Nazri Aziz: Unfair for only one parent to determine child’s religion

(The Star) – Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz disagrees with the proposed child conversion legislature, saying it was unfair to non-Muslims. He said it would not be fair for only one parent to determine a child’s religion.

“As a lawyer and a Muslim, I am not comfortable with the situation,” he told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said as a Muslim and a leader of the country, “it is our responsibility to protect the minority and ensure their rights are protected.”

“I think what’s happening today is postponing a bigger problem,” he said.

He was commenting on the proposed amendment to Section 107(B) of the Administration of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013 to allow just one parent to convert children to Islam.

Among others, the Bill allows a person below the age of 18 to convert into Islam if one parent or guardian consents to the conversion.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had assured that all parties would be consulted before making any decision on the Bill.

Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee said unless it is withdrawn, the Bill was expected to be tabled for second and third reading before the current meeting ends on July 18.