Got such thing as minors can be informally converted to Islam first, register later as expounded by Firdaus Wong?

 

THE Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) has exposed a sinister proposal by Muslim convert preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung for minors to be informally/secretly converted to Islam first through the recital of the kalimah syahdah with their eventual registration be postponed till they turn 18.

Such is the view conveyed by the Multiracial Reverted Muslims (MRM) president in a TikTok video clip when presented with a question by a secondary school Ustaz teacher with regard to the latter having received direct messages (DM) from Form 3, Four 4 and Form 5 pupils who have expressed their desire to embrace Islam.

Describing the question as “common”, Firdaus then advised the Ustaz to convert the minors first by getting them to recite the kalimah syahdah but to refrain from “taking any pictures, videos or register these minors as they are below 18 years of age”.

“The advice or suggestion proposed by the preacher raises not only ethical concerns regarding the conversion of minors discreetly without parental consent but also whether such advice goes against the laws of Malaysia and also the Federation Constitution,” an infuriated GHRF president S. Shashi Kumar pointed out in a statement.

“More so, the advice rendered has not only disregarded the rights of parents but to convert minors without the knowledge of their parents raises questions about the ethical principles involved in religious conversions.”

Added Shashi: “This is especially so when the preacher raised the idea of discreetly teaching the minors how to pray without knowledge of their guardians/family members.”

S. Shashi Kumar

The Federal Constitution under Article 12 Clause 3 & 4 specifies the following:

• Clause (3) – No person shall be required to receive instruction in or to take part in any ceremony or act of worship of a religion other than his own.
• Clause (4) – For the purposes of Clause (3), the religion of a person under the age of 18 years shall be decided by his parents or guardian.

Condemning the unethical actions depicted in the TikTok video clip as they involve teaching children to lie and engage in religious activities behind their parent’s backs, Shashi also expressed concern over the well-being of pupils put under the care/supervision of the Ustaz teacher.

“Engaging in discussions about religious conversion without involving parents is seen as breaching the trust and responsibility placed upon him as an educator,” berated the human rights activist.

“Moreover, the suggestion made by the preacher to convert the minors first and then teach them about Islam, including how to perform prayers ‘under the blanket’, raises concerns about the authenticity and sincerity of religious conversions.

“True faith should stem from genuine belief and understanding rather than being coerced or manipulated in any way. By advocating covert conversions, the preacher seems to be promoting a superficial and insincere approach which goes against the principles of our law and Federal Constitution.” – Focus Malaysia