Muslim women’s group calls for more transparency on Selangor’s unilateral conversion move

Reports say there is a proposed bill in the Selangor state assembly to allow the unilateral conversion of minors to Islam in the state. (Selangor.gov pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sisters in Islam (SIS) has demanded that all parties be transparent about the motives behind discussions on a proposed bill that could pave the way for the unilateral conversion of minors in Selangor.

“We demand to know who proposed this bill as well as the reason behind it, given that a landmark ruling has already been made at the Federal Court in January last year,” it said in a statement today.

“It is important that the intentions of the bill are made clear to the public in order to prevent the manipulation of our country’s plural legal system and exploitation of Islam for political purposes.”

SIS said secret meetings and closed door discussions are unbecoming of a Malaysia whose ambition is to hold democracy, transparency and integrity in the highest regard.

“We are concerned and disappointed that public engagements are not being held as this decision will not only have a devastating effect on the family institution, but also negatively affect the lives of thousands of children in Selangor,” it said.

The NGO is working towards advancing the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia within the framework of Islam.

This morning all four non-Muslim members of the state executive council had an audience with the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, at Istana Bukit Kayangan today.

The four – Teng Chang Khim, V. Ganabatirau, Hee Loy Sian and Ng Sze Han – were at the palace at about 11am.

It is learnt that the four state executive councillors had sought the audience with Sultan Sharafuddin to raise several matters, including the recent proposed amendment to a state enactment on the religious conversion of minors.

A source from Selangor Pakatan Harapan told FMT yesterday that PH leaders have also asked Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari for an immediate meeting.

It was reported that Amirudin had planned to push through a state bill to allow unilateral conversion of minors.

At present, the consent of both parents are needed in the conversion of a minor in Selangor but once the amendment is made, consent will be required from only one parent. - FMT