The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) has expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly presiding over a religious conversion ceremony at a mosque in Klang.
“As the nation’s leader, he should consider whether his actions align with the well-being of the entire population and the sentiments of people from all ethnic backgrounds.
“The prime minister’s open participation in the religious conversion and his posting of photos (of the ceremony) on social media have undoubtedly displayed a lack of religious sensitivity,” it said in a statement this afternoon.
KLSCAH noted that while Article 11 of the Federal Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, Anwar as prime minister should not publicly preside over religious conversion ceremonies for individuals of other ethnicities.
“This action not only causes discomfort among non-Muslim communities but also leads to confusion among the people.
“As the leader representing various ethnic groups and the head of the multi-ethnic political party, the prime minister should carefully consider whether publicly conducting religious conversions is meant to showcase a particular direction for the nation or to uphold specific values.
“Alternatively, could there be other implications or hidden agendas behind this act?” it asked.
Anwar also courted criticism from other quarters over the religious conversion ceremony involving an Indian youth.
Former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy pointed out that none of the prime minister’s predecessors had participated in such ceremonies.
"It is unimaginable that Anwar converted a Hindu youth to Islam in a mosque in Klang. No other prime minister has done this before.
“Why is it necessary to convert the Hindu youth and what is the speciality of this conversion for Anwar?” he asked.
Was it right?
Global Human Rights Foundation president S Shashi Kumar said while non-Muslims are often told to be mindful of the sensitivities of Muslims, Anwar had failed to take into account the sensitivities of non-Muslims.
“Nobody is questioning the young man’s right to convert to Islam. But was it right for you Anwar as the prime minister to conduct the ceremony?” he asked.
In 2015, then Umno Youth executive council member Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya revealed that Najib Abdul Razak, who was prime minister at the time, had helped convert a radio announcer to Islam.
Fathul was responding to criticism that the Islamic Affairs Department's procedural requirements made it difficult for someone to convert to Islam. - Mkini
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