Sarawak’s religious department has no record of Beginda Minda - the father of a 10-year-old student who was caned for bringing non-halal food to a school in Kuching - of converting to Islam.

Assistant minister in the Chief Minister's Office (Islamic Affairs) Daud Abdul Rahman said that Jabatan Islam Sarawak (Jais) would check with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on the matter.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz had said that the government asked Jakim to investigate Beginda's religious status, following a debate in Parliament on whether Beginda's son, Basil, was raised as Muslim or Christian.

Nurazman has denied he was Muslim.

Daud breaks silence on his health

Meanwhile, Daud, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president, broke his silence on his medical condition which has been a subject of intense speculation in the state since last month.

Daud admitted that if the state election was held this year, he might call it a day as his health would not permit it.

"(However) If the state election (was held) next year, Insya-Allah I think I can continue but I will leave the final decision (whether he would be re-nominated or not) to party president and Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud to decide," he told reporters after attending the Zasa Kindergarten convocation in Kuching today.

On his medical condition which sparked speculation that he might quit politics for good, Daud, 59, who has been Tupong assemblyman since 1991, said the doctor has advised him to rest after suffering a minor stroke, about six weeks ago.

"The minor stroke has affected my vision... now, I have fully recovered but need a rest," he said, adding that he was given medical leave until Monday.

- Bernama