March tabling of amendments to conversion laws

M Kulasegaran of DAP says it is "better late than never" that ministers are taking the controversial law seriously.

KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to laws revolving around unilateral conversions will be tabled in Parliament come March, M Kulasegaran of DAP said.

Alluding to Indira Gandhi’s case, the Ipoh Barat lawmaker said it was “better late than never that ministers were taking it seriously”.

“I know that a lot of people are trying to find the easy way out by converting. It’s high time we shut that loophole,” he told reporters outside Parliament, adding that he had met with ministers involved in a cabinet committee charged with handling the contentious issue.

The cabinet committee comprises Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam; Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Nancy Shukri; Transport Minister and MCA president Liow Tiong Lai; Islamic Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Jamil Khir Baharom; and cabinet minister Joseph Kurup, who is president of the United Sabah People’s Party.

The team was formed after the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision to quash the unilateral conversion of the kindergarten teacher’s three children by her Muslim convert ex-husband.

Indira’s children were converted from Hinduism to Islam by their father without either her knowledge or consent.

Two days ago, Subramaniam, who is also MIC president, said laws on conversion were poised to be changed.

Indira, who was also present at the press conference said she was delighted with the positive feedback.

“I hope the ministers can amend the law quick.”