COMMENT | The Federal Court’s ruling, that the unilateral conversion of M Indira Gandhi’s three children to Islam is null and void, re-balances the essential dynamics of a family, giving weight to the rights of the mother and child.

The decision was applauded by lawyers, non-Muslims, women’s rights NGOs.

Sumitra Visvanathan, executive director of the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) was quoted as saying: “It affirms that both parents have equal right to decide on their child’s religion. Unilateral conversion is a grave violation of women’s rights.”

I beg to differ. Parents do not have the right to decide their child’s religion. Only the child should have that right.

Accepting a religion as a guide in our lives must first come from a mature understanding of its precepts and principles, the spirit/soul of the religion. It would be better if there was knowledge of other religions for comparison. That’s beyond even many adults, much less kids.

From understanding follows whole-hearted acceptance of the religion, rather than observing it by rote and under rule.

I proffer my spiritual journey as a clear illustration.

My mum, all her life, was a devout Buddhist, but typical of many Chinese Buddhists, there were Taoist elements.

In our house in Rozario Street, Brickfields, in the 50s and 60s, there was a metal altar nailed halfway up a wooden pillar for the God of the Sky, one on the ground for the God of the Earth, and one at the back for the Kitchen God.

On the eve of Chinese New Year and on the opening of the New Year on the second day, a poached chicken, roast pork, Chinese lettuce (its Chinese name evokes “Life”), and small cups of Chinese tea were placed on a large tray painted blue with a profusion of roses, and placed in front of the three altars, the kitchen god eating last.

When the joss-sticks and candles smoked out at the kitchen god’s altar, the ingredients on the tray were taken into the kitchen for final touches for the reunion dinner.

On those occasions, I stood beside my mother jiggling the joss-sticks in my hand while mum chanted her prayers...