Selangor Harapan issues unity statement, sidesteps unilateral conversion controversy

The four coalition parties that form the Selangor government have issued a joint statement backing the leadership of Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and pledging to drive the state's economic success.

It also brushed off talk that state legislative assembly speaker Ng Suee Lim was going to be removed.

This comes amid speculation over the positions of both Amirudin and Ng over the latter's decision to cut short last month's sitting, which halted the tabling of an amendment to the state enactment pertaining to converting to Islam.

"Selangor Pakatan Harapan reiterates its determination to ensure the state continues to prosper and achieve its goal of becoming a 'Premier Smart State' by 2025.

"The coalition is committed to empowering the people to be able to meet future challenges and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state," read the statement which was issued by the Selangor chairpersons of DAP, PKR, Bersatu and Amanah.

They are Gobind Singh Deo of DAP, Izham Hashim of Amanah, Abdul Rashid Asari of Bersatu and Amirudin himself.

"We are determined to continue our work and implement policies which will spur the state's economic growth.

"Peace, tranquility and stability are essential for the economic development of the state as well as the people’s well-being," it said.

The state leaders expressed full support for Amirudin's leadership and strongly rejected the rumour that Ng would be replaced, saying they reflected "an evil agenda by political enemies aimed at destroying the unity of Selangor Pakatan Harapan".

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that while the amendment has the blessings of the state palace, the majority of Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons are opposed to it.

A PKR assemblyperson revealed how, at a pre-council meeting, Amirudin said the amendment was necessary to win over Malay votes, but some of those present warned that it would come at the expense of non-Muslim support.

At present, the enactment reads that those below 18 must obtain the consent of his or her "mother and father" before embracing Islam. The amendment seeks to change this to "mother or father."

The Bahasa Malaysia version of the Federal Constitution also refers to "mother or father" with regard to consent for conversion, but the apex court last year made a landmark ruling in the M Indira Gandhi case that the constitution should not be interpreted literally, and that the consent of both parents are needed for the conversion of minors. - Mkini