The Penang Syariah High Court in George Town today postponed to May 10 its decision on a preliminary objection by the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) against an application by two siblings for a declaration that they were not Muslims.

Syariah High Court judge Othman Ibrahim said he needed time to prepare grounds for his judgment.

The siblings, Roslina Abdul Rashid and younger brother, Rosli Abdul Rashid, both in their 30s, filed their application in 2010.

The application is made under Section 61 of the Enactment on Islamic Religious Administration (Penang) 2004 which empowers the court to hear and decide  on actions, as well as proceedings, involved for a declaration that a person is no longer a Muslim.

MAIPP filed the preliminary objection against the application on Jan 12, 2012.

Roslina and Rosli are represented by lawyer Wan Faridulhadi Mohd Yusoff, while lawyer Faizal Arif Tajul Ariffin appeared for MAIPP.

- Bernama