Both parents must give consent: Gerakan

(Malaysian Times) – The Gerakan Secretary General, Datuk Mah Siew Keong called on the government to withdraw the Federal Islamic Territories Bill that provides for the unilateral conversion of a child to Islam by one parent.

According to the press statement sent to The Malaysian Times (TMT), Mah stated that not only the view of both parents must be taken into, but the right of the child must also be taken into account.

Touching on the delicate part, Mah said given the sensitive nature of such conversions, it is wise to adopt a policy of maximum consultation between all the parties concerned before such a decision is made.

Furthermore, he said the best interests of the child must prevail over the parochial concerns of any one parent that seeks to convert the child for reasons that are often unclear and confusing.

“It is naturally unfair to convert a child into a religion without the consent from the other side because in marriage,” said Mah.

“The view of both sides must be respected, which the government via a cabinet decision made in April 2009 disallowed parents from secretly converting children after the Indira Gandhi incident,” said Mah who is also Gerakan Vice President.

Mah also voiced his support for the statement made by the Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam saying that the conversion of a child’s religion does not only consists the religion itself, but also the custody, protection and alimony of the child.

Mah stressed that the process must be fair and just. The issue of conversion has remained a vexing one and the country needs a durable and practical solution that balances the position of Islam in the context of the Federal Constitution and the rights of non-Muslims.

He urged the government to withdraw the bill as it affects the constitutional and religious rights of the non-Muslim.