MIC to critics: Help solve child conversion case or shut up

MIC Central Working Committee member M Saravanan has told the party's critics in the M Indira Gandhi case to either shut up or help find a solution.

The Court of Appeal had recently overturned on a technicality a High Court decision quashing the unilateral conversion of her three children by their now Muslim father.

He said Indira's plight has touched the hearts of almost all Malaysians, and the matter should not be politicised.

“This not an issue about MIC, or MCA, or PPP. This issue is about Malaysians. We need to find a solution together. I don't want other parties accusing MIC of not doing this, not doing that. No need to politicise this.

“Think of Indira as one of our family members and try to find a solution. If you can't help, keep quiet. Let others help,” he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said this when asked to comment on criticisms against MIC for not doing enough to resolve issues related to unilateral religious conversions of minors, such as in Indira's case.

Yesterday, Indira's lawyer M Kula Segaran had highlighted that MIC and BN was among the cause of Indira's plight, following the party's call for a resolution.

“MIC and the BN must take responsibility for the disturbing state of affairs in conversion cases.

“For MIC was one of the main parties in supporting the constitutional amendment brought by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1988 to article 121 of the Federal Constitution.

“The new article 121(1A) states that civil courts have no jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts,” he had said in a statement yesterday.

No jurisdiction

The Court of Appeal had ruled last week that it has no jurisdiction to hear on the religious status of Indira's children, saying that the Syariah Court alone can decide on this.

Previously in 2009, her ex-husband had unilaterally converted the couple's three, then underaged, children and himself to Islam, and subsequently won their custody from the Syariah courts. The civil courts had previously made a conflicting custody award in Indira's favour.

Meanwhile, Saravanan reiterated his call to amend laws to prevent a recurrence of Indira's case, and said MIC alone cannot make the necessary changes.

“Can MIC change laws? It is the government and the opposition in Parliament than changes laws, thus the matter needs to be discussed in cabinet with the prime minister, and enact a new act that can resolve the issue - not just for Indira Gandhi - but for all Malaysians in the future,” he said.

Saravanan, who is also the deputy minister of youth and sports, urged the government to act swiftly before it loses Indian Malaysian support as it did during the 2008 Hindraf movement.

“During the time of Hindraf, we have reminded the government that we need to do something to win the hearts of Indians.

“Today we see another issue has emerged. Don't wait until we long the support of Indians. Do something,” he said. -mkini