In the Malay Press: Karpal gets flak over conversion of minors issue
The Kota Baru MP has chastised Karpal over his statement regarding the conversion of minors, saying he should not call all 51 PKR and PAS MPs to join DAP in supporting the latter’s bill to amend the Federal Constitution.
Sean Augustin, fz.com
DAP chairman Karpal Singh is uneasy with anything to do with Islam, including on matters stipulated in the Federal Constitution, former PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa said.
Calling for action to be taken against the Gelugor MP, Nasharudin urged party leaders and members to support PAS assistant secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan on the conversion of minors issue.
The Kota Baru MP has chastised Karpal over his statement regarding the conversion of minors, saying he should not call all 51 PKR and PAS MPs to join DAP in supporting the latter’s bill to amend the Federal Constitution.
The proposed bill is meant to amend Article 12(4) of the constitution to stop the unilateral consent of a parent in deciding a minor’s religion.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia yesterday, Nasharudin said Takiyuddin had given his views as a lawyer and a leader in Pakatan Rakyat.
“The constitution is quite clear on this. Islam’s position in the constitution is something that has been agreed upon by the opposition coalition,” he said.
The daily went on to quote other PAS members on the issue, including activist Mohd Riza Kammaruddin who said it was compulsory for the party not to compromise on matters of the Islamic faith.
Fellow member and Penang Muslimin network head Hafiz Mohamed Nordin meanwhile said Karpal presented a danger to the country’s harmony.
In a related story, Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim said Karpal should not raise issues for political mileage.
“I’m not saying the issue raised by Karpal was for publicity, but as a veteran politician, he should be a statesman and offer view to develop the nation,” the former DAP vice president told the Malay daily.
Tunku Abdul Aziz also urged Karpal to rethink his intention to amend the article to avoid prolonging the controversy.
Former DAP Sungai Pelek chairman Tan Tuan Tat meanwhile said Karpal was a leader who was famous for making threats.
