between the English and Malay language versions of the Bill that is the cause for concern,” he said.

“While the English version clearly states the need for both parents’ consent to convert a child, the Malay version states that either parent can make the decision for a child.

“I’m sure this matter can be solved amicably and even (Deputy Prime Minister) Muhiyiddin Yassin agreed that amendments would be made if the situation warranted it,” he added.

Chua concurred and said the Bill “has not been cast in stone”.

“Moreover, there are positive elements in the Bill to allow for non-Muslims lawyers to appear in the Syariah courts,” he said.

“As an MP, I’d say the Bill has some points that are good. I wish more time will be given for people to study the Bill,” he added.

Kamalanathan said: “I hope suitable amendments would be made to ensure that when it comes to a choice of religion for a child, it has to be a collective decision and not a unilateral one”.

Since the Bill was tabled in Parliament last week, many feared the proposed legislation would legalise unilateral conversion of a child which is unconstitutional and contravenes the Cabinet’s directive.

On Wednesday, Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria claimed the Bill was being used by certain quarters to incite hatred towards the Muslim community.

The outspoken Islamic scholar told FMT that the Bill was only formalising a standard practice which was agreed upon “since Merdeka Day”.