Multi-faith group slams ‘seditious’ call by PAS over conversion case

 

Loh Siew Hong has filed a judicial review in the High Court for leave to seek a declaration that her ex-husband was legally unfit to convert their children to Islam.

PETALING JAYA: A group representing non-Muslim faiths has defended a single mother’s bid to nullify the unilateral conversion of her children to Islam, saying it was her constitutional right to do so.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) also said PAS’ warning against such attempts were not only “extreme and seditious”, but contravened the Federal Constitution as well as the Penal Code.

MCCBCHST said it was Loh’s right to file an application in the High Court to seek remedy for the alleged illegal conversion of her three children by their father to Islam.

This, it added, was purely a civil matter between the mother and father of the three children.

“Khairil Nizam Khirudin is unlawfully and unconstitutionally imposing his view on the matter and trying to usurp the power of the courts,” it said, referring to the Islamic party’s information chief.

They also accused Khairil of criminal intimidation and causing disharmony, saying that both are offences under the Penal Code.

Earlier today, Khairil issued a “stern warning” against those trying to nullify the children’s conversion, saying it was based on their “understanding, awareness and willingness as free human beings (to be converted) as a result of their Islamic studies and education”.

In response, Loh’s lawyers said any attempt to prevent their client from nullifying the conversion would be considered an interference with the administration of justice and constitutes contempt of court.

MCCBCHST went on to add that if Khairil had any interest in the civil matter he should file an application to intervene, instead of threatening to take “unlawful extra-judicial steps against a lawful action by the mother”.

“Khairil should accept the reality that Malaysia has a written Constitution which is the highest law in the country and all people, regardless of the religion they practice, are subject to it.”

Last week, Loh – who obtained custody of her children from the Perlis religious authorities in February – filed a judicial review in the High Court for leave to seek a declaration that her former husband was legally unfit to convert their children to Islam.

She is also asking for a declaration that a provision in the Perlis state enactment that allows for a parent to unilaterally convert minors is unconstitutional. - FMT