Need for 'fairer' decision on child conversion, says DPM

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today admitted that a fairer decision was needed with regards to the controversial unilateral conversion of children.

Muhyiddin was commenting on calls from various quarters for the government to reconsider or withdraw the Administration of Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013, which they argue will reinforce the position that a child can be converted to Islam by only one parent.

The groups – including several BN component parties, non-Muslim groups and the Bar Council—had said that islamisation of children should have the consent of both parents.

“Cabinet has already discussed this matter in detail, we understand the need for a fair a decision,” Muhyiddin told a press conference in Parliament.

He said the Government was fully aware and concerned about issues raised by both Muslims and non-Muslims on this matter.

He said that the reference points on this issue would be precedents in court as well as provisions in the Federal Constitution.

“We will take all consideration and feedback, including from the component parties, MCA and MIC, we will act based on them.”

When a reporter pointed out that the new Bills goes against a Cabinet decision, announced by the then de facto law minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz in 2009, Muhyiddin replied: “Yes, but this is the latest [development].”

Muhyiddin said the government is studying the matter and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious matters Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom will be making an announcement on the matter.

Yesterday, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang asked for Section 107(b) of the said Bill to be withdrawn. Former minister Upko chief Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said that the provision contradicted the 1Malaysia concept of acceptance, inclusiveness and moderation. MIC and MCA has also voiced discontent over the new law.

Section 107(b) of the Bill seems to provide the consent of one parent alone is sufficient for the conversion of minor children to Islam.

Other groups, namely the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and the Bar Council have complained any unilateral conversion of children by one parent is not fair to the minor or the other parent, apart from being unconstitutional and morally and ethically wrong.