Abim wants govt to ensure Loh can see children 'as often as possible'

 

The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) has called on the government to ensure that single mother Loh Siew Hong is given the opportunity to see her three children as often as possible.

Its president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, in a statement today, said the issue of custody of children and unilateral conversion had dragged on for so long and that a thorough solution is needed.

"Abim believes that we must provide the flexibility for mothers who have not yet converted to Islam to meet their children as often as possible.

"A mother's love for her child is a nature bestowed by God, which no one has the right to violate," said Faisal.

Loh said her three children were abducted from her while she was recuperating from the injuries inflicted by her former spouse Nagahswaran Muniandy.

Nagahswaran, who is currently in jail on drug-related charges, unilaterally converted the three children to Islam without her knowledge and consent, and Loh has faced a daunting battle to get her children back.

Her lawyers had filed a habeas corpus suit at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur to compel the return of her children. She had obtained interim custody of her children in 2019 and full custody in December last year.

Single mother Loh Siew Hong

Welfare of children a priority

Faisal said Loh's assurance to accept the conversion of the children shows the sincerity of a mother's love as long as she can meet her children.

"But even whether this guarantee is made or not should not be a reason to deny mothers the right to meet their children on the pretext of preserving the children's religion.

"The welfare of the three children should also be made a priority in finding solutions to ensure their future is secure," he said.

A few days ago, Penang Mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also highlighted the importance of a relationship between a mother and her child.

“I call on the authorities to find a way so that the children can meet their parents as often as possible despite their different religions.

"We should prove that Malaysians of various races, religions and cultures are people who always love peace and well-being and respect each other," he had told Malaysiakini. - Mkini