The federal government should discuss the proposed amendments to the Conversion Bill openly in cabinet, says Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Pairin Kitingan.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan wants the federal government to be more considerate when amending laws which would have “serious” implications on the people.
“The federal government cannot just simply force a law onto the people without studying the implications it will have,” said Pairin who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president.
He was responding to Friday’s announcement that the government had withdrawn the controversial Bill proposing amendments, among others, to Section 107(B) of the Administration of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 to allow just one parent to convert children to Islam.
The Bill drew the ire of opposition and BN non-Muslim MPs, the clergy, academicians and Malaysians across the board.
Pairin opinioned yesterday that any Bill which had the effect of curbing people’s liberty must be thoroughly and openly scrutinized before it is passed by Parliament.
“This Bill does not look like a straight forward one as there are matters which have to be considered and taken into account.
“It is not as simple as bringing it up in Parliament and expect everyone to pass it. You cannot simply bulldoze this through Parliament.
“This is something that involves freedom of religion that is enshrined in the Constitution and in this case it involves minors who are not matured enough to make their own decisions yet especially when it comes to religion” Pairin said albeit, a little late in the day.
The issue has been in the news since it was was tabled in Parliament two weeks ago.
Nonetheless, Pairin urged the goverment to be wary pointing out that in the case of mixed marriages, the parents have to wait for the child to attain the age of 21 to make up his or her mind on which religion to follow.
He further noted that in the case of a minor, he or she does not have a say as the parents or guardians will decide after discussing the matter and coming to an agreement.
“This is not something that you can just look at and say ‘Yes’ to.
“We cannot just allow this to happen as the freedom of choice of a person must be considered. Therefore the federal government should consider having it properly discussed within the cabinet itself,” he said.
He further stressed that this Bill must be looked at properly like the GST Bill.
Last Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had assured that all parties would be consulted before making any decision on the Bill.
But on Friday, Muhyiddin said that the Cabinet has decided to withdraw the Bill pending a thorough feedback from all stakeholders.
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