PETALING JAYA – Unhappiness is brewing among Pakatan Harapan leaders in Selangor over a proposed amendment to allow the unilateral conversion of minors to Islam in the state.
A source from Selangor PH said leaders have asked Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari for an immediate meeting.
“Why bring up an issue that has been settled by the Federal Court on unilateral conversions?
“Doesn’t PH have enough problems? We are struggling to fulfil promises made in PH’s manifesto but have to deal with people backpedalling on federal laws,” he told FMT.
He said it was not the right time to touch on religious issues as people are waiting for PH to improve the economy.
He added the meeting is likely to take place tomorrow and “all of us are waiting to question Amirudin” on the proposed amendment.
“The frustration is growing.”
He said the speculation is that the proposed amendment on unilateral conversions is to strengthen certain leaders’ political power among the Malay voters as cracks between PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and his number 2, Mohamed Azmin Ali, emerged after a gay sex video surfaced in June.
“But in strengthening power, it may cause DAP to weaken. It may cause more non-Malays to be unhappy,” he said.
Another federal PKR leader said Selangor PKR leaders are also expected to meet Amirudin personally on the issue.
“Many do not want the Selangor state government to back peddle on this religious issue.
“Many of us are hoping for a new MB if he continues with this amendment as it may alienate the races further,” he said.
A PKR leader aligned to Anwar’s team said the proposed amendment should not be about gaining power
They were responding to Malaysiakini’s earlier reports that the menteri besar had attempted to push through an amendment to a state enactment to change the wording regarding the conversion of minors.
The Federal Court last year made a landmark ruling that the consent of both parents is needed for the conversion of minors.
The Selangor amendment seeks to change this to “mother or father.”
‘We want Idris Ahmad as our new MB’
Another source said Amirudin could be called to the PKR’s disciplinary board soon for his statements linked to the gay sex video.
“If he is suspended, we want Idris to take over,” he said, referring to Ijok assemblyman Idris Ahmad to replace Amirudin.
The source said the push for Idris to be the next MB may be one of the reasons why Amirudin wants to strengthen his power in Selangor by gaining more Malay support.
Idris, who is aligned to Anwar’s team, was slated to be the Selangor menteri besar following Azmin’s appointment as a federal minister but the position went instead to Amirudin.
Amirudin’s aide, when contacted, confirmed the meeting with PH leaders at the MB’s residence tomorrow.
“It is a private meeting and it is not on the proposed amendments.
“That is a state issue and such matters are not discussed in a private residence.”
– FMT
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