It is sad that religion was used to disrupt and embarrass a wedding couple in front of guests on an auspicious occasion, says Johor DAP deputy chairman.
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) should have helped Zarina Abdul Majid over the past seven years when she applied to change her religion but instead waited for her wedding day to embarrass her, said Johor DAP deputy chairman S Ramakrishnan.
Ramakrishnan was responding to the incident when Jais officers prevented a Hindu wedding from taking place in a temple in Petaling Jaya because the bride had a Muslim name.
He said it was sad that religion was used to disrupt and embarrass a wedding couple in front of guests on an auspicious occasion.
He added that Jais would have won more support and friends if they had helped Zarina when she needed it.
“After all, it is clear that she is not a practising Muslim and that she was converted by her irresponsible father a long time ago and who is now nowhere around,” said Ramakrishnan.
He said if a religious enforcement body did not observe and understand this basic courtesy, it should cease to exist or be closed by the authorities.
“It does no good to the peace and harmony of Malaysia,” he added.
Ramakrishnan said the phrase at weddings “let he who has anything against this couple coming together, speak now or forever hold his tongue” had been given a nasty and embarrassing twist by Jais.
The former senator said the conversion was done when Zarina was a minor.
“Now as an adult, she should be allowed to decide her religion,” he said.
He added that Jais should inform the public what their agenda was and who they are serving.
“Jais should stop bullying the minorities and learn to be humble and more resourceful to make Malaysia a better place for all to live. They should stop prying into other people’s business and be constantly looking around to pick a fight with other religious groups.
“They seem to be hell bent to antagonise non-Muslim groups. The hardliners behind Jais may be sick in their heads to inflict maximum embarrassment to the wedding couple,” said Ramakrishnan.
“What kind of embarrassment and damage is Jais is going to cause next?” he asked.
“While the prime minister is making all efforts to portray Malaysia as a moderate country undergoing economic transformation and religious moderation, the endeavours of Jais works counterproductive to all that rhetoric.
“Malaysia has come a long way since independence as a moderate and progressive country.
Agencies like Jais should not be allowed to destroy all those years of hard work and sacrifices made by our previous leaders and citizens from all faiths.
“Instead of a quiet and joyous occasion among family and friends, this wedding has become a national and perhaps international embarrassment for the authorities,” he said.
“The only silver lining is the assurance of Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and the state government to fulfil Zarina’s wish on the religious status,” he added.
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