The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said it will lobby for the amendment of constitutions of five states with regard to parents' role in child conversion.
"The council will work towards ensuring the five states carry out the amendments to bring them in line with the federal constitution," said MCCBCHST president Jagir Singh at the group's 30th anniversary dinner tonight.
He was referring to states that allowed a single parent to decide the conversion of a minor's religion, namely Perak, Kedah, Malacca,Negri Sembilan and Sarawak.
Jagir cited a recent High Court ruling which stated that by not allowing both parent to have a say in the conversion of minors, it went against the principles of natural justice.
The case revolved around M Indira Gandhi's four-year legal battleagainst her husband who had converted to Islam and did the same to their children in a bid to seek custody over them at the Syariah Court.
The court ruled that the conversion was null and void and handed custody of all three children to Indira.
"The council will work towards ensuring the five states carry out the amendments to bring them in line with the federal constitution," said MCCBCHST president Jagir Singh at the group's 30th anniversary dinner tonight.
He was referring to states that allowed a single parent to decide the conversion of a minor's religion, namely Perak, Kedah, Malacca,Negri Sembilan and Sarawak.
Jagir cited a recent High Court ruling which stated that by not allowing both parent to have a say in the conversion of minors, it went against the principles of natural justice.
The case revolved around M Indira Gandhi's four-year legal battleagainst her husband who had converted to Islam and did the same to their children in a bid to seek custody over them at the Syariah Court.
The court ruled that the conversion was null and void and handed custody of all three children to Indira.
The issue was also highlighted in the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill which sought to allow single parent conversion and was withdrawn after a public outcry from the non-Muslims.
"We know in the Syariah court, non-Muslim persons have no locus standi but in the civil court, both Muslims and non-Muslims havelocus standi.
"Thus, if there is contention of facts it must be done in the civil courts where after hearing both sides, a just decision can be given," he told some 1,000 people of various faiths present.
Jagir also urged that judges be appointed by merit and to ensure in judgments relating to the federal constitution, there be a proper composition of races.
"A mixed racial heritage judiciary would eliminate the perception of racial bias in its appointments and decision," said Jagir, who is a lawyer by training.
Jagir said the interfaith group will continue to find resolution to tough religious issues.
"We will propose solutions to the difficult issues we face including charting a road map to religious rights issues to the United Nations, if necessary," he said.
"We know in the Syariah court, non-Muslim persons have no locus standi but in the civil court, both Muslims and non-Muslims havelocus standi.
"Thus, if there is contention of facts it must be done in the civil courts where after hearing both sides, a just decision can be given," he told some 1,000 people of various faiths present.
Jagir also urged that judges be appointed by merit and to ensure in judgments relating to the federal constitution, there be a proper composition of races.
"A mixed racial heritage judiciary would eliminate the perception of racial bias in its appointments and decision," said Jagir, who is a lawyer by training.
Jagir said the interfaith group will continue to find resolution to tough religious issues.
"We will propose solutions to the difficult issues we face including charting a road map to religious rights issues to the United Nations, if necessary," he said.
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