Subra blames translation error for conversion Bill tiff

MIC deputy president Dr S Subramaniam has blamed a translation error for the controversy surrounding the recently tabled conversion Bill.

Speaking to the press this morning, he said the Malay version of the Bill was not in line with the English version.

According to Subramaniam, the English version of the proposed amendment to Section 107(b) of the Administration of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 says the conversion of minors requires the consent of a 'parent or guardian'.

However, he said the Bahasa version translates the word 'parent' to 'ibu atau bapa' (mother or father).

“The Bill is total new. I think this part was not seen by them (BN component parties). When they tabled it and we saw that particularly Bahasa Malaysia translation was not in line with our current thinking.

“We voiced our views in the cabinet and at the moment we are seeing how we can resolve the issue,” he said.

Asked whether the MIC would vote against the Bill in parliament, he said: “I don’t think it will reach that stage.”

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