Penang Mufti wants separated children to see parents as often as possible

 

Penang Mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor has called on authorities to find a way so that children who are separated from their parents are allowed to meet them as often as possible even if both parents profess different religions.

Commenting on the issue of single mother Loh Siew Hong who was previously denied a chance to meet with her children by the Perlis Social Welfare Department (JKM), Wan Salim said the bond of love between family members should always be nurtured despite different religions.

He said that the relationship between mother and child was especially important.

“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 wellbeing and respect each other,” he told Malaysiakini.

Loh Siew Hong and her children

Previously, Loh was denied the opportunity to be reunited with her three children, after her ex-husband Nagahswaran Muniandy allegedly unilaterally converted them to Islam three years ago.

This occurred after the couple had split and she was in a domestic abuse shelter. He is now in prison on drug-related charges.

Her three children - 14-year-old twins and a 10-year-old boy - are now placed in the care of JKM Perlis, pending the outcome of the habeas corpus application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, which granted her custody of the children.

Commenting further, Wan Salim explained that Islam itself acknowledges that religious differences are a natural phenomenon that must be accepted as the determination and will of the human creator.

Yet, it is clear that such differences should not be a reason for mutual hatred and enmity between fellow human beings, given that Islam is a religion that calls towards unity and friendship despite different religions, races and cultures.

“The bond of love between the members of a family must always be nurtured even if they have different religions.

“This is especially between mother and child. In the event of a divorce between mother and father, the children should not be victimised until they are forced to separate from one of their parents.

“As much as possible, they should be given the opportunity to stay in touch with both so that the love of mother and father continues to be enjoyed by the children until adulthood,” he said.

Yesterday, Loh was able to meet her children albeit for a short period of time. - Mkini