A Muslim convert who wants to renounce Islam has complained about the difficulties involved, including removal of the word ‘Islam’ from his MyKad.

NONE Faris Syafi Abdullah ( left ), 53, converted in 1981 for the purpose of marriage but divorced his wife in 2004.

He has maintained amicable relations with her and shares custody of their two children who are now attending university. He said his son, 23, and daughter, 18, support his intention to leave the religion.

"It is not that I never liked Islam but I am not a practising Muslim. I only pay zakat (tithe) but do not follow the other tenets. I do not fast and do not pray. However, I do not consume pork or  alcohol," he said after appearing today in the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Court.

"Islam is about submission to God. If I want to renounce my religion it is my right. Why can't a person do so easily? It is my choice and decision, and I will bear the responsibilities or sins which may come my way."

He filed his application in Kuala Lumpur on July 7, 2008 although he was born in Selangor and his conversion was performed in Petaling Jaya on July 17, 1981. His MyKad bears his former address of Taman Maluri, Kuala Lumpur.

Saying that he wants to exercise his right under Article 11 of the federal constitution to practise a religion of his choice, Faris cited a verse in the Surah Al Baqarah (second chapter) of the Quran which says: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’.

He is also seeking a court order to remove all records that he was a Muslim. The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) was named as defendant, while the Selangor Islamic Council (Mais) stood as intervener.

In court today, Syarie Judge Mohd Shukor Sabudin directed Faris, who was not represented, to undergo counselling for six months.

"The purpose is for the rightful authorities to prepare a report on your status. After the report is submitted, the court can assess it and arrive at a decision," he said, adding, "Although a six-month period is set, you may be required to attend counselling once a month for two hours a day for a two-day period."

Faris told him that this would pose problems as he now lives in Muar, Johor and that he would have to fork out money for petrol and toll charges when he is unemployed.

Mohd Shukor remarked that he should have filed his application in Johor and then fixed Nov 25 for mention of the case.

Difficult procedures

Outside the court, Faris elaborated on his difficulties to reporters. "The religious authorities have pushed the matter here and there, causing a long delay. Something must be done to simplify the process," he said.

"When I went to the registrar’s office and asked about the procedures or how to draft a document, they would not assist me."

He had to draft his own application as no lawyer wanted to take up his case, deeming his decision to be a sin against Islam. Apostasy by Muslims is frowned upon in Malaysia.

NONE "Furthermore, lawyers are mainly in it for the money. They may not be fighting truly for your cause as they consider it a sin to help someone in my situation. I also heard that the lawyer who helped a woman to renounce Islam had faced threats," he said.

Faris, was referring to the Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah who managed to renounce Islam.

Following the landmark Lina Joy decision , he also expects to find it difficult to remove the word ‘Islam’ from his MyKad.

Lina or Azlina Jailani was born a Muslim but chose to become a Christian. She applied through the civil court for removal of the term ‘Islam’ from her MyKad. However, the Federal Court stated that she would have to go to the Syariah Court for this.

Some human rights lawyers have indicated that any such application in the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Court would lie in limbo. Negri Sembilan is the only state with legislation that allows renunciation of Islam.

In this, Faris is in the same boat as another Muslim convert, civil servant Faizal Wong Abdullah, who is also seeking to leave the religion via the Kuala Lumpur Syariah court.