Let the NON-MALAY CONVERTS choose their religion, i.e. LEAVE ISLAM

Non-Malay Muslim converts in the country should be allowed to embrace a religion of their choice, just as they had freely embraced Islam earlier.  This is to prevent racial-religious tension from flaring up, just like the June 1 episode where the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) raided a Hindu wedding in Petaling Jaya.

It is acknowledged that Malays are constitutionally defined. The Malay identity includes being a Muslim.

For a Muslim-Malay to renounce the Islamic faith amounts to forsaking its own constitutional identity. However, such constitutional definition of ethnic identity does not apply to Non-Malay Muslim converts.

From experience, there are not many cases of such converts wanting to leave Islam and to embrace another religion to begin with. But despite the small number, such disputes have strained racial and religious relations in the country when they are publicised.

No compulsion in Islam - true or not?

We are advised, verse 256 of Al-Baqarah in the Holy Quran provides that “there is no compulsion in religion”. With this in mind, a solution must be provided for the muallaf (a new convert) and to other genuine applicants in some exceptional cases.

For example, in the current unusual Hindu wedding case, the Indian “Muslim” bride had been raised by a non-Muslim family since young and had never practised Islam.

As Islam falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, it is the duties of the respective states to provide a mechanism for these applicants to embrace other religions. It is also incumbent upon the Islamic affairs departments of these state governments to spell out clear guidelines for the process, so that it can be implemented decisively and without unnecessary impediments.

While some states do provide avenues for this to be done, in practice, it is almost impossible for a muallaf to leave the faith.

With no “solution” to such aggrieved parties, they have no choice but to “challenge the authority” – often deepening inter-racial and religious rifts for the country at large when they do so.

This suggestion must NOT be construed as challenging Islam as the official religion nor contesting the law forbidding the propagation of other faiths to Muslims.

Cenbet is appalled at the way in which Jais conducted its raid. Intruding into a ceremony of holy matrimony in a Hindu temple, taking away the bride and leaving everyone present in a fix, is most unreasonable and insensitive.

The raid can hardly be justified in the name of Jais carrying out its official duty. This is especially so since Jais is said to be aware of the bride’s contested religious status.

Cenbet, which is founded on moderation, is of the view that Jais should offer amend and to issue an apology for the rude intrusion in the circumstances. – June 3, 2014.

Gan Ping Sieu is an MCA leader and co-president of the Centre For A Better Tomorrow (Cenbet). He holds a Diploma in Shariah from the International Islamic University.